Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - So many choices..

Hay guys, new person here! I have stumbled upon this forum yesterday while continuing what seems to be an endless search for the perfect bicycle. I am looking for a single-speed, AFFORDABLE, decent, reliable bike so I can jumpstart my physical training and for recreational purposes. I am very interested in vintage-looking bicycles. I am only 5'0" tall, so if you suggest bikes, please consider the height! :D

Nice to meet you all,

J.

if you're into vintage looking stuff and thinking affordable I'd say spend some time watching craigslist. lot's of small size bikes there too. you could find an old steel frame very cheap that would serve you well and do a singlespeed conversion. google "sheldon brown". a lot of parts can be re-used (or found cheap at shops that recycle, whatnot). spend some money on a new wheelset for a nicer ride.

look at what bikesdirect.com offers, for starters. they are decent bikes, and as affordable as you can get without diving into the treacherous used market.

considering your height, i'd look at bikes that have 650c wheels. they are smaller than standard 700c wheels, and so smaller frames can be built. some of these small ss frames include the IRO Heidi, the Fuji Track SE, and I'm sure other people can mention others.

you should try ebay or craigslist.

try a bmx bike. its singlespeed and works for short people.

Kilo TT in 44cm might fit you... Maybe.

you should try ebay or craigslist.

try a bmx bike. its singlespeed and works for short people.

You're suggesting a bmx to somebody who is looking for a bike for physical training and recreation?

I just want to make sure that I'm reading you correctly.

i think craigslist would be your best bet. you just gotta have alot of patience.:thumb: good luck!

Frame size might be your biggest concern. Go through a fit calculator like this one (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO) and see what it tells you for seat tube and top tube length. Top tube length is more important, though seat tube length is the more common frame size measurement.

Cool, thanks for the feedback, guys. I have been checking craigslist like crazy, but I don't know how to build a bike. Also, I am currently struggling with trying to find a job, which is why I would prefer something affordable. I also do not mind whether or not it is used, I just want it to look nice and serve its purpose.

A BMX bike would not work for me. :p I need physical training because I'm going to be entering the police academy in a few months. I just want to gain more stamina and such, and I strongly believe that a bike would be an amazing tool for that.

I will check all those links and sizes. :) Thanks again for the feedback.

You're suggesting a bmx to somebody who is looking for a bike for physical training and recreation?

I just want to make sure that I'm reading you correctly.

Whats wrong with a bmx bike? You pedal, it moves. Same as any other bike.

Whats wrong with a bmx bike? You pedal, it moves. Same as any other bike.

bmx same as road? uh no.

bmx bikes are tiny as hell and those wheels wont get you very far unless you have some huge chainring to match road ratios. and they're uncomfortable as a wood/metal highschool desk/seat. not really ideal for fitness IMHO unless you like standing up all the time.

Mark V HD

bmx same as road? uh no.

bmx bikes are tiny as hell and those wheels wont get you very far unless you have some huge chainring to match road ratios. and they're uncomfortable as a wood/metal highschool desk/seat. not really ideal for fitness IMHO unless you like standing up all the time.

I am not saying that it is the same as a road bicycle. Thats just stupid if you think that. But the main purpose of a bicycle is to move people. A BMX does that just fine.