Single speed road vs mountain bike

hum3z

Ive been riding a crappy mountain bike to work along the roads and canals but its really slow and hard to get anything out of it tahts good.

I want to get a single speed road bike but have never been on one before. Are they OK on inclines from a stationary/red light position? I just want to know what the main differences are before I order the specialized tricross. What tools/gear would you suggest? I know about the mud guards and tyre preferences...

thanks in advance guys,
dave