Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Your opinons please on this fixie please...

from a classifieds ad from my local newspaper:


This is a Van Dessel Cycles Country Road Bob. Size is 59cm. It's in
great shape with a couple of marks from rocks kicking up on the road.
Well maintained. Will need to have the bars re-wrapped though. It's set
up for singlespeed but the wheel can be flip flopped and it can run
fixed gear. I'm selling it to get a regular geared road bike. Retails
for about $750. Take a look at the links for information and rider
reviews. The model on the Van Dessel page is the newer model. This model
is the one pictured in the reviews on roadbikereview.com.

selling for $250.

How is this for a deal?

1) I'm 5'11", would this 59cm frame be good?

2) The surrounding area is full of hills so will this bike still handle them all? I'm a beginner so I'm wondering how it can handle all the mountain hills and yet STILL go fast on flat roads? Or is it not suppose to be used on moutains at all?

3) can you mount panniers and racks on it?

4) is it possible to convert this into multispeed normall roadie?

Thanks.

If you are 5'11" it will be WAY too big for you. I'm 6'1 and a 59 (std geometry) nearly grazes areas it shouldn't when I stand over the top tube. You'd be on closer to a 54-56cm more than likely.

All your questions about climbing, etc, depend entirely on the rider and the gear combo. You go fast on the flats by spinning at a high cadence.

Last question, probably not. I don't think Van Dessels have a derailleur hanger or the cable routing necessary for a geared setup, since they are only available with internal hubs. Could be wrong though as I am not familiar with ALL the models.

but would the 59cm still be 'do-able' for me? i'm just about 6'

and how's the price for this used-fixie? MSRP $750 selling for $250 used. Is the bike any good for that price?

have your groin lifted a few cm...you'll be just fine.
I am 5'10", 30in inseam. 53cm frame.
(I forgot - I have a 12 foot wingspan)

but would the 59cm still be 'do-able' for me? i'm just about 6'

It might be less than ideal, but not terrible. I am maybe 6'1" or so, and have a 24" fixie and a 23" road bike - thats approx. 61 cm and 58.4 cm. I would prefer a shorter frame, but I really am not that picky about that stuff - you just have to watch your junk sometimes, and lean slightly to the side when stopped. One of these days I will own a bike that fits me and isn't older than I am...

It's local, go give it a test spin.

any of you gus had experience with Van Dessels? how are they in general?

It's local, go give it a test spin.
based on price and size, Joe has the right approach. What the hell do we know anyways?

I like the Dessels. My wife has one and I take it out here and there. Fun ride.

will a SS always go faster than a MTB?

will a SS always go faster than a MTB?

that depends on the engine.

I'm 6' and I ride a 57cm std geom. I think a 56 would be a good fit for me too. That frame sounds pretty big for you. Go give it a ride and see how it feels. You should feel fairly comfortable without any major aches.

http://www.vandesselsports.com/b_cntryBob.shtml

Regarding fit for you, take a look at the pic, then click the geometry link...notice the seat tube is measured center to top of collar? Notice that the collar extends at least 2cm above top tube? So the frame, height-wise is more like a 57-58 which should be fine for you if you have "normal" inseam for your height. The TT might be a tad long at 58.5 but you can correct that with a shorter stem, say 90mm. I'm 6' and it would fit me just fine...an inch isn't going to matter tremendously either way since it can be easily compensated for with saddle rail adjustment and stem length. Heck, just go take it for a ride.

http://www.vandesselsports.com/b_cntryBob.shtml

Regarding fit for you, take a look at the pic, then click the geometry link...notice the seat tube is measured center to top of collar? Notice that the collar extends at least 2cm above top tube? So the frame, height-wise is more like a 57-58 which should be fine for you if you have "normal" inseam for your height. The TT might be a tad long at 58.5 but you can correct that with a shorter stem, say 90mm. I'm 6' and it would fit me just fine...an inch isn't going to matter tremendously either way since it can be easily compensated for with saddle rail adjustment and stem length. Heck, just go take it for a ride.


WOW, that country Bob looks awesome!!!

Has anyone had any experience with one?

WOW, that country Bob looks awesome!!!

Has anyone had any experience with one?

'twas my question!

I love mine...fixie side only; never even tried it single-speed. The newer ones have straight tubes. I like the curves. I use mine on the road and a variety of trails.

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/c/kresge.htm

I love mine...fixie side only; never even tried it single-speed. The newer ones have straight tubes. I like the curves. I use mine on the road and a variety of trails.

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/c/kresge.htm


Looks nice also.
too bad there's a waiting list for the Country Bob
Also kind of wish it was steel.