Why Single Speed?
Ah. The question that has intrigued many, and eluded others (we won't hold it against the latter).
For many people, single speeding is all about the simplicity and low maintenance. For others, it represents a lot more. It may be about rejecting (often high-priced) technological advancements that promise to make us better cyclists, yet seem go the way of Biopace chainrings in just a few years time. Maybe it's making a stand against the flood of aggressive marketing campaigns from big business conglomerates (otherwise known as "the man"). It might simply be boredom, and the need for a new challenge.
The bottom line is that it's hard to summarize the allure of single speeding into just a few statements. However, Striker (a frequent poster on the Mtbr forums) has put together a fine collection of thoughts attempting to answer the question, "Why ride single speed?" on his website, TriangleMTB.com.
Read. Enjoy. Be enlightened.