Originally Posted by konarocky
I don't understand the appeal of a single speed except for it's simplicity, but to go without multiple gear ratios does not seem like an equal tradeoff...not even close. Besides the simplicity, what exactly is the appeal of a single...especially on longer commutes?
Well if you live somewhere relatively flat, there's really no reason to be hauling around a lot of gears and their associated equipment - if you only have one gear you have a lighter more efficient bike which will serve you better than a multigeared bike so long as you don't live amongst many hills. I know that fixed gears are all the rage right now, but a freewheel (and/or coaster brake) is more practical/safe/less tiring for general street use (more so if you do have some hills to face).