Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Jamis Sputnik vs Kona Paddy Wagon

I will get one of these two when my tax return comes, but my question is which is the better bike? So far, I've taken the Paddy Wagon for a 10min test ride, and it feels like a generic steel bike. The Jamis seems to have a nicer frameset and much better wheels. Both bikes have mediocre cranks, but they are decent for street use. The local prices are:

Jamis: $900
Paddy Wagon: $699

In the surly opinion of this forum, which is the better bike, and why?

In the surly opinion of this forum, which is the better bike, and why?

funny you should mention the word surly..........

*cough* steamroller *cough*

but for real, i test road the kona, jamis, and surly all on the same day, and while i settled on the surly, i liked the kona second best as far as comfort and looks. i didn't inspect the parts too carefully though.

If your lbs wants $900 for a Sputnik, you need to find another lbs. The Sputnik MSRP is $725. I can get one right now from my lbs for under $700. It's a great bike for under $700. It's a 631 frame and a full carbon fork. It also has formula hubs.

If you are considering these bikes, I would Surely add the Surly Steamroller to your list!

Sputnik.
Shop around for it. I bought my '07 last year for under $750 with a lever and front brake installed.

I <3 my 08 sputnik and it retails at 725, I got mine for like 675. 900 is waaaay to much.

I paid an LBS $650 in Jan-07 for a 2006 Sputnik with no negotiation.

Al

Ok, I'm almost 99% sure its gonna be the Sputnik. Uh... maybe you guys should come and shop for bikes in Canada, because getting charged $200 - $400 over the US MSRP is the norm up here, even with the dollar at parity or .9999999 of USD. I could order online, but after shipping and GST, it wouldn't be any cheaper than buying local.

Two nice bikes. The Paddy Wagon is better suited to all weather riding (fender eyelets/tire clearance). Just depends on your intended use really.

I am really happy with my paddy wagon, takes a good beating as a commuter, the tyres are awful and the saddle leaves a lot to be desired. Other than that everything is good. I have ridden the Sputnik as well, nice bike, but as a straight commuter you can't go past the Kona.

Another biased vote here for the Paddywagon. Mines been good to me so far.

sputnik.

but don't ask ken.