Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Questions about getting a fixed gear...HELP!

My precious road bike got stolen and now I'm thinking about getting a fixed-gear - after all, I rarely switched gears on my road bike. I live in San Francisco and have tried riding my friends' fixies and simply love them! But I have no idea on where to begin. I'm about 5'7 - what would be a good frame size for me? Is there a difference between a fixed-gear bike and single-speed? I've been looking on craigslist for a used bike...I'm hoping to find a decent fixie for less than $350. I'm looking for a fairly light-wright bike so I can make it up the hills in SF. Is this even possible? Finally, what are some brands I should look for in this price range? Are there any good websites where I can browse fixed-gear bikes? Sorry for all these questions. Any help would be great! THANKS!

ugh

i'll say it!


kiloTT!

read every 4th thread on the board and all your questions will be answered.

1. Frame sizes are the same between fixed gears and road bikes. Whatever frame size you rode on your old bike will apply here.

2. Fixed gear means if the wheel is turning, so are the pedals. You pedal backwards, the wheel goes backwards. Single speed involves a freewheel so you can coast, meaning you can stop pedaling while going down a hill.

3. You can convert and old road bike for a lot less than $350, but if you want an actual "track" frame, the Kilo TT from bikesdirect.com seems to be popular as an entry level bike for $350.

4. Fixed gear gallery has a lot of pictures for you get ideas, or you can just check out the sticky picture thread at the top of this forum.


The rest of you: Be nice. At least he is trying to understand what a fixed gear bike is before he buys one.

bikes direct

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

will answer many of your questions

you just walked into the lions den.

he's in san francisco. at least he's not near the tigers.

http://www.cantstopthebleeding.com/img/s&g1027.jpg

This might help, Kilo TT.
http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott.htm

If you know the frame size and dimensions of your roadie frame, you can use the same for your FG frame. Check out the bike co-ops in your area. Lots of expertise and they may be able to help you find a bike and not get ripped off. And since your friends have FGs, ask for their advice too.

test ride bikes, and for the ones you like, figure out what geometry they are so you can look into similar frames.

for a good entry level aggressive geometry bike, the kilo TT is a great choice

for a more relaxed ride, iro mark V is a good one too.

welcome to da world of fixed gears and single speeds