-
Well depends on the race. Some races offer "bonus points" for single speed. Besides that it can be easier for some people. Less focusing on the gears and more on the power output and trying to win. And if it's versatility, this is a bike forum. Every decent rider must have at least one:
Pub bike / rat bike
Track only bike
Fixed crit bike
Full race bike
Triathlon or Timetrial bike
Cyclocross or Singlespeed Cyclocross bike
MountainbikeAnd that's just the minimum. The correct number of bikes to own is n+1
ok, but surely someone getting/buying/building a cyclocross bike would choose to have gears, for the versatility factor!