briztoon said:
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So, apart from looking a little stylish, what is the purpose of a single gear retro bike?
I ride a single speed fixed gear bike (curently a 1980 vintage track frame with a front brake and flat bars) and have ridden fixed gear bikes for decades.
My reasons for riding single speed (fixed) bikes have been at various times:
1. For time trials on flat courses with little wind.
2. For general riding and commuting on flatish roads.
3. Learn how to peddle fast.
4. In bad weather all that moisture, salt, grit will quickly demolish your derailleurs and clusters.
5. Training for velodrome races for occasional track racers.
6. For UK hill climbs using a low gear.
7. I always wanted a Sturmey-Archer SFW 3-speed fixed gear hub but never could afford one or find one.