Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Bike for College?

Soon winter is starting and I'd like to buy a fixed to save me some time between classes. I'm thinking I could store it outside some days, but mainly inside (to prevent rust). I'd bring my nice road bike up, but I can't bring it to the classroom :)

I don't want to spend over $400, preferrably a lot less than that. Could somebody recommend something on craigslist (I'm in Brooklyn, NYC) would be nice, as used is always better and cheaper. Or perhaps a kit where I can add on some hybrid type wheels for the snowy/rain conditions? Or a full hybrid SS bike?

Or a folder perhaps, since it'd be a ton easier to stash under the bed? What should I do! :eek:

Anything worth more than $1 is going to get stolen if left overnight outside.

Anything worth more than $1 is going to get stolen if left overnight outside.

There are cameras outside, and the bikes are left near the building's main entrance where there's a security guard. A bunch of bikes are left outside for every night and none get stolen or damaged.

You could build a conversion for real cheap.

Get a cheap road frame with the right drop-outs, get a cheap wheel with a trackhub/flip-flop, a cog/freewheel, a get a chain that fits and boom. Cheap fixed gear/SS.

There are cameras outside, and the bikes are left near the building's main entrance where there's a security guard. A bunch of bikes are left outside for every night and none get stolen or damaged.

You do that then

Okay...honestly, even if it doesn't get stolen the dorm kids are going to mess with it. We used to get drunk and add locks, swap tires with the bike next to them, whatever. You need to find a way to get it inside. Maybe hang racks above your bed and you can lay under your bikes all night haha. Only idiots leave their bike overnight.

Someone on this forum had his bike zip-tied about 50 times.

Someone on this forum had his bike zip-tied about 50 times.


damn :roflmao:

Okay, I'll keep it inside. I need a bike first though...

It is definitely doable. I currently have 2 bikes in my dorm room, nice road bike in the closet and fixed campus bike on this little shelf thing above my bed...fell over on me once, didn't hurt too bad though.

find a cheap old road bike that fits you. (make sure front brake, pedals, seat, and bars are good)

buy a bulletproof crankset, plastic pedal cages, nylon straps, bmx chain, tubes, tires and cheap track wheelset (fixed/ fixed or fixed/free) -- some come with a back cog, but a local bike shop can supply a cheap one for you.

should run you 300 or so. maybe less if you get good deals.

online specials on cheap but decent wheels all the time.

You could also just hack off the derailleurs and weld (JB Weld?) the cassette/freehub, throw the chain around a gear combination you like if you really don't give a **** about looks and just want this to be a beater.

My winter bike which was a dumpster find is like this. With fenders and a headlight, total cost was about $40.

Also...if people leave bikes outside unlocked all the time and they don't get jacked/screwed with, you sure go to a lot nicer a school than I've ever been to.

Okay...honestly, even if it doesn't get stolen the dorm kids are going to mess with it. We used to get drunk and add locks, swap tires with the bike next to them, whatever. You need to find a way to get it inside. Maybe hang racks above your bed and you can lay under your bikes all night haha. Only idiots leave their bike overnight.
that is bad bike ju ju and i can't wait 'til you get what's coming.

Anything worth more than $1 is going to get stolen if left overnight outside.

fixed ~ Anything is going to get stolen if left outside ever.. ;)

um, just go the cL, there are some cats in brookyln that seel fixed gear bikes for 100. they are all conversions, and i've had two from them. there catching title is "once u go track u never go back". anyway, they know a lot, but i don't know why they don't use real lockrings. they build it with sucide hubs. they still work. but if u think u want a really track wheel, just buy a used rear track wheel and ur done. Tada!!!!

Get a crappy old 10 speed with functional brakes, crankset and wheels. put a ss freewheel on, get a new chain brake pads and cables and your good to go. should be well under $100. Yeah, it will get stolen eventually but hey it was under $100 and nothing special to begin with.

are you at pratt? bikes seemed relatively safe there, so long as you have a really nice lock

You could build a conversion for real cheap.

Get a cheap road frame with the right drop-outs, get a cheap wheel with a trackhub/flip-flop, a cog/freewheel, a get a chain that fits and boom. Cheap fixed gear/SS.

^^ Urban Legend.

A winter bike... keeping it outside... folding bike.. Is this a joke...?

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