Young and Shiftless

The rapidly growing cult of the one-speed bike

July 27, 2005—Two years ago, Portland's River City Bicycles was selling about one single-speed bike a month; now it’s up to one a day. "Everyone in Portland wants to commute on a bike, and a single-speed is all you need," explains salesman Ryan Weever. Same thing on the East Coast: At NYC Velo in the East Village, single-speeds are " gaining in popularity—it's a definite trend," says the store's Andrew Crooks.

Why? Because they're lighter, leaner, and—important in the big city—they have fewer high-end components and are therefore less likely to get looted. Plus they just look cool. In addition to single-speeds like the chromed-out Bianchi Pista (profiled in our buying guide), shops on both coasts are doing a brisk business in fixed-gear models. Made for track racing, the latter don't even bother with brakes. "Track fixies are selling like hotcakes," says David Johnson of San Francisco's American Cyclery, "because everyone wants to out-hip the next guy."

Should you identify with that sentiment—yet prefer the safety of braking power—check out the recently introduced Alta from Norway. Not only does the bike stack up well in terms of stats but it doubles as a work of art for your wall at home. And besides, any company with the moxie to mount an ad campaign as brilliantly grotesque as the one above deserves your business.
Starting in August, Alta Single-Speed City Racers will be available for $799 from www.altabikes.no; 20 pounds, 46/16 gear ratio, available in M (54cm) and L (58cm). Bianchi Pista ($549) available at bike shops nationwide. www.rivercitybicycles.com, www.nycvelo.com, www.americancyclery.com.