Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Any One Interested in Polished Aluminum SS/FG

Hi

I am interested in comments on a SS/FG with polished aluminum frame, investment crown 4130 fork, precision hubs and 30mm rims.

Especially interested in ideas of fair selling price

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t213/bikedoctor/sst_al_2100.jpg

Here is link to real big picture with better detail:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/images/sst_al_2100.jpg

That's nice

It would be nicer without decals though tbh

That's nice

It would be nicer without decals though tbh

That is one of the things about polished or brushed aluminum
you can do about anything you like to it
This frame is not painted

I would like to see it with a beefier fork to better compliment the frame's larger tubes. I'm saying $329 to $349 tops.

I would like to see it with a beefier fork to better compliment the frame's larger tubes. I'm saying $329 to $349 tops.

I would go with a carbon fork, even if it means a little more money. An aluminum frame with a steel fork is a little anachronistic at this point.

I would like to see it with a beefier fork to better compliment the frame's larger tubes. I'm saying $329 to $349 tops.


Thanks for the input
The fork in person is very nice - like KILO TT fork
but maybe a big AL or Carbon Fork would be nicer

On price - in 2009 price terms; it would be impossable even for us to get close to $329
of course, Steel SST with less expensive wheels is currently selling so fast we can not keep in stock
and I am just wondering on this type bike if anyone really wants Aluminum

I would go with a carbon fork, even if it means a little more money. An aluminum frame with a steel fork is a little anachronistic at this point.

good point
and a straight blade CF fork might be more modern looking

we may stock that too

Yeah...it definately needs a carbon fork. That would make it way more appealing, even if it does drive up cost a bit.
Also, whats the point of rack and fender eyelets for a frame that is clearly not designed for such things?

It looks pretty tight...what sort of geometry are we talking about here?

and I am just wondering on this type bike if anyone really wants Aluminum

You have plenty of low-cost models. I think you have plenty of room to do something a little more expensive with better components all around. What you need is an aluminum model that is reminiscent of a Bianchi Pista Concept. If you get the look right (you have a very good start here with the frame and the wheels, but it has to look like a track bike), something like that would sell like hotcakes for $600. A carbon fork will definately improve the look.

http://www.bikyle.com/images/BianchiPistaConcept_07.jpg

Yeah...it definately needs a carbon fork. That would make it way more appealing, even if it does drive up cost a bit.
Also, whats the point of rack and fender eyelets for a frame that is clearly not designed for such things?

It looks pretty tight...what sort of geometry are we talking about here?

Geo is actually traditional road

EYELETS and RACK BRAZE-ONS - I like these as they do not hurt the function of the bike and they add ulitity for those that want the. More and more people commuting; many on SS/FG - AND I think that is great. This bike can setup easy with fenders and rear rack for those that want to use it that way.

This bike is not a 'track' bike - but a SS/FG for street use

Geo is actually traditional road

EYELETS and RACK BRAZE-ONS - I like these as they do not hurt the function of the bike and they add ulitity for those that want the. More and more people commuting; many on SS/FG - AND I think that is great. This bike can setup easy with fenders and rear rack for those that want to use it that way.

This bike is not a 'track' bike - but a SS/FG for street use

Just looking at that frame...it doesn't appear that fenders would be an easy fit.
I'm with you 100% on the importance of functionality, but tarck sells better. Especially since you already have plenty of "functional" models available.

Just looking at that frame...it doesn't appear that fenders would be an easy fit.
I'm with you 100% on the importance of functionality, but tarck sells better. Especially since you already have plenty of "functional" models available.


Fenders will fit - but you are right they are tight
and we expect that more people who want Fenders would like the Fantom Cross UNO better

Good point on high-end AL track like Bianchi or Fuji
but street bikes do way out sell track
that is just the numbers

No reason for us to not have both

You have plenty of low-cost models. I think you have plenty of room to do something a little more expensive with better components all around. What you need is an aluminum model that is reminiscent of a Bianchi Pista Concept. If you get the look right (you have a very good start here with the frame and the wheels, but it has to look like a track bike), something like that would sell like hotcakes for $600. A carbon fork will definately improve the look.

http://www.bikyle.com/images/BianchiPistaConcept_07.jpg


I really like the looks of this Bianchi
but can not find it on their site

How much is this bike?

http://www.bikyle.com/Track.asp

Scroll down
about $600, but out of stock

http://www.bikyle.com/Track.asp

Scroll down
about $600, but out of stock

That is a framest for $600
I can do the entire bike for that
or something like Fuji Track Pro spec

I would like the original but with a carbon fork fersure.

Any pics similar to this of the phantom cross uno yet?

That is a framest for $600
I can do the entire bike for that
or something like Fuji Track Pro spec


i have a feeling if you could do something like that, you'd sell every one you make.

If it was spec'd like a Fuji Track Pro, I would expect a better frame, even at $600. I'd pass at that price.

How much would the price jump if you offered that baby hard anodized?

Any pics similar to this of the phantom cross uno yet?

Should have those next week

If it was spec'd like a Fuji Track Pro, I would expect a better frame, even at $600. I'd pass at that price.

sorry
you did not understand me
if it was like the Binachi or Fuji AL pro level
it would be frames like those
not like this street/road frame

i have a feeling if you could do something like that, you'd sell every one you make.

Absolutely. Consider how hard it is to get a Pista Concept. They are always sold out everywhere. I suggest a very track oriented model, but be sure to drill the front fork for a brake, so as not to scare people away (including me), and you have a definite winner.

Fenders will fit - but you are right they are tight
and we expect that more people who want Fenders would like the Fantom Cross UNO better

Good point on high-end AL track like Bianchi or Fuji
but street bikes do way out sell track
that is just the numbers

No reason for us to not have both

Not track....TARCK...A track-like bike intended for the street....thats what is in greatest demand at the $600 pricepoint, if similar in looks and quality to the Fuji or Bianchi.

i have anxiously been waiting to hear more about the dawes sst al . I have been waiting to buy myself one, and one for the old lady (who currently rides a heavy heavy trek pure)

+1 for a carbon fork, and I would really like to see the seat from the dawes SST on this SST AL. I love my SST seat.

I think it will be a great seller.

my credit card is waiting....

I have a thing for Al frames.

Make a Concept or FTP lookalike, make sure it's a TRACK FRAME (i.e. tight geometry, steep angles) and watch the profits roll in.

would be nice: essentially, a copy of the Jamis Sputnik frameset. Reynolds 631, Maxway frame, & Easton CF fork.

ooooh bikesdirect version of a ftp/pista concept.

if there is a demand and "want" . . then BD usually makes it happen, has in the past

lets go

would be nice: essentially, a copy of the Jamis Sputnik frameset. Reynolds 631, Maxway frame, & Easton CF fork.

don't think you're getting Easton on a $600 budget, buddy.

My picks:
Aluminum frame - NO LOGOS or very minimal/hidden like Leader's alu frame. Very fashionable colors -- deep purple, florescent green, baby blue, flat black, gloss white, polished alu. Integrated generic headset.

Colored Formula hubs to a medium-profile rim. If you can get Mavic CXP22s or something similar that would be ballin'. Black NMSW?

Generic carbon integrated fork, no logos. Drilled for brake maybe?

Track drops, black with black wrap. Narrow, no muss, no fuss.

Black chain.

Some decent cranks... better than Truvativ but not Sugino 75. Perhaps black Sugino RD?

Seatpost/stem - generic black, I suppose...

Saddle - same generic one, everyone replaces stock saddles anyway.

No reason this can't be done between $600 and $700.

Hi

I am interested in comments on a SS/FG with polished aluminum frame, investment crown 4130 fork, precision hubs and 30mm rims.

Especially interested in ideas of fair selling price

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t213/bikedoctor/sst_al_2100.jpg

Here is link to real big picture with better detail:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/images/sst_al_2100.jpg

I think that this bike looks great, although a little different than this particular forum's tastes. Its lightweight, has road geometry, and rack/fender eyelets, perfect for just getting around or commuting. I really like that style of fork, but a carbon fork would probably be more functional, as the frame is alu. I would think that a bike like this would probably be worth 5-600. I'm assuming the rear hub will be flip/flop?

Offer a concept/fuji style frame for a little less than a concept, and you will have a fast seller.

Just get a nice track geo frame, with the real wheel cutout like the Pista Concept/FTP/ect with a generic carbon fork.
Put a decent crankset and cog on it.
Add a good wheel set, and your pretty much set.
Those are the most important parts in my mind. The rest is really just adding pretty factor, which most people will replace anyways.
And I say don't add a front brake hole, or any fender mounts ect. You already have plenty of "track" bikes designed for road use/commuting.
Just make a straight up track bike, designed for the track, no questions ask.
If people want to use it on the road, that's up to them, but I'd be really interested in buying a pure bred track bike on the cheap, for use on the track.

Why not just sell a decent frameset? No offense, but if I were to buy something like this, I would probably replace every part on it.

sorry
you did not understand me
if it was like the Binachi or Fuji AL pro level
it would be frames like those
not like this street/road frame

My mistake. If you can seriously offer a bike that is the quality of a Bianchi Concept, designed specifically for the track with quality components for $600...even $800 you couldn't make enough of them to satsify the demand.

as far as decals go, i'd like to see something where it only uses the maple leaves and do something cool with that. but i want see pics of the cross uno.

Fuji Track Pro clone with some nice parts shipped for $600 would sell pretty well I bet. Do a naked aluminium one and you will have a winner.

Dear Mr. BikesDirect,

You have a customer on another thread who could use some help.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=451382

Dear Mr. BikesDirect,

You have a customer on another thread who could use some help.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=451382

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS

I do a twice daily search on BF with term 'bikesdirect' and this did not pop up
no clue why

Of course, I have PM'd the OP to get details so I can have the office handle on Monday

I'm going to have to agree with some of the other people on here. Make something similar to the Pista Concept/Fuji Track Pro for a decent price...Or if you wanted to be a little more original, you could make something similar to the classic blue Cannondale Track bike. Most importantly though, make it somewhere between 500 and 600 dollars, no more...I think that's totally do-able. I think if you get up to 800 its too much. My LBS is selling a fuji track pro for $979.00., so it's a case of why not just spend the extra 180 bucks on the real deal.

A lot of people dig on the beefier look of an aluminum frame (even though they aren't usually as strong as steel). I don't see why you would have any problems selling it considering both the fuji and bianchi counterparts are always sold out.

radial lace the front wheel from the factory. If you can add integrated headset for $10 manufacturing/parts cost do it.

If this was available today I'd buy it even as pictured. It would come apart right away and get copper plated.

I'd vote for a bianchi concept style frame w/carbon fork. I'm too poor for a real frameset :lol:

with the existing dawes sst build and a carbon fork, i'd pay $400, but no more-- though i wouldn't consider it if it had an aluminum (or even steel) fork.
i'm curious, will this have clearance for full fenders (slim ones, specifically the small honjos)? i'm always on the lookout for an inexpensive way to replace my too-heavy nishiki conversion rain/lockup bike.

will you sell framesets also? i'm definitely interested if so, possibly even if not!

I would definitely be interested. A carbon fork would do wonders. Having a bit more of a track geometry would be nice too, but not a make or break deal.

It's kinda funny... it's like those threads where someone asks how to convert their french bike-boom POS that they paid too much for.
Every response to 'aluminum track bike' says 'YES! Like Pista Concept,' but there's the pic with the steel fork and the road geo.
Shoulda asked first, every time.

I really appreciate the responses:

I can see several things;

1 - the price change for 2009 has not sunk in ~~ we are getting used to $4 a gallon of gas as we pay it daily. But the increase of bikes like a entry Trek road with 2200 to $880 takes awhile to sink in. Anything received or ordered now is subject to that increase.

2 - Many like the idea of CF fork on Aluminum SS/FG - I think it is a good idea for looks {however, the investment chrown 4130 fork on this sample rides as good as a CF fork - and costs about the same - but does no look as good or have as much preceived value** On second run of the SST-AL I will change to CF fork.

3 - Seems to be a lot of interest in PRO TRACK type bike. I have already requested quote and will order a bike like this right away. Which means in about 6 months we will have one. It will be called MOTOBECANE PRO TRACK and sell for about 50% off equal bikes at that time.

I really get a lot of good ideas from these forums
Thanks
Mike

^^^ Thank you!

how much for just the frame only?

I It will be called MOTOBECANE PRO TRACK and sell for about 50% off equal bikes at that time.

I don't get the "branding" on these bikes. I mean, your stuff looks pretty good, why not drop the names and create your own "house brand".

how much for just the frame only?


Do not know
But I'll get a quote
With fork and haedset
[my guess would be $299 delivered]