Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - New to Fixies

Hey guys, I'm kind of new to fixed gear bikes, but they really interest me. I've been researching about them for about two weeks or so. I won't really commute that much, I kind of just want it for casual riding and maybe to learn some tricks. Some of you might think I'm a hipster, but I'm not, I'm not doing this to be "in", I'm doing it because I want to. Before I buy a bike though, I want to ask you experts a few questions. If you think I'm just in this to be "in", don't let it get in the way of you giving me good answers.


Can anyone find me a bike that would be good for free styling? I'm going to ride around here and there, not very far. I will try to learn some tricks like barspins and nose pivots.

I'm around a size 52 CM frame, would I be able to ride a 50-54 CM frame?

Would have like to help you out, but the posting has already been taken down.

John

If you have to keep reassurung yourself that you're not a hipster, you probably are.

Start with Bikes Direct or your local shop and go from there.

Bikes Direct is your best option for getting amazingly good deals on frames, start there. Windsor, Mercier, Kilo, etc... Good frames to start with.

Buy the Mercier Kilo TT (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott.htm), (it comes with brakes at the moment, which is a plus), put some decent toe clips on it, call it a day.

There's a reason just about everyone owns this bike. It's $349 well spent.

If you're doing tricks, get a good set of platforms, clips and straps. Otherwise a good set of clipless pedals such as SPD (SL)'s, eggbeater's, speedplay's, keo's and those will do wonders. But I'm guessing you're more into the tricks than riding. Check bikesdirect.com for some cheap entry level fixed gears.

Sorry guys, but I can't buy online.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1521791080.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1521868729.html

Would any of these be fine? I can get the guy to switch out the tires and whatnot.

I think I will try out the bike shop, otherwise, I'll have to resort to craigslist.

They are trash. Be patient, you may find a 900 bike for 300 on craigslist. Dont rush to buy. Do some research.

Just curious, would it be costly to powercoat a frame?

Some of you might think I'm a hipster, but I'm not, I'm not doing this to be "in", I'm doing it because I want to.

That's exactly what I said when I started riding FG on the street in the early 90's. But I was stereotyped even back then but remained strong all these years of riding the FG.

Actually, I WILL be able to buy online.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1521868729.html


So this bike is a no no?

No on all of those craigslist bikes haha... If you can buy online, I guarantee you'll be way happier with a bike from BikesDirect. Like I said, $800 bikes being sold 90% pre-built for avg. of $300... Thats your best deal friend.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1521868729.html


So this bike is a no no?
Looks like an old entry-level 10-speed frame form the 70s with a fresh powdercoat job. Still has the original cottered crank too, by the looks of it. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that it was a French frame (that sure looks like a French crank) with hard-to-source-these-days French thread bottom bracket and fork. Not much upgrade potential there, if that's what you're thinking.

Those are $100 bikes, at best. And compared to even an entry-level Bikesdirect bike, certainly not worth their asking price.

I'm looking at the bikedirect bikes, I like them, but I really want flat handlebars.

I'm looking at the bikedirect bikes, I like them, but I really want flat handlebars.

Like this one (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/sst.htm)? You can always swap bars later too. I'm on my second set of bullhorns. They're cheap.

Would it be hard to swap the bars and keep the brakes? I'm not exactly an expert at this stuff as you can see.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ROAD-BICYCLE-TRACK-FIXED-GEAR-SINGLE-SPEED-FIXIE-BIKE_W0QQitemZ180445991749QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a036b5345#ht_4307wt_1169


Would this be ok?

haha yes these bikes are all built especially FOR swapping (trendy kids and **** doin their color schemes...)

EASILY swap out any part of the bike fool!

It sounds like someone is doing anything to jump on the trend. Talk to your local bike shop. You sound like a fool, Vince.
Read some ****ing stickied topics.

that bike on ebay looks really strange... the top tube looks like its a mile long. I would say go with bikesdirect.com. handlebars are super easy to switch out. brake levers are cheap. you will learn very quickly how simple it is to customize, and you will find out what fits you best.

LOL at how the "fixie bandwagon" effects peoples judgment on buying bikes.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ROAD-BICYCLE-TRACK-FIXED-GEAR-SINGLE-SPEED-FIXIE-BIKE_W0QQitemZ180445991749QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a036b5345#ht_4307wt_1169


Would this be ok?

Sure, it would be OK. I think that's the same folks that sell the deep v wheelset that I have. But you'll probably get a better selection and better spec from Bikesdirect. And regardless of what they post here, there's no shame in buying a bike or parts just for a certain "look". Don't let anyone kid you into thinking that a bike is merely a tool.

I understand in the beginning you can't purchase stuff online, therefore u resort to craigslist rather than bikesdirect.com. But now since you said that you could buy stuff online then I would stop looking at any craigslist or ebay items and just go for the bikes on bikesdirect.com. Great deal. Safe to say half the people here have ordered from BD. I currently ride a bike I bought from BD.

And yes, handlebars are swap-able while keeping the brakes. So you can get ur bullhorns or risers (whatever u meant by flat bars) and swap it on. Just make sure the diameter is correct.

Just curious, would it be costly to powercoat a frame?

$60 at Mega Powder Coating in El Monte. That's where the bike in my avatar went. Decent job for the $. There are plenty of powdercoaters in SoCal that'll do a frame from $60-150.

I'm thinking about http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott.htm.


What size would I buy? I have an inseam length of 29-30" and a height of 5'5/5'6.

I'm thinking about http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott.htm.


What size would I buy? I have an inseam length of 29-30" and a height of 5'5/5'6.

The 50 or the 53.

http://www.cyclesmercier.com/geometry_tt.html\

The 50cm has a 30.3" standover height, and the 53 has a 31.5" standover height.

Depends on whether you like a more compact or a fuller size frame. If you're not sure, put on your standard riding shoes/socks, and put a broomstick between your legs, pull up, and measure the difference between the broomstick and the floor. That, minus an inch or two, equals the standover height you need.

i have inseam of 30" and i bought a 50cm kilo. I also have other bikes that are 53cm tho. But i feel like the kilo have higher standovers.. i'ld go with a 50cm if u're unsure

http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott.htm


If I were to buy new handlebars, could I go to a bikeshop and let them install the new handlebars and brake?

you could but it's really easy to do by urself. The handlebars are pretty much straight forward.

as for brakes...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5sZO8MNkCQ

http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott.htm


If I were to buy new handlebars, could I go to a bikeshop and let them install the new handlebars and brake?

How old are you? If you are over 16 give up, under 15, I could possibly excuse you for this question. Hope thats not rude

How old are you? If you are over 16 give up, under 15, I could possibly excuse you for this question. Hope thats not rude

I'm 14, sorry for my ignorance.

Ok, I have a VERY stupid question. With the Mercier Kilo TT, will I be able to turn the front wheel 360 degrees? Don't worry about the handlebars, I will swap them out, but the wheel looks kind of big, I know this is stupid, but I just want to make sure.

Nope.

Ok, I have a VERY stupid question. With the Mercier Kilo TT, will I be able to turn the front wheel 360 degrees? Don't worry about the handlebars, I will swap them out, but the wheel looks kind of big, I know this is stupid, but I just want to make sure.

No. Why do you want to, going backwards?

No. Why do you want to, going backwards?

I was looking to do barspins, guess I have to find a new bike then.

Hmm, so you guys are sure that the wheels are too big right? I really don't want to miss out on this deal. D:

I was looking to do barspins, guess I have to find a new bike then.

...
seriously, do you plan on riding, tricking, impressing friends, or what? do you know how to ride a fixed gear bike? read some stickies, then come back. you sound like a total idiot and a hipster trying to do what you see on youtube and the local cool kids doing.

to do barspins, you have to
1. go brakeless [you had earlier stated you wanted the lbs to put the brakes on for you]
2. have a wheel that clears all the way through
3. have an upward facing stem that doesnt hit the top tube
4. risers, flat bar cut short so the bar doesnt hit you on its path
5. know how to do it in the first place.

i don't believe any BD bikes can barspin in the current state, you'd have to swap out the handlebars and the front wheel to a 650c. the 50/53 centimeter will have toe overlap as well, and i have seen a 50, it does NOT clear.

you're right, it is a deal with the free brakes and junk. get real though, is it worth the trouble?

merry christmas.

...
seriously, do you plan on riding, tricking, impressing friends, or what? do you know how to ride a fixed gear bike? read some stickies, then come back. you sound like a total idiot and a hipster trying to do what you see on youtube and the local cool kids doing.

to do barspins, you have to
1. go brakeless [you had earlier stated you wanted the lbs to put the brakes on for you]
2. have a wheel that clears all the way through
3. have an upward facing stem that doesnt hit the top tube
4. risers, flat bar cut short so the bar doesnt hit you on its path
5. know how to do it in the first place.

i don't believe any BD bikes can barspin in the current state, you'd have to swap out the handlebars and the front wheel to a 650c. the 50/53 centimeter will have toe overlap as well, and i have seen a 50, it does NOT clear.

you're right, it is a deal with the free brakes and junk. get real though, is it worth the trouble?

merry christmas.
Regarding the brakes, I wasn't planning to do barspins before. Thank you, this is the BEST answer given to me so far. Merry Christmas to you too.

windsor can barspin. and if youre around the hb area i'd be willing to help you out.