Track/ Single Speed Bikes; A single-speed bicycle is
a type of bicycle with a single gear ratio. These bicycles are without
derailleur gears, hub gearing or other methods for varying the gear
ratio of the bicycle.
The fixed-gear single-speed bicycle is
the most basic type of bicycle. A fixed-gear bike does not have
freewheel mechanism to allow coasting.
A track bicycle or track
bike is a bicycle optimized for racing at a velodrome or outdoor track.
Unlike road bicycles, the track bike is a fixed-gear bicycle and so has a
single gear and neither freewheel nor brakes. Tires are narrow and
inflated to high pressure to reduce rolling resistance. Tubular tires
are most often used in track racing and training though advances in
clincher tire design has seen them being used somewhat more often.
While
track bicycles are always single speed, mountain bicycles, road
bicycles, cyclo-cross bicycles, and hybrid bicycles can be made as or
changed into a single speed. Mountain bike single speeds designed for
trail riding often have a relatively low, or easy and slow, gear ratio.
This allows them to climb hills and deal with obstacles and gradients
better. This typically requires the rider to be more fit or skilled than
the average rider in order to traverse the same terrain. Single speed
bicycles designed for road riding typically have higher, or harder and
faster, gear ratios.
Single speed bicycles and fixed-gear
bicycles are popular with bicycle messengers for their reliability and
durability. Depending on the situation, a messenger may prefer a
mountain bike based single-speed, which can roll over many obstacles, or
a fast and light road bike-based single-speed.
Flip-flop, or
double-sided hubs are threaded on both sides. Usually one side has a
track-type threading, (with lock ring) and the other side is threaded
for a single-speed standard freewheel. (if you are unsure a bike has
this just drop us an email)
We have a great selection of Mens and womens Track/ Single Speed Bikes available to buy online at Fatbirds