Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - frame choices?

so i'm finally looking to step out of the conversion arena and get into a real "track" frame. i don't mean necissarily track geometry, i have no intent on hitting the velodrome (nor is there one within 6+ hours of me) just track ends, 120mm spacing, etc. please don't tell me to use the search function because i've been digging through it for the past hour, with a good amount of success but i still have a few extra questions.

as a college student, i do have a limited budget. the two frames i am considering are the Mark V or the Pake... first question is that from what i read, they are basically the same level frame, as far as tubing, build, etc. why is the pake (from where i've found) at least $50 more than the Mark V... and it doesn't even come with a fork. is it a nicer frame or is it just production numbers that keep the Mark V price down?

i have looked at the steamroller... but it's kinda ugly... i mean great for it's intent, but i want something a little sleeker. i also saw Spicer frames... but it's in that awful school bus color. and NYC bikes... well i've never heard good things about them, but i don't want a frame with braze-ons anyway. i've also ruled out the Fetish frames on ebay because i think they are ugly and i'd rather have an Mark V for the money.

are there any other sub $400 frame options? i found craploads of info on affordable bikes, but i have all the components, i just need a frame.

don't forget about the soma rush. it does however
have trackish geometry. also if you watch ebay
or craig's list you can score a good track frame.
i think there is one on craig's list austin at the moment.

There's nothing wrong with school bus yellow. Or with the steamroller. Or the Mark V or Pake for that matter.

I'd go with the Spicer, but only cause I'm a sucker for sickeningly bright colors.

I'm sure that doesn't help you. Sorry.

add the milwaukee orange bike to your list too then.

oh wait, you don't like schoolbusses.

How far is lubbok from frisco tx. Cant be 6 hrs can it. Velodrome there is the bees knees.

How far is lubbok from frisco tx. Cant be 6 hrs can it. Velodrome there is the bees knees.

it's close to 6... that's the closest one i know of.

the spicer also has those fugly school bus sized godzilla ridiculously huge track ends.

add the milwaukee orange bike to your list too then.

oh wait, you don't like schoolbusses.

i've seen the milwaukee before... but never found a website? do you have any links?

i've seen the milwaukee before... but never found a website? do you have any links?

http://www.benscycle.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=198

hmm $550. I thought it was less.

I'd totally be down with the Milwaukee if it were a little cheaper. Made in WI, eh? Would that be the Gunnar factory?

yup made by waterford

if you value your life or your money, you wont get the pake. as to the steamroller, it is much prettier than the online photos do justice. i finished building mine two weeks ago and it is stunning (i took the decals off). the charcoal pearl color is great. the mark v is a great option because its cheap, strong and tony is a great guy. however it has a slightly steeper top tube than the steamroller. hope that helps you

mercier, just sayin. 347 shipped

if you value your life or your money, you wont get the pake. as to the steamroller, it is much prettier than the online photos do justice. i finished building mine two weeks ago and it is stunning (i took the decals off). the charcoal pearl color is great. the mark v is a great option because its cheap, strong and tony is a great guy. however it has a slightly steeper top tube than the steamroller. hope that helps you

what's wrong with the pake?

my friend has a steamroller, so i've seen one in person... while i like the fff (fatties fit fine) way of building, it's not what i'm looking for particularly.

I honestly don't see any reason for an entry-level buyer to invest in anything "better" than an IRO for daily street use and occasional racing. The no-name bladed CroMo tubing has stood the test of countless riders. The geometry is comfortable and offers nice handling.

That said, the Spicer, Pista, Raleigh and Langster are comparibly priced. However, Should the IRO get destroyed, you can get a replacement for half price. Tony's reputation speaks for itself.

Are the geometries/craftmanship of the Milwaulkee, Pake, Soma, or Steamroller worth investing at *least* $100 more for? Perhaps if you're looking for a lugged fork.

Better to spend that money in the drivetrain.

Completes are a different story, as the particular setup offered by the dealer/seller can collectively make more difference in the buying decision than the frame.

steamrollers are pretty nice if you repaint them. ric flair fixie rode one for quite a while and that bike was great. imho, spend some time and find something unique of ebay, I have a really great frame that people stop and ask me about all the time, and I got it for less than the price of a barenuckle. Buying new has its upsides, but if youre willing to hunt you can find great, great things.

if you value your life or your money, you wont get the pake.

i hate when people say ridiculous things without giving a reason. this is not helpful. if you said why you thought the pake was overpriced or dangerous, then that would be some useful information. at this point, it's not.

The Pake AFAIK is the same geometry as the Soma Rush (made by Soma) The tubing is cheaper, and it is a bit heavier, but a very similar ride. If you can find a good deal Rush on Ebay, or CL or something then go for it. Otherwise Pake or Mark V are both good choices. I think if you look around you should be able to find the Pake for about $200 without fork. If it were me I'd put one of these on it http://www.bikecult.com/works/parts/FKgenSB.html

The Pake AFAIK is the same geometry as the Soma Rush (made by Soma) The tubing is cheaper, and it is a bit heavier, but a very similar ride. If you can find a good deal Rush on Ebay, or CL or something then go for it. Otherwise Pake or Mark V are both good choices. I think if you look around you should be able to find the Pake for about $200 without fork. If it were me I'd put one of these on it http://www.bikecult.com/works/parts/FKgenSB.html

*droooooool* :D

thats why my girlfriend rocks pake and nameless chrome fork