Are you among those scouring bike shops and websites for the best single speed city bike? You’re part of a growing number of men and women who prefer to commute by bicycle as it’s more convenient and healthy.
There was a time when cycling was limited to the sports minded, but that is no longer the case as can be seen by the number of people using it.
But how do you find a “city bike”? It isn’t as easy as it sounds because not all bikes are ideal for commuting or city riding. With this review guide we’re going to remove the confusion and make sure you end up with the right bike.
Before we dive straight into the reviews, we should assess the factors that come with purchasing a high quality city bike.
How to Choose the Best Single Speed City Bike
You know how easy it is to buy a bike in a shop or online, but you should take a moment to consider what features are essential. Some bikes are barebones while others have all the bells and whistles, but the following are the most important.
Reliability
This one is obvious but unfortunately is overlooked. It would be a mistake to assume that city riding doesn’t take as much toll on a bike as going off-road. If you’re commuting to work on a bike, the frame, suspension and brakes must be able to withstand the rigors of daily use.
- Look for bikes that use well-known brand components so you won’t have trouble finding a replacement. Even if you’re careful with the bike, the time will come when you will need to get new parts, so they have to be easy to order.
- Make sure you have a decent set of repair and maintenance tools to keep your bike in good shape. Even if the bike is well made, it is essential you conduct maintenance checks so it doesn’t break down while you’re in the middle of the road. These bikes sometimes come with build and maintenance tools, but it’s better to have your own set so you’re ready for anything.
Durability
The bike frame needs to be aluminum or lightweight steel as they provide the right combination of durability and reliability. When we talk about durability we don’t just mean the frame but the other components as well.
- The tires need to be puncture resistant. Even if you don’t go off-road a lot, there is no telling when you’ll stumble on some rocks or debris. The thicker the tires the better, and the ones included in most city bikes are good. However if you find they don’t last, it isn’t hard to shop for a replacement as tire sizes are standard.
- Durability should not compromise the bike’s maneuverability however. Make sure the bike allows you to quickly switch speeds when necessary. This is especially important if you have to spend hours on the road commuting.
Safety
We cannot emphasize this enough: whether you’re a new rider or an experienced one, make sure the bike is equipped with safety features like the following.
- The brakes need to be responsive. If something large suddenly crosses in front of you, you must be able to hit the brakes on quickly. The brakes that ship with your bike should be good enough, but just like other parts they can be replaced with other types.
- The bike should be light enough to carry and not get in the way when it’s not needed. For safety reasons however, strength should not be compromised in favor of lightness. If you’re going to ride at night, the pedals or other parts of the bike must illuminate or glow in the dark.
Comfort
People ride bikes to work because it is convenient, and you can make it even more so by taking the following into consideration.
- A short bike with the wheels close together is the ideal setup for city riding. This setup also makes it easy to make turns and maneuver into tight curves. The seat must also be comfortable and of the right height so you’re not hunched over and uncomfortable.
- Look for high quality wheels because they play a major role in determining how comfortable the bike will be. The quality of the frame also has a direct effect on the bike so don’t settle for anything less than high quality aluminum or steel.
Other Considerations
Will you use the bike exclusively for city riding or will you use it for off-road riding as well? This will determine what type of bike you need to buy. Upgrading is also part of a rider’s life so consider how easy or hard the bike parts will be to replace. Budget will always be a factor, but there are now a lot of affordable city bikes.
Recommended Single Speed City Bike Reviews
We have gone over the salient points of buying a city bike, so now it’s time we checked out the top sellers. I spent a lot of time going through the various city bikes and picked out only the best of the best.
1. Retrospec Bicycles Mantra V2 Single Speed Fixed Gear Bicycle
The Retrospec was built with comfort in mind, so as you ride you’re sitting upright and relaxed.
With its KMC chain, solid tires and dependable brakes, you’re assured of comfort, and it’s good for your back too.
The Deep-V rims and the freestyle pedals work together well and allows for continuous riding. The Kenda tires are extra thick and have greater resistance to punctures and shock.
The front and rear brakes are responsive, giving you better control of your bike’s speed, stopping and handling. If you’re new to bikes and want some assurance, this one will provide it for you.
Highlighted Features
- Hand-built TIG-welded high-tensile strength steel frame with forged horizontal dropouts & integrated chain tensioners bar-spin clearance ready and no toe overlap
- Promax dual-pivot alloy calipers & hinged alloy levers
- Sealed cartridge bearing hubs with a flip-flop hub so you can easily switch between riding fixed-gear or single-speed with the freewheel
- Comes ready with Kenda Kwest 28C tires VP platform pedals KMC chain and speedy deep-V alloy rims with machined brake tracks
- Forged 3-piece alloy crank 165mm length 46T chainwheel Lightweight alloy riser bar 520mm width 30mm height
2. Vilano Women’s Classic Urban Commuter Single Speed Bike
The Vilano is one of the most popular city bikes for women as it combines efficiency with performance.
This 700c single speed bike is fitted with several features found only in top quality models like mustache handlebars and free platform pedals.
The bike requires some assembly, but the major components are pre-assembled so putting it all together won’t take long. The bike is not just fully functional but nicely designed too, and the quality extends all the way to the saddle and wheels. Performance wise it is also dependable.
Highlighted Features
- Classic style is perfect for riding in the city
- Specially designed handlebars provide maximum comfort
- Solid, durable steel frame
- Comes with coaster brake for convenient braking
3. EuroMini Folding Bicycle ZiZZO Campo 2019
The EuroMini bike was built for the urban setting, period. After reaching your destination you can fold the bike, and it has several features to keep you comfortable.
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The bike requires some assembly but the process is intuitive enough even a new rider can do it. In terms of riding experience it is smooth and comfortable even for long stretches.
Highlighted Features
- Lightweight aluminum frame; folds in seconds and is easy to carry so you never need to leave it outside.
- Genuine Shimano components with 7 speeds and grip style shifter.
- Easy single fold stem, folding pedals, magnet catcher to hold fold bike’s frame securely together.
- 2“ multi-terrain tires and v-style brakes.
- Weight: 28. 5 lb. (Lightweight).
4.Hiland Road City Bike 700C Wheels with Six-Speed
Looking for a city bike can be challenging. It’s not all wheels set on a frame that is up to the task. It is made of steel which is durable but has the downside of being heavy. This is a single-speed bicycle that is designed for city commuting, meaning that it does well on flat smooth roads. The retro design is appealing and attractive. The design can also be described as being simple.
The six gear technically makes it not a single speed BUT any city slopes are made more enjoyable. It also has a 125mm grip length.
Pros
- 6 Speeds
- Steel frames for higher strength.
- 700C wheels offer the high-speed experience of a road bike.
- 3 sizes for a better fit.
- It may be heavy for some because it is made of steel
- It may not do so well on gravel roads
5.Takara Sugiyama Flat Bar Fixie Bike
Are you considering buying the Takara Sugiyama Flat Bar Fixie Bike? Let’s take a look at what you will be getting with this bike. The frame is 58cm and comes in different colors. The wheels are 29inches. For added safety, this bike has both rear and front brakes.it also comes with a flip flop hub with a fixed gear.
Concerning warranty, the manufacturer gives you a 180-day warranty on defects on the frame and a 60-day warranty if the defect has to do with the components. If you want it to last you a while, it is better to ride it on a smooth surface rather than on rocky terrain, or gravel, which can damage the rims since there isn’t much suspension.
Pros
- It looks good
- The stickers come off easily if you don’t want to ride around with them on.
- It’s affordable
- It is durable and should allow you to use it extensively before you need to send it in for maintenance.
Cons
- You will need to assemble it in part by yourself which isn’t always easy
- It is best used for flat terrains, such as city roads
Final Verdict on Single Speed City Bikes
Back in the days bikes were used either for sports or for fitness, but the popularity of city bikes have changed that perception. Commuting on bikes has proven to be practical, convenient and good for the body as well.
It’s never too late to start riding a bike, and I recommend buying any of the bikes above for an enjoyable riding experience. Everyone has their own opinion about the best single speed city bike, but I can assure you the bikes above are of the highest quality.