Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - bike size question

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Ready to Ruck
05-07-06, 05:00 PM
okay say you were in my situation:
broke.
building up a fixed gear but would have to wait two months or so until you had all the cash to finish it.
you ride a 58cm road bike, building up a 56cm track bike.
A conversion is for sale (150) but is a size 54cm.
You also were about to leave your apartment to possibly purchase a 58cm road bike for 75 anyway.

Is it worth to quickly jump ship to fixed even if it is 'too' small? You think it would be comfortable enough if I just raised the seattube higher? I don't mind a low stem, I always ride aggressive anyway.

I'm making my decision in about 30minutes when my girl comes to pick me up and drive me to either the roadbike or the fg.


thurstonboise
05-07-06, 05:03 PM
The top tube is probably going to be to short, so you would also need to get a really long stem.

Ready to Ruck
05-07-06, 05:04 PM
I have a long stem on hand already. plus I could get a setback seat post?

I don't mean to be a profiteer but I know for sure that fixedgear converisons go for about 200-250$ at bikeswaps here regardless of components. So, I could sell it if I don't like it and just break even or make cash whatever. Also I bet I could do a frame swap for a larger frame at YellowBikeProject for free/minimal. that way I keep the fixed-essential components!


Surferbruce
05-07-06, 05:45 PM
try it you might like it. how tall are ya?

humancongereel
05-07-06, 05:49 PM
take it for a ride and see. some would look at me and say i should ride 60 or 61, but i ride a 58 with a longer stem and love it. bad positioning can mean pain, though, so think about the long run when you try it out. going 58 to 54 is a pretty big jump. i'd say if you're not 150% satisfied with the position of the 54cm bike, wait the extra two months to make sure you can ride the bike comfortably for years.

Ready to Ruck
05-07-06, 09:13 PM
went to his house, rode for a block, gave him the cash. word.
it's nice, quick, and agile. surely not suited for long distance but good for a commuter or around-towner. My stem's about 20-30mm longer seriously so that will be a significantjump in aero-position. it's nice for sure and I conquered all the hills in my path haha. Oh yeah but I do have killer road rash on my right arm and a lump on me noggin. I wanted to coast to look over my shoulder. ugh. It taught me though, I took it easier afterwards. My friend just bought a peugot conversion yesterday too that a mechanic brought to a party. bike rides 'n' high fives.

here's the posting:http://austin.craigslist.org/bik/158457132.html
something like a 48-16...

ChicagoxBoston
05-08-06, 12:20 AM
are you speaking texan?? my goodness, you write like gwb + a wood chipper procreated. . .

Ready to Ruck
05-08-06, 06:01 AM
Yeah I speak Texan. Here in Texas we do things a little differently than you; we ride more and bit.ch on the internet less.