Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Situation - Flite over Kona

Before you start reading this, please note that I've already done endless hours of searching on these boards. I like to do my homework before I make large purchases and I'm just trying to get more second opinions on this situation

Original Plan:

I was to buy the last 07 Kona Paddy Wagon from my LBS in a couple weeks. Would have been done and set. I would've been satisfied and happy. It would have been used as a work-commuter/weekend-warrior while I used my Marin as the workhorse.

Problem:

I rode into the LBS today to find a specific size allen wrench and inquired about the Kona. They said it had been sold and wouldn't get any more until the end of the next month, when the 08's would arrive. I don't think I can hold out that long.

Possible solution:

Go to the next LBS down the street and pick up their last '07 Flite 100 (In red color).

Questions and Problems to the Possible Solution

1. The guy who owns the LBS with the KHS's said that the flite has a flip-flop hub (but without a cog on the freewheel side, so there's just threads for now, 20 bucks to get a new cog on). I felt the threads and it didn't seem very freewheel-ish.

2. The guy also recommended a front brake, said it would cost 50 bucks to buy/install.

3. Does this thing have track bars or road bars? I couldn't tell.

4. Does $550 sound like a good deal. (It would be 620 after the new cog/brake is installed)

5. How does this compare to the Kona PW? I tested the PW when they still had it, loved it. Didn't have the cajonas to test the flite seeing as to how it had a fixed gear and I've never ridden fixed before.

6. They make 2007 KHS Flite 100's in red?

7. Can I de-badge it?Second possible solution

Wait for the 08' Kona's to arrive.

Questions to Second possible solution

1. When do they arrive?
Sorry about the organization, I had too many thoughts and questions to ask. Bundling them up into one paragraph would've been unpleasant to read.

1. The guy who owns the LBS with the KHS's said that the flite has a flip-flop hub (but without a cog on the freewheel side, so there's just threads for now, 20 bucks to get a new cog on). I felt the threads and it didn't seem very freewheel-ish.
I think this means there's no freewheel on it. The threads you see are on the hub. You'll need to buy/install something like this: http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/singlespeed.html#freewheels


3. Does this thing have track bars or road bars? I couldn't tell.
KHS site says track...


6. They make 2007 KHS Flite 100's in red?
According to the site, the 2006 is red: http://www.khsbicycles.com/07_flite_100_06.htm and the 2007 is shown in gray: http://www.khsbicycles.com/05_flite_100_07.htm - I don't really know if that means it's really a 2006 or not...just pointing that out...


Second possible solution

Wait for the 08' Kona's to arrive.
I'm notoriously impatient and go with impulse buys rather than what I really want. From experience, I'll suggest you go with what you want, not what you can get right this instant...but, I know that's hard to do sometimes...

I think this means there's no freewheel on it. The threads you see are on the hub. You'll need to buy/install something like this: http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/singlespeed.html#freewheels

That's probably what he meant when he said 20 dollars to install the new ss cog


According to the site, the 2006 is red: http://www.khsbicycles.com/07_flite_100_06.htm and the 2007 is shown in gray: http://www.khsbicycles.com/05_flite_100_07.htm - I don't really know if that means it's really a 2006 or not...just pointing that out...

Possible that he's trying to sell me an 06 model? Is there any way I can tell by looking at the bike frame?


I'm notoriously impatient and go with impulse buys rather than what I really want. From experience, I'll suggest you go with what you want, not what you can get right this instant...but, I know that's hard to do sometimes...

It's..very..hard. I've saved up all this money, ready to buy in one week and I find out my PD's sold. I wasn't 100% set on the PD though. I've always kept an open mind and was pretty open to San Jose's or Flite's. Matter of fact, my candidate list was as follows: 07 Paddy Wagon, 07 Flite 100, 08 San Jose, 08 925

1. The guy who owns the LBS with the KHS's said that the flite has a flip-flop hub (but without a cog on the freewheel side, so there's just threads for now, 20 bucks to get a new cog on). I felt the threads and it didn't seem very freewheel-ish.

2. The guy also recommended a front brake, said it would cost 50 bucks to buy/install.


1. There's no coasting mechanism in the hub itself; you buy a BMX freewheel (or something similar) and thread it onto the freewheel side threads.

2. If you already have the necessary tools (mainly cable cutters), you could pick up a 105 brake on nashbar for quite a bit less than that.

Dude that sucks that you missed out on the Paddywagon and I don't mean to rub salt in the wound, but I just got mine on Wednesday and it is an awesome bike. If you can wait, I say do it, or try another shop and see if they have one.

Oh yeah the guy at the Kona shop told me that the only way I could get another 07 before the 08's come out is to pay an extra $45 for shipping. So I'd pay 695 for it instead.

And no I can't wait. How much difference is there between the PD and the Flite? The Flite will save me some cash. All I gotta do is add a freewheel and a front brake and I'd be set. I just don't want to get jipped by buying an 06 flite for the same price as an 07 flite.

The Paddy Wagon has more relaxed geometry than the Flite. The Flite leans towards track geometry so would be a bit more aggressive in the handling aspect.

I belive that you are looking at an 06 model look at the cranks 06's came with turvativ's where the 07's are sungino's, my recomendation would be to get the flite if its an 07, the bars are standard Drops, if its an 06 try to talk him down a bit more, And dont pay that much for a brake go on nashbar and get one cheaper

How is it that there are Paddy Wagons available but you can't get your name on it without paying extra? If the distributor has what you want, you should be able to pay for it now and then wait for the shop's order to accumulate to the point where it's feasible for them to consume the shipping costs. If it's a now or never thing, the '07 PW comes with TWO brakes, a fixed cog AND a freewheel. To turn the Flite into the PW, you would have to buy two brakes (40$), two levers (20$), cables and housing (10$) and a freewheel (10$), not including installation. Since you're going to be running it freewheel, at least initially, the PW sounds like a better deal.
Also, if it matters, the '08 PW should be available around the middle of August, give or take a week or two. It looks like this (http://www.bike2build.nl/morepics/kona2008/pages/paddy%20wagon.html). I think it's pretty neat.

Sounds kindy fishy that they CAN get an 07, but it would cost you more money, while you would have to wait for an 08 and not pay more. Like Grimlock says, usually your LBS will be able to ask how many orders they need to qualify for free or discounted shipping. this is the case with the LBS that I help out at a day or two a week. Unless he is going to be shipping me the bike somewhere outside of Champaign, I dont think he, or any decent retailer, would/should tag you with the shipping.
Do you know if the 08 will cost more, thus increasing their desire for you to get it?

The color scheme on that 08 looks a bit ...different. I sorta liked the darker tones of the 07.

And as for that shipping thing, it did sound kindy fishy when he told me that considering another shop I went to that day told me they could special order 07 raleigh one-ways with not additional shipping charges. They actually looked at me kinda funny when I asked if I had to pay shipping.

Third Possible Solution

Cayne Uno

It looks decent, I've heard Ok things about it, no horror stories. The other LBS one city over said they could get it for me for 400-450. That leaves 200-250 for me to replace anything I don't like.

I just noticed something, the 06 Flite retailed for 650. The guy at the LBS offered it to me at 550. ???

If you really want the Kona ask the LBS to track an '07 down for you from another LBS. Any decent LBS will be willing to do this for you; I've done it several times.

if you do go for instant gratification on the KHS, test-ride it first!! I mean, you want to know what ayou are getting into right? If you don't, and you are 'settling' it seems like a sure way to buyers' remorse.

Test riding a fixed gear with no fixed gear experience raises a question or two. First, how do I push off of it? It's got cages and straps so here's how I'd think I'd do it: put your left foot in the left cage and then push off and flip the right pedal right-side-up and stick your right foot in the pedal all in one motion.

If I can figure out a way to test-ride that Flite and not make an ass out of myself or fall on my ass, I'd take it for a test and probably end up buying it followed by a SS gear installation so I can learn the bike before I learn fixed gear.

Oh and the LBS with the Kona's didn't seem to want to get me another Wagon. Either they don't think I'm serious or they're lazy. Either way I'm going back there on my next day off to see what's up.

Test riding a fixed gear with no fixed gear experience raises a question or two. First, how do I push off of it? It's got cages and straps so here's how I'd think I'd do it: put your left foot in the left cage and then push off and flip the right pedal right-side-up and stick your right foot in the pedal all in one motion.

If I can figure out a way to test-ride that Flite and not make an ass out of myself or fall on my ass, I'd take it for a test and probably end up buying it followed by a SS gear installation so I can learn the bike before I learn fixed gear.

it's not brain surgery ...just don't forget that you can't just
stop pedaling like with a freewheel. otherwise getting into
the pedals almost the same as any other bike; if you miss
the first revolution of the cranks, wait for the next one.

...everyone has to start somewhere.

Buy an IRO instead.

Test riding a fixed gear with no fixed gear experience raises a question or two. First, how do I push off of it? It's got cages and straps so here's how I'd think I'd do it: put your left foot in the left cage and then push off and flip the right pedal right-side-up and stick your right foot in the pedal all in one motion.

If I can figure out a way to test-ride that Flite and not make an ass out of myself or fall on my ass, I'd take it for a test and probably end up buying it followed by a SS gear installation so I can learn the bike before I learn fixed gear.

Oh and the LBS with the Kona's didn't seem to want to get me another Wagon. Either they don't think I'm serious or they're lazy. Either way I'm going back there on my next day off to see what's up.
Yeah, I don't think it's as hard as you might think, although I had a hard time with the toe-clips and straps...I would have gotten used to it eventually, but I had a pair of egg beaters available, so I put those on and it was much easier for me. Granted, I can't really do any cool mounts or dismounts with clipless, but.

Doesn't sound like the LBS you're dealing with is all that helpful...perhaps your money would be better spent elsewhere :rolleyes:

If you have a few basic tools, have you looked into anything from BikesDirect? The Windsor The Hour (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/thehour.htm) ($299), Mercier Kilo TT (http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott.htm) ($349), and the Motobecane Messenger (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/messenger.htm) ($349) are all pretty popular here.

Some people give them crap because of the famous brand names they use despite being the same Taiwanese frames most other manufacturers use. However, if you are on a budget, don't mind doing a little work (took me all of 15 minutes to get mine setup), and don't mind buying a bike sight-unseen, then you can't really beat it. I went with the Motobecane because it comes with both front and back brakes. It also comes with a freewheel that you can put on.

Just throwing that out there...I was in the same boat as you, and considering the same models as you (Paddy Wagon, Flite 100, and 925), but eventually settled with the BikesDirect, mainly because of price because it is my first fixed gear and I wasn't sure I was going to stick with it, and didn't want to sink $600+ into it. Plus, if you like it, you'll have money left over in your budget to replace things like the saddle, handlebar, pedals if you want, tools, whatever...

find another bike shop. The '08 looks like it's just a new color scheme.

the Kona has a very comfortable geometry compared to the KHS. Something about the Kona makes pretty Sh7tty roads easier to tollerate.

I've been riding my '07 Kona since Jan. I started riding it like this:http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v61/195/94/1574640024/n1574640024_30001384_1169.jpg

now it's like this:
http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v77/195/94/1574640024/n1574640024_30002195_8285.jpg

just some ideas.

I freekin' love my Kona.

find another bike shop. The '08 looks like it's just a new color scheme.

the Kona has a very comfortable geometry compared to the KHS. Something about the Kona makes pretty Sh7tty roads easier to tollerate.

I've been riding my '07 Kona since Jan. I started riding it like this:http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v61/195/94/1574640024/n1574640024_30001384_1169.jpg

now it's like this:
http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v77/195/94/1574640024/n1574640024_30002195_8285.jpg

just some ideas.

I freekin' love my Kona.

Dude, what are those fenders? I'd love to get a set for my Paddy, which so far ahs given me two mystery flats and is now sitting behind my bar at home. I figured that is where it would be the most comfortable.
Also, having riden yours for the better parts of a year, did you have any issues with yours that you could give me a heads up on? Thanks in advance.

Nice, BadAss Coffee Co. is good stuff (I'm assuming you took that pic in Hawaii?)

if you are going to run a freewheel,you need two brakes

Ok that's it, I'm officially pursuing an IRO Jamie Roy. That is unless the 08 Paddy Wagons come out in two weeks.

I have a KHS Flite now and I like it a lot. It's stiff, bombproof (double butted Reynolds 520, yet not as heavy as you'd expect out of regular 4130) and the geometry fits my preferences (track). Also, not too expensive and I prefer the aesthetics of it over the other entry level track frames, which is a plus. My only objection is the threadless stem because I prefer threaded but that's okay.

flite +1 if it's comfortable for you--
and make sure it is.

Gurgus: Those are SKS fenders. I think I got em from Harris Cyclery online. I have had a few mystery flats but my friend that I ride with(who works at the lbs) was changing a flat for me today (I can change flats but he likes working on bikes so..) he was like, "oh this rim liner is ****" so he made a new one for me. I think that's where the mystery flats come from, the rim lining is too thin for any air press. over 90psi. Other than that, The Conti tire/ Sun rim combo is a ***** when you're trying to fixaflat, cause the bead is soo stiff. and the Contis wear out really fast if you skid alot. But structurally and parts are no problemo. I think my chain may have stretched out, but I do need to replace it by next mnth.

Andre: We have a Badass in Pensacola, FL. One the few really good coffee shops. Unfortunately it's losing business to the the 5 starbucks around it...*Consumer *****s*

Wow, people just don't know good coffee when they taste it... and I was here the whole time thinking Badass Coffee Co. was exclusively a Hawaii thing.

flite for the track kona for the street nuff said

Sounds kindy fishy that they CAN get an 07, but it would cost you more money, while you would have to wait for an 08 and not pay more. Like Grimlock says, usually your LBS will be able to ask how many orders they need to qualify for free or discounted shipping. this is the case with the LBS that I help out at a day or two a week. Unless he is going to be shipping me the bike somewhere outside of Champaign, I dont think he, or any decent retailer, would/should tag you with the shipping.
Do you know if the 08 will cost more, thus increasing their desire for you to get it?

I almost bought a 07 Langster but the bike shop wanted $25 for shipping so I went elsewhere.

How are the 08 Langsters btw? I've seen the full line at one LBS. The chicago looks a bit flashy while the black Langster looks decent (albeit under-coat stickers). They're well within my price range also.