Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - are those Republic Bikes any good?

you know, the republic Aristotle bikes. the customize it yourself for 400 dollar bikes? urban outfitters has a deal with them now and are selling them through their site as well.

when i ordered my bike a few weeks ago, it was either republic bikes or bikes direct. i choose bikes direct and got the kilo tt after reading the good reviews on this forum.

however, i am curious how the Aristotle bikes compare to the kilo tt or other bikes for similar prices. entry level single speed/fixed gear rides.

did i make a mistake in getting my kilot tt for 350 and not the prettier customizable Aristotle bikes?

any one have any opinions?

here are the links if people are not familiar.

http://www.republicbike.com/

and

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

these two are very popular for entry level fixed gear bikes.

Use the search function. General opinion here is, they are ****ing terrible.

no

I'm personally not experience with the Republic Bikes, but people here at BF don't seem to think they are great quality. Cheap parts, odd sizes (making replacing those cheap parts tough), I even heard someone say the lockring might be plastic (though I have a hard time believing that).

You certainly didn't go wrong.

If Urban Outfitters is selling bicycles, do you honestly think they are that high quality?

use the ****ing search **** for brains.

**** you seriously this whole "im a new lazy ass and don't feel like doing research" is lame

I don't like all of my components to match. THats what makes it tarck. Another thing: Im pretty sure those bikes are junk, your payying for the color match.

the answer to this thread is "no."

buy a kilo tt.

Even though this question has been answered here (LupinIII put it best), this thread will most likely go on for days.......

I had a nightmare I owned a republic last night. I wish i was joking.

It's a hi-ten frame. Flexy, easily dented, AND heavy as hell.

The only advantage to Republic is getting to pick colors. The parts will suffer to keep the price down.

4130 Cromoly Vs Hi-Ten
stock Parts

**** no use the ****ing search **** for brains.

The only mistake you made was getting a Kilo TT over the Windsor Clockwork =]

they come with brakes at least

they come with brakes at least

I would rather see skilled brakeless riders than those moving abominations.

Don't bother with the republic. Overpriced for what you get, too heavy, and you're just paying for the ability to change colors.

Get the republic if you have a pacific outfit that would match in mind

If I remember right heavy......like 5-6 lbs than the Kilo TT

If I remember right heavy......like 5-6 lbs than the Kilo TT

IIRC the republic bikes clock in at ~24 Lbs complete. Though the Kilo TT is not significantly lighter an average build will be around ~19 Lbs.

also LOL from the republic bikes site FAQ.


are your bikes made by urban outfitters?

Bump.

Probably not. (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wb8bAl1P-N0/Sov4uED_5GI/AAAAAAAAJeU/JTd6UfdNBNQ/s1600-h/republic.JPG)

I would rather see skilled brakeless riders than those moving abominations.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=9508015&postcount=1
therein lies the rub.

Probably not. (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wb8bAl1P-N0/Sov4uED_5GI/AAAAAAAAJeU/JTd6UfdNBNQ/s1600-h/republic.JPG)

alright that's going in the jackass thread

IIRC the republic bikes clock in at ~24 Lbs complete. Though the Kilo TT is not significantly lighter an average build will be around ~19 Lbs.

also LOL from the republic bikes site FAQ.

you kinda prove my point 19lbs (what my 58cm Dawes weighs as I ride it) is 5lbs less than the advertised weight of the Republic (which is likely for a 52cm bike)

yup just specifying. What if the republic bikes weighed 40 Lbs and the Kilo TT weighed 35 D:

yup just specifying. What if the republic bikes weighed 40 Lbs and the Kilo TT weighed 35 D:
that would be a 12% difference versus nearly 20%.... surprisingly you would feel a greater difference between 25 and 20 that you will between 40 and 35

republic=****+****+dirty tampon+****+herpes+crabs+****+rust+heavy

i spent a few more bucks and bought a Felt. much lighter, better components.. smoother ride. they are cool for being able to pick colors.. but in the end there are more important things.

they are cool for being able to pick colors.. but in the end there are more important things.

not to mention it's easy to paint a bicycle frame

they're just for people who are looking for a easy fashion statement.

alot like the people who shop at urban instead of vintage and thrift stores...

I don't wanna read 30 posts... has anyone said "no" yet?

no

no


lol, thank you.

also, why did someone say my only mistake was buying the kilo tt over the windsor?

They are cheap bikes with cheap parts but I think they worth the money.
If you build your own bike with brand new custom colored parts you'll spend twice the much....

And if you care about weight why do you ride steel fixed bike? You should ride a alu or carbon roadie...

They are cheap bikes with cheap parts but I think they worth the money.
If you build your own bike with brand new custom colored parts you'll spend twice the much....

And if you care about weight why do you ride steel fixed bike? You should ride a alu or carbon roadie...

I was at the on campus bike shop getting some new bar tape (mmmm, fresh bar tape) when i overheard 2 mechanics talking about a couple republic bikes that were in for work. apparently both were about 3 weeks old, 5 max. hubs, bottom bracket, and headset needed replacing to bring it up to a safe level (ie, the shop would not let the bikes leave without those being replaced). i heard them saying the brakes were also weak and flexy and that the bb and headset weren't faced and chased, which probably contributed to the fast wear.

400 dollars for a high tensile frame. why not get a clockwork or sst. similar road-like geo, 2 brakes, they come in flashy enough colors.

I was at the on campus bike shop getting some new bar tape (mmmm, fresh bar tape) when i overheard 2 mechanics talking about a couple republic bikes that were in for work. apparently both were about 3 weeks old, 5 max. hubs, bottom bracket, and headset needed replacing to bring it up to a safe level (ie, the shop would not let the bikes leave without those being replaced). i heard them saying the brakes were also weak and flexy and that the bb and headset weren't faced and chased, which probably contributed to the fast wear.

400 dollars for a high tensile frame. why not get a clockwork or sst. similar road-like geo, 2 brakes, they come in flashy enough colors.

Even if that's true, Republic Bikes could still be worth the money if you are the kind of person who cares more about how your bike looks than actually riding it, which I guess is the intended target group anyway. ;)

also, why did someone say my only mistake was buying the kilo tt over the windsor?

Because I'm a jackass who likes plugging his own bike. Both are very nice bikes, especially in that price range, but I prefer the relaxed geometry of the Clockwork.

that would be a 12% difference versus nearly 20%.... surprisingly you would feel a greater difference between 25 and 20 that you will between 40 and 35

Well duh, but if that scenario that I made up jokingly was true then we would have to suggest against both bikes.

Well duh, but if that scenario that I made up jokingly was true then we would have to suggest against both bikes.

true enough I barely felt the difference between 35lbs and 40lbs on my cruiser and that was just a set of wheels and tires

I was at the on campus bike shop getting some new bar tape (mmmm, fresh bar tape) when i overheard 2 mechanics talking about a couple republic bikes that were in for work. apparently both were about 3 weeks old, 5 max. hubs, bottom bracket, and headset needed replacing to bring it up to a safe level (ie, the shop would not let the bikes leave without those being replaced). i heard them saying the brakes were also weak and flexy and that the bb and headset weren't faced and chased, which probably contributed to the fast wear.

400 dollars for a high tensile frame. why not get a clockwork or sst. similar road-like geo, 2 brakes, they come in flashy enough colors.

I know someone who was looking at one of those POSs:

"which part of the bike is the hub?"

luckily I think I talked her into an Iro instead...

I know someone who was looking at one of those POSs:

"which part of the bike is the hub?"

luckily I think I talked her into an Iro instead...

not as bad as my friend, I had to tell him about 5 times what a hub was. once he came home and said "hey man, i hit a rock and i think it messed up my hub, look at how the whole thing wobbles back and forth"

it took about 3 explanations to tell him what the difference was between a hub, a rim, and the wheel...

hey guys,

I actually own a Republic Bike and it's not bad at all! I dont know why people who have never even ridden/owned one are hating on it. I've had mine for two weeks now and I've had very few problems aside from the saddle being too narrow (and hence very uncomfortable) and the crank being a little bit too long. Those with big feet should consider replacing the crank with a shorter one because your feet might accidentally graze the front tire which is potentially dangerous, especially when going at high speeds.

Once I switched out the seat and crank though, I've had no problems with my bike whatsoever. She looks and rides great. Although the bike is not even made for long distance, I've biked 20 miles from Downtown LA to UCLA and back and have had no problems whatsoever.

And the bike isn't heavy at all! It actually feels lighter than the advertised 24 lbs. Or maybe I'm just really strong. haha. Don't listen to all the bike snobs who have been trashing this bike. I like it a lot and I definitely recommend it for the casual bike rider!

Before I got into cycling I was trying to sell a Nishiki Olympic, which had a hi-tensile frame, and everyone I talked to about pricing basically told me $50 just because of the frame.

You can ride 20 miles without problems, cool, but you got ripped off. If I had $400 to burn on a bike just for how it looks I'd get the Kilo Stripper in red http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/images/redlight_gallery/. At least I'd be getting a bike that I can sell for more than $50.


(http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/images/redlight_gallery/)

I've had mine for two weeks now

Yup.

Those with big feet should consider replacing the crank with a shorter one because your feet might accidentally graze the front tire which is potentially dangerous, especially when going at high speeds.

lol

That doesn't answer the real question. Has the bike got you laid yet?

That doesn't answer the real question. Has the bike got you laid yet?

Don't make decision until this question gets answered.

hey guys,

I actually own a Republic Bike and it's not bad at all! I dont know why people who have never even ridden/owned one are hating on it. I've had mine for two weeks now and I've had very few problems aside from the saddle being too narrow (and hence very uncomfortable) and the crank being a little bit too long. Those with big feet should consider replacing the crank with a shorter one because your feet might accidentally graze the front tire which is potentially dangerous, especially when going at high speeds.

Once I switched out the seat and crank though, I've had no problems with my bike whatsoever. She looks and rides great. Although the bike is not even made for long distance, I've biked 20 miles from Downtown LA to UCLA and back and have had no problems whatsoever.

And the bike isn't heavy at all! It actually feels lighter than the advertised 24 lbs. Or maybe I'm just really strong. haha. Don't listen to all the bike snobs who have been trashing this bike. I like it a lot and I definitely recommend it for the casual bike rider!


This guy is probably a paid employee by Republic Bikes spreading a false review. Here's the exact same message he spammed at another site...

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=162120
(#16)


I read in another thread that someone had their Republic bikes front wheel taco-shell within a week when they ran into a curb...

Here's some other reviews of Republic bikes from people who own them


Hey I just got my republic bike delivered today. Took about 15 mins to put together. The handlebars are pretty much soft plastic, brakes are terrible, removed front brake, replaced rear brake. I plan on getting a better chain, i think a smaller crank because you mos def rub on the front wheel when turning even in the toe clip...sorry, the grips are terrible, pretty much soft plastic.


That could have been me, I tacoed the rim around 2 hours after having it, The rims suck so bad. They are a cheap material, and are just spraypainted steel. I was rubbing paint off before I rode the stupid bike. But I guess tell your friend to buy a good bike not republic. The frame is okay but it is for city riding ONLY, and he would need to get a new wheel set.

I took the brakes off mine the second I recieved it, so i really don't know about the cableing.


I was thinking about going with them when I was first getting a fixie but I searched around first and found you're paying for the color.