Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - New SS/Fixed, help me decide

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View Full Version : New SS/Fixed, help me decide


markyore
10-20-09, 09:19 PM
Hi guys I was hoping you couls help me with my first singlespeed purchase. A LBS has some '08 and '09 closeouts at good prices. Below is a list of what's available in my size. Any experience or opinions on any of them would be appreciated. I rode the GT and the Jamis. Both are very different. The Jamis is heavier and takes off slower but when up to speed goes like a train. I haven't been able to find much info on it online The GT is much lighter and more agile but is also more $$$. I didn't get a chance to ride the 925 or Schwinn. Bike will be used for getting around the city and perhaps commuting to work. I'm also open to suggestions and comparisons to some of the BD.com bikes.

GT Gutterball $420

Jamis Beatnik $340

Schwinn Madison $340

Redline 925 $315

This will be my first SS/fixed gear bike. I will probably ride it SS for a while to fet used to it (all the above have breaks and both free/fixed cogs).
Thanks in advance!


destikon
10-20-09, 09:52 PM
Go with the redline if it's going to be a dedicated commuter, since it has fenders. The madison is nice too though. Try riding those too if you can.
Great prices BTW.

BigSung
10-20-09, 10:06 PM
GT Gutterball $420

Jamis Beatnik $340

Schwinn Madison $340

Redline 925 $315


Wow these are one of the best prices I have seen. I'm assuming they are for 09 clearance, and even at that I haven't seen prices this low for them. GT Gutterball retailed for $799, Performance have them at $499. Schwinn Madison also retailed around $799 and Performance has them at $499. 09 Redline 925 retailed for $580 and I have seen them 25% off. I don't think you will go wrong with anyone of them, especially at these prices.


markyore
10-20-09, 10:51 PM
Yeah, the prices are good as they are all '09s or discontinued. I was searching CL for a while and its crazy what people are asking for "vintage" conversions.............so was going to go the BD route but I think at these prices I'll get one of these as the components seem better than the lower end BD stuff plus F&R braeks, freewheel etc is included.

Desticon,thanks for the suggestion, for the time being the bie will be mostly for just cruising around the city (just moved here so I love to explore) so I want something strong and agile. Also, was leaning toward a flst/raiser bar for more uptight position (better visibility) in traffic. Commuting is not a certainty but is a strong possibility (although I have subway and bus options for wet days). I aready have a very light CF road bike so thought it would be nice to try steel.

Some pics......they had other bikes but these were my size.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/fixies/images/09_beatnik.jpg

http://www.schwinnbike.com/usa/eng/SchwinnFiles/ProductImages/657_427_1251_3642.jpg

http://www.rspshop.com/catalog/images/GT-09-gutterball.jpg

http://hutchsbicycleseugene.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/redline_925_green.jpg