Is a single speed bike ok for college commuting?

Question

I'm going to a big campus college this fall and I need to get a bike, mostly for riding around campus and town (beach town, not many hills). I've been looking for used bikes and I really like the cruiser style. My dad says that I need to get a multi-speed bike, but most of the bikes I like are single speed. Is he right, or would I be fine with a single speed?

Answer 1

you should be ok with a singlespeed if its mostly flat ground and no hills. If you have a bunch of stuff to take with you on your bike check out the Kona UTE. But thats a multi speed.

Answer 2

Single speed sounds alright for the terrain you described. Definitely do not get fixed gear though. I wouldn't go for a cruiser either if you're commuting. It'll be heavy and slow. Your best bet is to find an old steel frame road bike.  It'll probably be multi-speed, but you can convert them down to single-speed for decently cheap and it'll save on maintenance.

Answer 3

Single speed is more than ok. its a fashon statement to boot (especially a fixed gear version though it probably won't get you laid).  Also makes the bike less prone to theft because the bike looks cheaper next to its geared bretheren.  It also means less and significantly cheaper maintenance for your bike. I would recommend a few different sizes of rear sproket for different conditions.  If i could reccomend also getting a road bike with more of a racing geometry people think they are more uncomfortable than they really are (they are not uncomfortable at all just some getting used to) and you will really benefit from the superior performance and handling characteristics.

Answer 4

you will be ok with a single speed.

bikingthings

Answer 5

As long as it's relatively flat a fixed gear bike should do fine.  But make sure to test ride it first.

Answer 6

Most bike companies that make comfort/cruiser bikes offer them in multi. speed models with 3 to 8 speed hubs that use a twist type or some other bar mounted shifter that are simple to use and  have coaster brakes. having said that someone above mentioned fixed gear, there is a world of difference between single speeds and fixies and unless you're a very experienced  rider and somewhat of a daredevil don't even think about ridding one on the street the learning curve is huge.

Answer 7

The only reason you really need multiple gears is if there are any significant hills in your commute. Can you ride up the hills in a single speed bike while carrying books, a laptop, whatever you load into a backpack? Walking your bike up a hill because it's too steep is a pain in the butt. Multiple gears are nice for accelerating down hills or really putting on some speed in the flats, but not critical.

HTH