Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Cypress Track bike

I just bought a cypress track bike today off craigslist for $360 (will post pics tomorrow) does anyone know anything about this bike, I found their website http://gwbicycle.com/GWBicycle/track.htm and apparently they're a local Vancouver company, the track bike was designed in partnership with the Burnaby velodrome and used as rental bikes there. I haven't got around to riding it yet, but the steel (i checked it with a magnet) fork is rediclously tight, there's a 20c tire on the front wheel and there is maybe a millimetre of clearance the fork is not drilled for a brake, but the rear is (is this even stock?) I would have liked to ask the kid I bought it from some more questions about it, but I had to run off to a meeting, I'll send him an email tomorrow maybe. it has sugino messenger cranks and is geared at 77 gear inches (44x15), I think I'll put my 17 tooth cog on the other side (it's a fixed fixed hub) and use that or even pick up an 18 or 19t one. the wheels are alexrims DA22s on formula hubs. The bike has chop and flop bullhorns, if it weren't for the bars I would have thought that it was being used for track racing. wheels need truing, I'll take it to the LBS in the next day or so and get that done, and a larger cog. The bike is painted a bright yellow with cypress decals everywhere (under the clearcoat) I don't really like the colours, but it was a great deal. I eventually like to strip it down to bare aluminium, clearcoat it, and put on some pink or gold components. anyways I was wondering if anyone on here knows about the cypress track bike, and could tell me a little more about it? especially if you've ridden one, even at the velodrome, I would like to take it there someday. holla if you know anything about it.

what's there to know more if you already found the website? why not email them about it?

so get the wheels trued if necessary, tighten all the bolts etc., put on all pink components if that's your thing and ride it like you stole it. whatever.

I've ridden the Cypress at the Burnaby Velodrome. Its a decent aluminum bike. Not super light or anything, but not bad. Great western bikes also more recently made the 'Moja' steel frame, which was quite popular on the streets of Van last year.

If you are looking for a fork with more clearance to fit a 23mm tire, check out Super Champion, and they'll be able to hook you up with something. If you want to meet up with locals to ride with, check out fixedvancouver.com

If you are looking for a fork with more clearance to fit a 23mm tire, check out Super Champion, and they'll be able to hook you up with something. If you want to meet up with locals to ride with, check out fixedvancouver.com

You mean 32mm?

No.

You mean 32mm?

No I don't.


the steel (i checked it with a magnet) fork is rediclously tight, there's a 20c tire on the front wheel and there is maybe a millimetre of clearance the fork is not drilled for a brake,

Ok, here's the pics, I wanted to take it out for a ride today, but the front tire was damaged, inner tube poking through a tear, and the clearence in the fork is so tight that it was rubbing because the wheel wasn't true, I couldn't take it to the LBS because I don't have access to a car, mine is up on jackstands because of some broken clutch linkage, should be fixed in a day or so. I'll probablly get in the LBS tomorrow or thursday. anyways, here's the photos I took of it, quality isn't that great because I lost my camera when I moved last year so I took them with my 2 megapixel nokia.
http://korriban.250free.com/Image014.jpg
http://korriban.250free.com/Image015.jpg
http://korriban.250free.com/Image016.jpg
http://korriban.250free.com/Image017.jpg
http://korriban.250free.com/Image018.jpg

i like that a lot.

that stem/handlebar set-up is dopey. flip the stem or get a new that doesn't have so much of an angle.

not bad, to their credit i like the tube dimensions and shapes.

unfortunately those are the ugliest rear track ends i have ever seen ever and i think this is the first bike that ugly track ends has ever singlehandedly ruined for me.

that stem/handlebar set-up is dopey. flip the stem or get a new that doesn't have so much of an angle.
I know, I have a longer stem with less drop that's probablly going to be going on there real soon

First to notice that you need more headset spacers. Do it before you ride it. Most assuredly, the headset is loose.

not bad, to their credit i like the tube dimensions and shapes.

unfortunately those are the ugliest rear track ends i have ever seen ever and i think this is the first bike that ugly track ends has ever singlehandedly ruined for me.

HAHAHA i didnt even take note of those the first time i looked at this, is like the track end that never was.

It's a good bike at a fair price. Too bad the previous owner appears to have neglected it so much.

so are we to treat this as the "what don't you like about my bike" thread? i don't know about you're area's landscape but 44 x 17 is a really weak gear ratio, unless you are new to biking/fixed or the area is incredibly hilly, i'd run a 16 rear at the biggest, even though it sounds like your current ratio is fine. Further, as previously stated, PLEASE fix your headset spacing. Also, i would invest in a better wheelset when funds allow. while those are relatively decent, i have a friend that ran those same wheels and completely thrashed them with just everyday riding. And, of course, get a new fork so that you can run a front brake.

It's a good bike at a fair price. Too bad the previous owner appears to have neglected it so much.

Neglected? It's a ****ing fixed gear. What is there to neglect? The headset spacing is all that should be taken care of mechanically speaking.

Or are you talking about a few scuff marks on the frame from a foot obviously slapping it while pedaling and some grime? God forbid a bike actually get ridden.

Seedubs: Wow, did you sell him the bike? I'm not sure why you got so offended there. I don't know what the terms of purchase were on the bike. But when I sell something, I'd at least clean it up and make it rideable before sending it off. Not a big deal. Calm down.
TofuPowered: Vancouver is pretty hilly, and as such 44x17 isn't a bad idea. I'm running 46x17 and hills aren't a breeze.