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?
Reliability and ease of maintenance are enough reason for a bike that is ridden daily and with purpose. By purpose, I mean you got somewhere you gotta be.
Simple = less things to break or fall out of adjustment.
Simple = I can debug and fix it myself in 25 minutes. Heck, I could strip it to the frame and rebuild it completely in 2 hours.
There is a cost advantage too. Last fall I overheard a lady buying a SS bike at a COOP / used bike store. She just walked in and said I want a single speed. The sand and salt on the roads last winter ruined my gears on my derailleur bike last winter.
I replaced the freewheel on my SS MTB after heavy use through the winter. $19 for the freewheel. $12 for the chain.