Single Mountain Bikes VS Geared Mountain Bikes

There is a lot of debate among cyclists about the best type of bike gear among single-speed mountain bikes and geared mountain bikes. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, choosing between single- and geared-speed mountain bikes ultimately comes down to personal preferences.  Let us first describe the two in detail to better understand their differences.

SINGLE-SPEED MOUNTAIN BIKES: WHAT ARE THEY?

Mountain bikes with a single gear are known as single-speed mountain bikes. You do not need to change your bike's gear ratio because they don't have additional gears. This is why they have a freewheel mechanism. It allows cyclists to free-roll or coast their bikes without pedaling. Bicycles with this gear include BMXs, cruisers, and classic commuters. The chain ring and rear cog typically have 44 or 46 teeth each, and the chain ring and rear cog normally have 16 teeth.

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SINGLE-SPEED MOUNTAIN BIKES: ADVANTAGES

• Mountain bikes with only one speed, operated by a simple mechanism, are cheaper than mountain bikes with more gears.
• The maintenance of single-speed mountain bikes is also easier. 
• Exercise and fitness are better achieved with single-speed mountain bikes. 
• It is lighter to ride a single-speed bike than a geared bike.

SINGLE-SPEED MOUNTAIN BIKES: DISADVANTAGES

• The single-gearing range of single-speed mountain bikes makes them difficult for you to pedal efficiently.
• The speed of single-speed mountain bikes is also slower than that of geared mountain bikes

 

GEARED MOUNTAIN BIKES: WHAT ARE THEY?

A geared mountain bicycle, however, uses multiple gears to control its speed. The gearing mechanism on a geared mountain bike can either be hub gears or derailleur gears. Derailleur gears have exposed components, while hub gears are enclosed inside a case.

It's the same as shifting gears in a car, and we can do the same with a bike. Shifting gears adjusts the rate at which the cyclist pedals. With this feature, riding on all kinds of terrain is more efficient and comfortable. With full suspension mountain bikes, you will get more comfort and performance on uphills and down hills, which reduces the shocks by absorbing them and gives better control over the rough terrains and the corners.

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GEARED MOUNTAIN BIKES: ADVANTAGES

• There are many advantages to riding a geared bike, including being more efficient, versatile, and comfortable.
• A hub gear or derailleur gear increases speed on even surfaces and makes climbing uphill easier
• When riding a geared bike, you exert less effort than on a single-speed bike.

GEARED MOUNTAIN BIKES: DISADVANTAGES

• Lubrication, repairs, and even replacement are more frequent with multiple gear mechanisms.
• There are more components in geared mountain bikes than in single-speed mountain bikes, so they are heavier.
• A geared bike would be difficult to maneuver and take up more storage space.

SINGLE-SPEED VS. GEARED MOUNTAIN BIKES: PROs AND CONS

As you have seen by now, each type of gear has its own unique features that set it apart from the others. However, that is not enough if we want to find out which is best for you. To find your ideal bike gear, you must understand its advantages and drawbacks. Here are both the advantages and drawbacks of single-speed mountain bikes and geared mountain bikes.