Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Ok - Help Me Find a Bike That Meets These Criteria

Basically, the fixed gear that I have been lusting after is going to take longer than expected for me to get my hands on - something in the neighborhood of 8 weeks which, with the summer upon us, is unacceptable.

So - I'm looking for something to fill the void. I need a new city bike anyways.

I've done a TON of reading and research on the myriad of frames available, but at this point the finer feature of each are kind of a blur. Perhaps you guys can help.

Which bike (preferably off the rack, but frame only and build to suit is possible)

*will allow me to run fixed / ss
*will accept an internally geared hub later on down the road perhaps (3 - 5 speed max)
*will accept fenders
*will accommodate a front rack / basket (not essential, but would be really nice)
*will accept a rear rack

Above those things I'd prefer steel, would like something at least kind of fun / zippy and would like to keep the price point below a grand if I can.

If nothing springs to mind, I might just buy something like the Masi CX, though for my day-to-day commuting and errands I really don't need the gears.

Thoughts????

Oh, if it's not clear, I'm still going to get the fixed gear I've been thinking about, I just want something to ride around while I wait ... planning to run it fixed for starters and make the other mods once my fixed gear comes in.

Thanks!

IRO Phoenix,
Has the cable stops for an IGH, and all the brazeons you could want.

Ding! We may have a winner.

Surly Cross Check?

The Cross Check was also on my mental list of options, but I think it would end up costing more than the IRO ... complete it comes with a whole lot of things I don't want / need, and building it up how I'd like it I think will cost more than the IRO complete build. With the IRO I can add / change things (racks and such, and maybe the IGH) once my other fixed gets built.

Anyone have anything that seems better than the IRO Phoenix?

Also, how are IROs for sizing? I fit a 56cm road bike and a 54cm Pista. By the looks of the IRO sizing chart I'd be on a 58cm Phoenix, which seems kinda big. I'm 5"11 with a 36 inch inseam but a short upper body - I wouldn't want anything longer than a 56cm top tube.

Thoughts?

yeah...say "please"

kids these days...

yeah...say "please"

kids these days...
And your saying this because? Please tell me, Grandpa.

The Cross Check was also on my mental list of options, but I think it would end up costing more than the IRO ... complete it comes with a whole lot of things I don't want / need, and building it up how I'd like it I think will cost more than the IRO complete build. With the IRO I can add / change things (racks and such, and maybe the IGH) once my other fixed gets built.

Anyone have anything that seems better than the IRO Phoenix?

Also, how are IROs for sizing? I fit a 56cm road bike and a 54cm Pista. By the looks of the IRO sizing chart I'd be on a 58cm Phoenix, which seems kinda big. I'm 5"11 with a 36 inch inseam but a short upper body - I wouldn't want anything longer than a 56cm top tube.

Thoughts?

Something better than the Phoenix? I don't know, I'm not a Doctor. Wait wha? If your still unsure, give them a call on sizing, I'm sure they'll help you out with it. So what 'other' bike are you getting after your done with this 'temp' bike or whatever?

Yes, the Phoenix looks pretty darn good.

I'm getting a custom Marinoni Pista at some point. I thought sooner, looks like its going to be later. C'est la vie.

yeah...say "please"

kids these days...


I thought the general tone of my initial post, the thanks! in my second post and my use of intelligible English would suffice. Guess not.

Ok - Please, please could you help me out here? Thanks.

That said, I think the first respondent hit the nail on the head for me. To him, much thanks and good karma.

Oh, and "temp" bike is not quite how I'm looking at it.

I have a road bike, and I need / want a fixed gear and a good city / errand bike to replace the one I have which is dying a slow death.

I thought I was going to get the Pista first and the errand bike second. I'm just getting them in reverse order, and I'm going to ride the IRO fixed for the summer before turning it over to be my commuter / errand bike / jack of all trades. The Pista will probably have to wait until next Spring now, but that's OK - I'd rather have something fun to ride for most of this summer and wait on that bike a bit.

I think it'll work out pretty well.

Salsa Casseroll single has no limitations. Comes with a Flip Flop, plenty room for a fender. Can even be converted to geared (has a der hanger and all the stops).

Bianchi San Jose

Bianchi San Jose

This is what a bunch of the commuter forum guys ride. There have also been a ton of posts there about the Phoenix. Might be worth checking out.

Raleigh One Way

salsa casseroll single has no limitations. Comes with a flip flop, plenty room for a fender. Can even be converted to geared (has a der hanger and all the stops).

+1

18 posts and I'm the first to bring up the Fantom Cross Uno (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/uno.htm)?!


http://velospace.org/files/IMG_0288.jpg

Masi Speciale Commuter.

Has horizontal dropouts which means it'll take a derailleur or IGH hub later. Also makes changing a flat tire when you've got fenders on a LOT easier. Can take fenders and racks front and rear. Made of steel. Flip-flop hub.

http://www.masibikes.com/gallery/albums/album-29/lg/speciale_commuter.jpg

San Jose. I ride it and love it. Think I'd rather have that Masi though....nice, but more expensive (I think).

18 posts and I'm the first to bring up the Fantom Cross Uno (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/uno.htm)?!


http://velospace.org/files/IMG_0288.jpg

I've been doing a search on that exact bike. You're correct, there's virtually no posts on that bike.

why not convert a mtb frame? they have enough clearance to run fenders and you can probably run racks on them as well.