Well, I plan to buy either a used fixed gear or a used single speed. What is a better choice? I plan to ride on pavement only and would like something that is durable, versatile, and fast. I also plan to use it to commute to places.

both those bikes do that.

I meant that what do the members in this thread prefer, a fixed gear or single speed. That will help me make a decision.

I like both. I ride a fixed gear.

With one you can coast, with the other you can't. Which do you prefer? Do you coast a lot? With fixed and foot retention you gain some control over your bike and when your walking it the pedals keep turning... so there is that to consider. You need a special hub for fixed... idk, just get a flip flop hub and choose which you prefer.

This is a decision you don't have to make. You can install a freewheel or a fixed gear cog on a track hub. Most track hubs are flip flop. You can easily switch from one to the other whenever you want. Try both.

Can both go about the same speed? Also, are single speed bikes just as great on pavement as fixed gear? Pros and cons of both?

Single speeds can usually go faster downhill since you can coast (this also depends on how steep the hill is, what gear ratio you're using, and your legs). The only con would be not trying both. Get a flip-flop hub and buy a freewheel. They're cheap.

Can you still do tricks on a single speed?

Reply

I like both. I have 3 fixed gear bikes and a dedicated single speed. I run both brakes on the single speed, and just fronts only on the FG.
I prefer to use the SS on hilly rides so I can coast the long descents and keep up with the roadies. Long descents on the FG are not fun and too slow. I run about 70 gear inches on all these bikes.

I ride a singlespeed simply because I once cracked a rib when I tried to stop pedaling on a fixed gear. I was used to road bikes with freewheels and made an error on one of my first rides. This reasoning works for me but may not apply to you.

honestly, doing tricks on a ss is easier since you get to place the pedals where you want.

but why are you basing a decision off of what we like?
do what the other posters have said and get a flip flop hub....then YOU can decide what YOU like

but for me, fixed

To me, fixed gears seem easier to climb big hills with because of the momentum of the pedals. Of course single speed is better to go downhill with because you don't have to keep up with the pedals.

Singlespeed, so I can coast in tight spots in traffic or when bombing hills at 40mph. Something about my legs and pedals flailing around uncontrollably at those speeds doesn't appeal to me.

Thanks for all the help guys. I have made my decision to buy a single speed bike because you can coast and you can do tricks.

Well, you can't do some fixed-gear specific tricks like track stand, riding backwards etc.
I still prefer and ride single speed.

Sure, you can track stand on a SS. It's a just a little more involved.

It's fun to track stand with a road bike and see the looks on people's faces.

I did not plan to do a track stand or ride backwards. I meant tricks like wheelie's, skidding, and maybe hopping over small objects. Is that possible with a single speed?

Skidding on a SS is even easier than on a fixed gear. Assuming, of course, that you have a rear brake.

Why not track stand? It's a useful skill

single speed
oh noes, not this video again

I never get tired of watching that video.

The first time I watched that video, I ****ing died from the pure awesomeness.

Grow a pair and buy a FG.
I'm glad I went with FG instead of SS because there's so much more you can accomplish on FG.
Makes you so much stronger too.
also b/c you're no Danny MacAskill and he's just a ****ing god

what? How? you can ride 100 gear inches on single speeds too