I work in downtown Philly (what we locally refer to as Center City). We have the usual bike messengers that you see in big cities all over the country.
My question is, why do they seem to favor single speed bikes? They looks sort of like track hybrids - basically a bit more rugged than a regular track bike, with a brake or two and heavier tires but just the one speed.
My speculation is that it is both a badge of honor within their community ("real bike messengers ride only these manly bikes!!"), and a theft deterrent. The messengers often ride up to buildings, lean the bike against a wall and head right in without worrying about locking it up.
There are probably messengers that don't ride these but I don't think they are the majority. Any messengers out there have any insights?
My question is, why do they seem to favor single speed bikes? They looks sort of like track hybrids - basically a bit more rugged than a regular track bike, with a brake or two and heavier tires but just the one speed.
My speculation is that it is both a badge of honor within their community ("real bike messengers ride only these manly bikes!!"), and a theft deterrent. The messengers often ride up to buildings, lean the bike against a wall and head right in without worrying about locking it up.
There are probably messengers that don't ride these but I don't think they are the majority. Any messengers out there have any insights?