Are Single Speed Bikes Good For Long Distance? | Real-World Guide

Riders ask this a lot because the promise is simple: fewer parts, less tinkering, clean lines. The answer depends on terrain, fitness, and route profile. On flat roads a sensible ratio feels smooth. Steep climbs or gusty days can turn that same gear into a grind or a spin. Here’s a guide to trade-offs and setup tips.

Single Speed Vs Geared For Long Distance

Both styles can go far. The question is how steady you can keep cadence, how you handle climbs, and how much upkeep you want. The table below lays out the core differences that shape all-day comfort.

Factor	Single-Speed	Geared
Terrain Range	Best on flat to mild hills; walking on steep grades may happen	Covers flats, climbs, and descents with shifts
Cadence Control	One cadence band; you adapt speed to the gear	Wide cadence choices via shifting
Drivetrain Loss	Straight chainline; no pulleys; low friction	More parts; slight added friction in some gears
Maintenance	Few parts; quick checks	More parts; periodic tuning
Weight	Lighter framesets and parts in many cases	Extra rings, cogs, mechs add grams
Pacing Range	Narrow; spinning out or grinding can show up	Broad; you fine-tune effort by shifting
Cost To Keep Rolling	Lower ongoing costs	Chains, cassettes, cables add costs
Learning Curve	Simple to ride; pacing takes practice	Shifting skills needed on mixed routes

Why Long Distance Feels Different On One Gear

Single-speed rhythm locks you into one torque-cadence mix. On calm flats that can feel smooth for hours. On lumpy roads the same gear swings from easy to punishing. Cadence work shows most riders sit in a 60–90 rpm window at endurance pace; sprint work pushes higher. If wind or grade pushes you off that window for long stretches, fatigue builds.

A straight chainline and no jockey wheels can trim a few watts. That helps on steady roads, yet gears win when the route needs different torque at the same power. With a cassette you hold the same 70–85 rpm feel across grades; on one gear you must change speed or force to hold power.

Are Single Speed Bikes Good For Long Distance? Pros And Trade-Offs

This section answers the core query in plain terms so you can weigh it for your roads. The phrase are single speed bikes good for long distance? pops up because riders want a clean yes or no. The real answer sits in these clear pros and trade-offs.

Where Single-Speed Shines On All-Day Rides

• Simplicity: less to adjust or break; easy roadside fixes.
• Quiet Drive: straight chainline and short chain.
• Lower Mass: no mechs or shifters in many builds.
• Cost Control: one chain and one cog last when aligned.
• Skill Building: pacing and spin improve fast.

Where Gears Help On Long Distance

• Steady Cadence: shift to keep your natural rpm across grades.
• Joint Comfort: fewer grinding efforts on climbs and into wind.
• Speed Range: room to spin on descents without topping out.
• Group Pace: easier to match surges without spikes.

Cadence papers point to a wide band where aerobic cost stays low. Picking gears lets you live inside that band for hours. That said, a smooth single-speed with a sensible gear can feel great for centuries on flat ground. Plenty of riders finish long brevets on one gear when route and ratio suit them.

Choosing A Ratio That Works For Hours

Gear choice is the make-or-break part of a long single-speed day. Use a gear calculator to translate teeth into gear inches and rollout. For many road riders on flat routes, 65–75 gear inches feels lively at 20–25 km/h. If your route has punchy rises, drop a few inches. Track-style ratios in the 80s suit boards, not mixed roads.

Test runs help. Hold your planned cadence at endurance power into a steady breeze, then on a gentle rise. If rpm drops below your comfort band and legs turn to a grind, the gear is tall. If you bounce at speed as rpm soars, the gear is short.

Fit, Comfort, And Pacing For The Long Haul

A relaxed reach, multiple hand spots, and tyres that suit the surface keep you fresh. On fixed, always run dual brakes for road use. On a freewheel single-speed, set lever reach and pad toe-in for smooth stops.

Pacing on one gear is simple: brisk spin on flats, stand early on rises, and roll into short climbs with speed. On long climbs, stand in short bursts to change load. On descents, coast on a freewheel; on fixed, lift cadence. Pack light, ride smooth, smile.

Fueling And Hydration

Long routes need steady carbs, salt, and fluids. Eat small and often. Sip on a schedule. If cadence drifts down late, low fuel may be the cause.

Reliability And Maintenance On Tour

One gear means fewer failure points. Carry a spare link, a mini tool, and a short section of chain. Keep the chain clean and lubed, set tension, and watch cog teeth for hooking. For long road days, front brake and smooth stops save rubber.

Chains run straighter on single-speeds, trimming side load and wear. Geared bikes spread wear across many cogs and rings, but shifts add cable care and pulley upkeep. Pick the system you want to maintain.

Here’s a handy gearing map for long days on one gear. Use it as start.

Sample Single-Speed Ratios For Common Scenarios

Use Case	Typical Gear Inches	Notes
Flat Century	68–74	Holds 80–90 rpm near endurance pace
Rolling Fondo	62–68	Room to stand on short rises
Windy Coastal Route	60–66	Helps into headwinds
Urban Commute	60–70	Frequent stops, quick ramps
Gravel Rail Trail	64–70	Stable on fine gravel
Hilly Day Out	56–62	May still hike the steepest ramps
Track-Style Fast Flat	76–84	High speed spin; not for long climbs

Close Variant: Taking A Single Speed On Long Distance Rides

This heading uses a close match to the main phrase with a natural add-on. Riders phrase the same query in many ways, such as are single speed bikes good for long distance? or “single-speed for century rides.” The guidance stays the same: match route to gear, then train the spin you plan to hold.

Training That Suits One Gear

• Spin Sets: blocks at 80–95 rpm on flat roads for smooth pedaling.
• Low-Cadence Strength: short hills seated at 55–65 rpm to build torque.
• Standing Bursts: 10–20 second stands each minute on gentle grades to mix load.
• Wind Days: ride into a headwind and keep rpm steady without spikes.

Cadence studies show no single magic number. Stay near your own efficient window at the day’s power. Shifting guards that window. On one gear you learn to shape terrain with speed, line choice, and momentum.

Route Choice And Safety Notes

Pick routes with long steady stretches. Link climbs that match your ratio and save the steepest ramps for short days. In traffic, a freewheel with two brakes gives more low-speed control than a pure track setup. Set tyre pressures for grip and comfort.

So…Should You Ride A Long Event On One Gear?

Yes, if your route is flat to mildly rolling and your gear is sensible. Pick gears for mixed terrain if you want the same cadence feel all day. That’s the split. If you love the single-speed feel, plan your course and your ratio, then go ride far.

Sources, Tools, And Further Reading

For more on gear inches and chainline, see Sheldon Brown Gear Calculator. For cadence science, skim this cadence efficiency review.