Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Gunnar Streetdog

I am an avid roadie who is being lured to the fixie side by the minute :-) I read a lot about fixed gear, tried one out and, after recovering from the initial confusion, totally loved it. So, I am looking to get a fixed gear bike. My LBS has a new Gunnar Street Dog fully built (even fitted with both front and rear lateral pull breaks) that they are willing to cut me a great deal on (because they've been sitting on it for two years).

Does anyone have experience with this bike? Any information would be helpful.

My other option would be the Bianchi Pista, at this point.

Am looking to use the bike for commuting and training.

Thanks a lot

Rear brake on a fixed gear that is just wrong :) haha j/k

I've heard some good things about the gunnar, but never ridden one.
Harris cyclery which is a good sign, you could send him a e-mail see what he has to say about it.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/gunnar-street-dog.html

Hi, just a bit of info on both bikes. I've got a Pista and a Gunnar (a Roadie though, not a Street Dog) and, while the Pista was fun while it lasted, I regret getting it. The frame and fork are decent for the price, but they are still cheapo Taiwanese steel. The stock parts that came on it wore out quickly. I had to pretty much replace the hubs and the headset a few months after getting it. I found the Sora grade wheels too clunky. Now it's lying in pieces in my kitchen corner, gathering dust.

Gunnar on the other hand is my favorite bike company in the world. Since they are a small company, they treat you like part of the family once you buy a bike from them. Their customer service is unbeatable, and I've driven up to the Waterford factory a few times and been greeted personally by Richard Schwinn and Gunnar. Very cool folks. :) Amazing quality frames, lightweight steel, good price. The Street Dog costs a bit more but is a much much better bike overall, and it will rock your ass.

fixiechick. waterford, state? is it anywhere near chi?

Waterford is in Wisconsin. Gunnars are very nice with their 853 steel. I've heard nothing but good things about them. You may also consider looking at Surly and Soma frames as well at about half the cost of Gunnars.

Thanks a lot for your replies. Much appreciated. If I get enough money from the insurance on my old mountain bike that was lifted out of my backporch, I will go for the Gunnar. Will let you know.

Thanks again.

Originally posted by fixiechick
Now it's lying in pieces in my kitchen corner, gathering dust.
The Pista is being neglected, eh? What size frame?

Originally posted by 165-48:17
The Pista is being neglected, eh? What size frame?

51 cm. Red decals. It's not really being neglected, it's being used as a beautiful piece of art. The sharp geometry of it (76 degree seat tube angle) is nice to look at.

Re: what the Fixer said-- Surly and Soma are options as well, depending on your budget and/or how picky you are with weight. A friend of mine has a Surly Steamroller which he loves. Of course I still recommend the Gunnar. ;)

Yeah, I got a Steamroller. Always keepin my eyes open for frames though!

As you can see from my username I have a Streetdog. What can I say, great frame. It is light weight, fast, has very responsive handling both on and off road and it has that classic steel ride quality. The build is very nice with smooth clean welds. It has tons of room for large tires, fenders and mud. I use mine for commuting and singlespeed cyclocross. A very well balanced bike.
Gunnar(Waterford) really stand behind their work, when I had a paint adhesion problem after a year they repainted the entire frame free.
Happy riding.
Streetdog

I have a Gunnar Tire Biter that is my favorite 'stock' bike. VERY close to the ride quality & geometry of my Custom TET. I would highly recommend Gunnar bikes (and TET too). Great riding and handling bikes.
Mo