Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Newcomer!

Hi!

It's been about 7 years since I've ridden a bicycle on a regular basis. With gas prices going up, and my health in decline, I think it's a pretty good time to get back on.

I was wondering if I could get some advice on what type of bike is right for me. I will riding mostly around my city, about 5 to 10 miles a trip, and have about $400 to spend. I would prefer a new bike to keep maintenance to a minimum, but I am open to suggestions.

I recently visited a local bike shop and had the chance to ride out a few single speeds, and the ride was quite fun, which is why I decided to post in this forum.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Jourdan

Welcome Jourdan.

One of the nice things about a single speed is that maintenance will always be minimal once you get it in good working order, whether it's new or not (you get the same benefit from an internally geared hub like a 3 or 5 speed btw if you decide you want gears).

Some questions you might want to think about...Will you be using this to carry things? How much? You can carry things on pretty much any bike, but if this is going to be your grocery getter you will want racks or basket.

Is this going to be your main transportation or more of a supplemental fun thing? Again, basically asking if you want something fun and zippy or more practical. (or some compromise of the two)

Finally, just get out and ride as many as you can to get a feel for what works best for you.

Given the price limit of $400, I would go with a used bike. This way you can get quality parts for less.
In terms of type, I would go with a road/track bike over a mountain bike since you said you would do city riding. Go with a relaxed geometry, no need for anything twitchy.

redrum 781 from the garden BLOCC

Schwinn Madison for $50.00 more than your willing to spend. I heard people have gotten them at Performance Bikes for less! Itll be brand new and you'll be getting a fine machine. :thumb:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/stumpyspic/maddy002.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/stumpyspic/maddy001.jpg

less bikes, more katanas

For $400 you're limited to used, or Bikes Direct, basically. The Motobecane Messenger from BD might fit the ticket for an around town SS.

Get a factory bike like a Lager or the Dawes for 350 - 400 bucks then gradually part it up and build a second bike on a better frame later. That way you can start riding right away and get used to maintaining and building your own bikes which has obvious advantages.

beerfilter

what terrain is your city? road conditions?

Here are some singlespeed bikes that are on sale at bikesdirect.com that fits your price range.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm

Everything was taken into consideration, and after much deliberation, I decided to put a few more dollars into my investment.

I shopped around, rode a few beauties (Specialized Langster, Schwinn Madison, Windsor The Hour, Surly Steamroller), and loved every minute on the road.

But the good folks at Tip Top Bike Shop in Berkeley, CA (big thanks to Richard and Sam!!) helped point me in the right direction.

Hundreds of dollars later, I am the proud owner of a 54cm Felt Dispatch! Man, do I love my baby! I rode her for a good hour and a half around Berkeley/Oakland (basically until my legs crapped out on me!).

Thank you to everyone who helped me out, gave me advice, and provided suggestions. It is much appreciated.

I hope that in time, I can contribute as much to this community as you folks have done to me.

:)

Jourdan

ps. Her name is Leah. :love:

Please allow me to be the first to say, "Pics, or it didn't happen."

:D

Pics will be up in the next day or so. I'm too busy riding her!

:thumb:

Tim (and everyone else), meet Leah.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/xxxplosive187/leah001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/xxxplosive187/leah002.jpg

:)

sick bike!!!

NICE! Way to go on the new bike, that's a great way to jump back into it.