Is it better for fitness to ride a singlespeed rather than geared bike?

Question

Is it better for fitness to ride a singlespeed rather than geared bike?

Answer 1

for fitness a singlespeed is better because on hills you need to work very hard and also with singlespeeds there is no resting because you are constantly peddling

Answer 2

Doesn't really matter: it's always a question of will and determination.

Answer 3

I agree with MR. Why limit yourself to a workout on a single speed? A muti-speed bike is a single speed if you don't shift. Plus you can do anything else you want as well.

While a SS will allow you to work at very high and low RPMs it's nothing you can't do with a geared bike. A SS bike is like trying to weight lift but you only have one set of 10 lb dumbells - it's very limiting.

None of these other answers seem to understand the concept that a geared bike is a SS and a lot more too.

Answer 4

I think singlespeeds are better, it is good for diet.

Answer 5

it depends if you are going up hills.

Answer 6

multi speed bikes are much better. with ss bikes yoou cant get any speed and hills will be impossible. if you live on a flat place you definately want multi speed because you will end up pedaling fast and not going anywhere. if you live on a hilly place you  will be hard pressed to get up the slightest hill and when you go down you will end up going slow and not being able to pedal at all

Answer 7

A muti-speed bike can do anything a single speed can do and more.

Want single speed? DON'T SHIFT - simple as that.

On a hill you can't bike up in one speed? SHIFT - it'll keep your workout un-interrupted.

I do single speed workouts, not because they are better but because it adds variety to my rides. I simply select whatever gear I decide to ride in for the day and go.

If single speed bikes were a better workout ALL the pros would be doing it and they aren't. What does that say?

In fact single speed workouts would be, in general, inferior. You would be pedaling far too easy many times and may have to stop on some hills and walk it. Geared bikes allow infinite flexibility in a workout.

Answer 8

Single speed all the way man!