Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - First Timer Need's Help

I really want to get a fixed gear or single speed. I understand all the difference. I have been looking around for a couple months now I cant seem to figure out what to get or where to get it from. I have a budget of $500 to work with. I know that I like some specific things. I want a white, or light powder blue frame. I need a 55cm frame. I like riser handle bars. I want a very simple clean bike with distinct lines. I'm just looking for some direction as where to go and what to look for. I live in the Los Angeles/Ventura area of CA. I check my local Craigslist at least a couple times a day. So please if you have any ideas please let me know.

Thanks,

Eric M

ps. If this post belongs somewhere else please let me know.

Go to an LBS in an area with a fixed-gear community and have a nice chat with a staff member. If you're in LA, I recommend Orange 20 on Heliotrope and Melrose. Definitely don't buy a bike off Craigslist with zero experience. Craigslist in LA is absurd when it comes to the fixed gears for sale.

i say bikesdirect.com =]

go get ur self a windsor for 300, change the bottom bracket to a better for like 30bucks and then u'd stil have around 170( or something like that ) then go buy some deep Vs

=]

not for me, but ... http://www.republicbike.com/ They come with risers and are available in white and light blue..

You want a fixed OR a singlespeed? Are you sure you fully understand the difference between the two? They're two totally different machines.

These are great idea's so far thanks guys. LoRoK, I have ridden both fixed and single and understand the difference. I guess I say I'll take either one because I haven't developed a preference for the ride of either one yet. I can appreciated different aspects of both. I just want to get the best value for my money either way I go.

If you haven't developed a preference for riding fixed, why do you want to buy one? May want to leave yourself some options. Get something that has front + rear brakes and a flip-flop fixed/free wheel. Then once you decide what you want you can do it.

LoRoK, Thanks for the advise. The point is I don't care which I just want the best value for my money. I'm not trying to be a bike hipster guy or anything like that I just want a simple bike that looks nice and is built solid. I'm just asking for advise about where to look and what too look for as I described I my first post. I do a lot of looking on different forums for various topics and I notice that there is this condescending tone that people like to use. People often try and belittle people with less knowledge or different taste or motives. No offense to you LoRoK but I wasn't asking for someone to question my knowledge without initially offering a suggestion. I said very clearly in my second sentence "I understand all the difference's between the two". I'm just looking for advise as to where to grab a good bike online. Peace out......

Not republic bikes. I suggest finding an old steel lugged road frame for cheap on craigslist. And order the iro build kit with all the things you will need to get on the road. Build it yourself, you will learn a lot about bikes in the process and it will be much more satisfying. By some sandpaper, primer, and spray paint. Read this http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=222516. Paint it whatever color you wish. Also, you will need a threadless stem adapter. http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1033269_-1_400021_400002_400204. Also, you will need a wheelset, get a flip flop rear hub. I think people like the maviks or whatever, they are around 150. So you will have a custom bike that you built yourself that will be better than most any of the stock bikes under $500.

Not republic bikes. I suggest finding an old steel lugged road frame for cheap on craigslist. And order the iro build kit with all the things you will need to get on the road. Build it yourself, you will learn a lot about bikes in the process and it will be much more satisfying. By some sandpaper, primer, and spray paint. Read this http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=222516. Paint it whatever color you wish. Also, you will need a threadless stem adapter. http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1033269_-1_400021_400002_400204. Also, you will need a wheelset, get a flip flop rear hub. I think people like the maviks or whatever, they are around 150. So you will have a custom bike that you built yourself that will be better than most any of the stock bikes under $500.

+1 Much better than my first suggestion

LoRoK, Thanks for the advise. The point is I don't care which I just want the best value for my money. I'm not trying to be a bike hipster guy or anything like that I just want a simple bike that looks nice and is built solid. I'm just asking for advise about where to look and what too look for as I described I my first post. I do a lot of looking on different forums for various topics and I notice that there is this condescending tone that people like to use. People often try and belittle people with less knowledge or different taste or motives. No offense to you LoRoK but I wasn't asking for someone to question my knowledge without initially offering a suggestion. I said very clearly in my second sentence "I understand all the difference's between the two". I'm just looking for advise as to where to grab a good bike online. Peace out......

The value of your bike can change pretty dramatically a year from now when it's sitting in your back yard because you don't like riding it. I'm talking about value too. The kind of value where you figure out what you want before you buy it and aren't stuck with buyer's remorse down the line. I'm not trying to belittle you. But, you know, whatever. Peace out.

Raise your budget a tad and get an IRO Mark V (if that's possible) the extra 100 bucks will be well worth it....IRO is made w/ quality parts.