It has been over a month since riding a single speed bike. I haven't had a single speed since a Sting Ray. For on thing the bike is really light weight. It handles well and is fun to ride. It does however take a little getting used to.
Living in a flat area is a good thing for a single speed bicycle. Generally single speeds are aimed at an urban commuting situation. As they are light weight and have less moving parts making them require less maintenance. Without multiple gears or derailleurs, cables, shifters and often brakes to deal with. Making the bicycle simple. Single speeds typically do not have the quick release hubs. Making the wheels more secure from theft. The down side of this is that wrenches are required to change the tire. Tools and a pump are needed to change a flat anyway.
Single speeds can have rim brakes, coaster brakes or no brakes at all. The rim brakes have levers and cables like multi-speed bicycles. Coaster brakes are on the rear wheel only. Wet weather doesn't affect their performance. But you only have a rear brake making lock ups possible. But at moderate speeds they work just fine. The bikes without brakes at all are fixed gear,. Anytime the wheels are moving the pedals and cranks are moving. This is a totally different riding experience. I have not tried it. Some think it is the best way to go.
With only one gear you loose the luxury of shifting to a higher ratio on a downhill or downshifting for an incline or stiff wind. You can stand up to pedal for extra power. Getting used to the single gear may be a little hard on your knees till you get conditioned from it as we sometimes ride with a lower ratio then on your single speed.
In conclusion the single speed is working out to be a good commuter. Simple, clean looking and light weight.
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