When coasting (not pedaling) downhill, do single speed bikes tend to be faster than multi speed bikes? Assume that both types are road bikes with similar frame, tires, etc.
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1Single speed (that can coast) or fixed speed (where the pedals rotate at road speed all the time) ?– Criggie ♦Jul 9, 2016 at 21:12
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1 Answer
The two differences will be that the multispeed bike has more air resistance from the drivetrain and the comparison of resistance between the ratchet in the single speed bike and the freewheel or freehub on the multispeed. Both effects are rather small. The rider/bike aerodynamics will dominate.
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@mattnz: There are plots, some on this site, showing the power loss due to air drag and rolling resistance as a function of speed. Air drag dominates. If you think about the frontal area the drivetrain difference represents, it has to be a small component of the air drag. Jul 9, 2016 at 20:35
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I would doubt that the derailers contribute enough wind resistance to be measurable in real life circumstances. The drag from a fixie's pedals always turning would almost certainly be greater. Jul 9, 2016 at 21:24
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@andy256 - But it's not clear what he means by "coasting". He could be simply taking his feet off the pedals. Jul 10, 2016 at 1:48