The Best Gearless Bikes

The Best Gearless Bikes

venice beach bike path image by JJAVA from Fotolia.com

Single gear, gearless or cruiser bikes, however you choose to call them, all serve the same purpose: comfortable commuting. Yet, cycling without gears can be a tough, even frustrating, activity. Cyclists who use gearless bikes often, whether shopping for groceries or cruising at the beach, understand the difference between ordinary and excellent gearless bikes.

Scott Sub 10 Single-speed Bike

This model by Scott does not need derailleurs to pick up speed. The Sub 10, which stands for Speed Utility Bike, comes equipped with low, narrow handlebars and 700c rims for less rolling resistance while riding. It has a new aluminum frame, making it a durable cruiser bike weighing roughly 26 pounds. Its sister model with a similar design, the Sub 20, won Bicycling Magazine's Best Buyer's 2010 Award. The Scott Sub 10 sells for about $1,250 depending on the retailer.

Gary Fisher Gritty Single-speed Bike

Gary Fisher Bikes are leading mountain bikes; however their cruiser bikes are also outstanding. The Gritty received Bicycling Magazine's Buyer's Guide 2010 Award. The Gary Fisher Gritty's frame is steel, making it a bit heavy. Its handlebars are narrow, giving a mountain bike feel. In addition, the tires on the Gritty are Bontrager H2 700x28, which prevent as much rolling resistance as many other cruiser bikes. The Gary Fisher Gritty sells for about $400 depending on the retailer.

Electra Ticino 1

The Electra Ticino line, including the Ticino 1, won Bicycling Magazine's Buyer's Guide 2010 Award. This Electra single-speed cruiser has comfortable leg extensions, allowing cyclists to ride for long distances. The Electra Ticino 1 comes with 700 x 28c tires, protected by steel fenders, offering a speedier ride than most cruisers. In addition, its low and narrow handlebars give the feeling of cycling a regular road bike. It sells for about $500 depending on the retailer.

Schwinn 2010 Madison

Established in 1895, Schwinn is the top-selling and oldest bicycle brand in the United States. Out of the numerous Schwinn cruiser models, 2010's Madison single-speed bicycle stands out due to its road bike look and feel. It has 700x25c tires, a classical riveted saddle as opposed to a spring one, and a low handlebar with a classic grip. The frame and fork, made of N'Gauged tubes and steel, are like those of a race bike, and the pedals come with toe clips and straps. Schwinn's 2010 Madison sells for $599.99 depending on the retailer.

Article Written By Maria Fernanda Cartaya

Maria Fernanda began writing for publication in 2003. She has lived and experienced the outdoors in North and South America, Europe and Africa. Her work has been published in Spanish newspapers. She earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in international relations and French from Syracuse University and speaks three languages. Maria is working on an international journalism Master of Arts from the University of Westminster.

Write for Trails.com
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