Best Single Speed Wheelset (3 Picks + Buying a Great One)


Single-speed wheelsets include flip-flop hubs, allowing riders to switch between a fixed-gear and freewheel setup by reversing the rear wheel. They are valued for their durability, ease of use, and minimalistic design, appealing to casual riders and performance cyclists.

The best single-speed wheelsets are the Retrospec Mantra 700c Single-Speed Wheelset and the State Bicycle Essor USA—v2 Bolt Clincher Wheelset. The Retrospec has a 16-teeth set which handles flat surfaces effortlessly. The State Bicycle Essor is a lightweight and affordable option for track and urban settings.

In this guide, I will give you the best single-speed wheelsets that can instantly upgrade your bike’s performance and lead to a lightweight and smoother ride.

Best Single Speed Wheelsets for Bikes

Compare Top Single Speed Wheelsets for Bicycles

ProductOverall ScoreBottom LinePrice
BUCKLOS Road Bike Wheelset - Best Single Speed Wheelset
BUCKLOS Road
Bike Wheelset
83Budget Buy
Smooth and responsive due
to high-quality bearings
Check Out On
Amazon
State Bicycle Essor USA - v2 - Best Single Speed Wheelset
State Bicycle
Essor USA – v2
85High End
Semi-aero 31mm rim depth enhance
speed while maintaining stability
Check Out On
Amazon
Retrospec Mantra 700c Single-Speed - Best Single Speed Wheelset
Retrospec Mantra
700c Single-Speed
89Top Pick
Deep V feature makes it
easier for heavy-set bikers
Check Out On
Amazon

Detailed Analysis of the Best Single Speed Wheelsets

Read on as we highlight the best fixie wheelsets that are worth the investment so that you don’t end up wasting your time and energy purchasing the wrong product out there.

1. BUCKLOS Road Bike Wheelset

BUCKLOS Road Bike Wheelset - Best Single Speed Wheelset Review
Budget Buy

Overall Score: 83

The BUCKLOS Road Bike Wheelset is a budget-friendly option aimed at recreational cyclists and commuters.

Made of aluminum alloy with a carbon fiber hub, it offers a lightweight build and smooth rolling performance.

Key features include compatibility with 8/9/10/11-speed setups, 24 steel spokes for durability, and easy installation with quick-release levers.

The rims have a 20mm outer width, 14mm inner width, and a depth of 40mm, providing a balance of aerodynamics and stability.

24 steel spokes ensure structural integrity, while the 2+5 sealed bearings in the front and rear hubs promote smooth rolling.

Advantages

  • Lightweight, offering good acceleration.
  • Smooth and responsive due to high-quality bearings.
  • Affordable, providing value for money compared to similar wheelsets.

Disadvantages

  • Users report minor durability issues like flats from low-quality rim strips.

2. State Bicycle Essor USA – v2 Bolt Clincher Wheelset

State Bicycle Essor USA - v2 - Best Single Speed Wheelset Review
High End

Overall Score: 85

Next up in our quest for the best 29er single speed disc wheelset, we have this State Bicycle Essor USA v2 Bolt Clincher Wheelset

It is a lightweight and affordable option popular among cyclists seeking performance on both track and urban settings.

The key highlights are its weight and design. Weighing about 1736 grams, this wheelset is designed for speed and durability.

Its semi-aero 31mm rims and low-flange hubs contribute to reduced weight and improved aerodynamics, making it suitable for crit racing or fast city commutes​.

The wheels feature premium sealed bearings, ensuring smooth and efficient rolling.

Their construction provides a balance of stiffness and compliance, making them both responsive and comfortable over varied road surfaces.

The flip-flop rear hub allows versatility between fixed-gear and freewheel setups​.

Advantages

  • The back hubs come with sealed bearings.
  • Features lightweight wheels on the back and front.
  • The semi-aero 31mm rim depth helps enhance speed on flats while maintaining stability.
  • The flip-flop rear hub allows switching between fixed-gear and freewheel setups, adding flexibility.

Disadvantages

  • The clincher design does not support tubeless setups, which could be a drawback for some riders​.

3. Retrospec Mantra 700c Single-Speed Wheelset

Retrospec Mantra 700c Single-Speed - Best Single Speed Wheelset Review
Top Pick

Overall Score: 89

The Retrospec Mantra has a lot going for it, such as a braking surface, a double wall Super Deep V Rim, and a pair of tools that’ll come in handy when it comes to keeping your bike wheels strong.

It enables you to achieve better lateral stiffness on the back single speed MTB wheel thanks to the deep cross-section, and it sports a 42-millimeter lightweight alloy construction with an outer width that measures 21mm and an inner width of 14mm.

The great thing about the deep V feature is that it makes it easier for heavy-set bikers to enjoy the ride without worrying that their bike will buckle under pressure and you can improve the wheelset’s overall maneuverability.

Other features worth mentioning in this single-speed 700c wheelset are the high-flange sealing hubs, which make for a more long-lasting product, and the braking surface is very agreeable.

This will give you peace of mind when traveling at high speeds. Keep in mind that this set is fitted with 16 teeth which means that it can handle flat surfaces effortlessly.

Advantages

  • Comes in different colors.
  • It’s reasonably priced.
  • Features complimentary Kenda Kwest Tires.
  • 43mm lightweight alloy.

Disadvantages

  • Doesn’t have the best brake track.

How to Get the Best Single Speed Wheelset

Now that you know what the best fixed gear wheelset is with a good fixed gear crankset, it’s time to take a look at some important considerations that you’ll need to make while shopping for new fixie wheels to ensure that you end up with a set that’s perfect for your needs and preferences.

Type of Tires

The following are terms that you are most likely to encounter when searching for the best single speed wheels:

Clincher Tires

The clincher tire is wildly popular because it offers high-performance value and actual value for money. If safety is important to you then you’ll want to consider a clincher tire.

The best part is that it comes highly recommended for kids and any kind of novice who’s new to biking.

Tubeless Tires

Unlike the clincher with its inner tube and the tubular with its built-in tube, this type of tire doesn’t come with a tube at all.

It’s also heavier than the other two options which means that it can handle a lot of abuse and daily use in rough terrain.

Tubular Tires

Lightweight fixie wheels have a complex design that makes it difficult to set up for novice bikers.

However, it is lightweight and desirable because of that and it has a convenient round shape that doesn’t necessarily clinch to the wheel. Not only that but the tubular tires come with a sewn-in tube.

I have a complete guide on the Best Tubular Tires that give you 7 great options from top manufacturers.

Material

For best results, make sure to pick single speed mountain bike wheelsets that are made to last.

Look out for materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, with the general rule of thumb being that you want lightweight durability.

Wheels

Bicycle wheels come in three main types, namely deep-section wheels, mid-section wheels, and shallow section wheels.

Deep wheels make it easier to go fast on your bike and they’re perfect for racing bikes while shallow wheels are typically preferable to beginners.

Braking

Most wheelsets come with either a carbon or aluminum braking surface with the most popular one being the aluminum type because it does a better job of bringing your bike to a stop when you need it to.

The Retrospec Mantra 700C Accommodates Tire Sizes Between 700x23c and 700x28c, Offering Flexibility for Various Riding Conditions…

So, what’s the verdict? What’s the best single-speed wheelset? In our opinion, the Retrospec Mantra 700c Single-Speed Wheelset offers the best value for money for a number of different reasons.

For one, this wheelset has 700c clincher wheels that are versatile enough to handle different applications and has a durable construction.

For more options, I recommend you my guide on the Best Road Bike Wheelset that’ll give you further top 8 picks of road tires for common wheel types.

Shailen Vandeyar

A proud Indian origin Kiwi who loves to plant trees and play with my pet bunny when not out cycling through the best routes, reviewing the latest gear, and sharing tips on everything biking.

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