[fixxt]

So right now I ride an ancient department store Schwinn for just about everything. My front shifter broke recently and I've had to take the front deraileur and shifter off until so I can ride the bike until I replace it (why are shifters so expensive on the internet anyway?)

It all got me thinking that maybe it would benefit me to make the switch to a singlespeed. I like the idea of there being less stuff to break and less stuff to clean. I'm from Oregon - winter riding isn't uncomfortable, but it sure is messy.

I'm always in the top 21st gear anyway, standing up and pedaling on hills rather than shifting. The exception is long rides in the summer, but I figure I could just save up for a nicer road bike or touring bike. With a single speed to abuse during the offseason I wouldn't mind spending more money on it.

Is there anything I should know about them before I buy?

I had one question if anyone can answer it: can I get a single speed that has a freewheel? the only part about a single speed I think I wouldn't like would be not being able to coast.

[Industry_Hack]

By definition, a single speed has a freewheel. A fixed gear is the one that doesn't coast. Are you looking to buy one, or convert your current bike?

[hophead]

The Koolaid is good. Drink up!

[Industry_Hack]

Grape juice, not Koolaid.

[Scrodzilla]

[Industry_Hack]

Well, there goes the neighborhood.

[fixxt]

Thanks for the replies. I laughed if nothing else

My current bike has vertical dropouts which can't be converted to SS/fixed, or so says the LBS. My bike is in pretty good working order, so I figured I could sell it on craigslist or something and get the cash towards a low-end single speed.

2009 SE Racing 700c Draft Single Speed Road Bike - Spin Doctor Pro Bike Build

this bike is pretty much exactly what I think I want. Steel frame/fork for durability, flatbars for city riding/comfort. I get the impression it was designed for race training but it looks like it would suit my needs perfectly. Price can't be argued with, either.

I figure buying would let me upgrade the quality of my parts and reduce weight (my bike weighs about 35lbs as is)

[Industry_Hack]

For roughly the same price (there must be a shipping cost for the Draft) you can get a cro-mo Windsor The Hour from Bikesdirect.com. It's a much better bike.

[fixxt]

how is it a better bike? I believe you, the difference just isn't obvious to me

[Industry_Hack]

Better frame, better wheels. What more do you want?