Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - I am buying a fg/ss from bd.com, kilo tt or moto track what would be a goodsizeforme?

Hello,

I have been searching through the forums, and I'm sorry if it annoys you that there is another Bd.com thread.

So I want to buy a fg/ss bike from BD.com. I was looking at the Moto track and the Kilo TT.
I will use it to commute, probably over 20 or 30 miles a day(I understand the difficulties of using ss/fg for these distances, I usually go longer than this on the lowest speed of my mtb).

From what I understand, the motobecane track and the Kilo tt seem to be the best deals in the sub 400$ category.

I measured my inseam(with the book between my crotch etc etc).
5'11 tall
145 lbs
34 inch inseam, so 86 cm.

I did the conversion multiplying 86cm by .65, and got 56 cm.
I also read that some measurements go by a .67 conversion and got 58.

My current MTB is a 19inch frame and is pretty comfortable)

Should I get a 55 cm, or 57 cm Mercier Kilo TT, or a 56 cm, or 58 cm Motobecane Track?

I was leaning towards the moto track, but some recent reads have suggested if I can fork out the extra cash, get the Kilo TT.

So yeah, any suggestons on the specific bike heights would be great, and any suggestions/comments on the bikes mentioned. I know it's inevitably my decision, I just like to hear others opinions, Thanks!!

-Sulr

How much upgrading are you planning on doing? Any? Or just wanting to commute to and from work. It seems most people on this forum, including myself, would recommend the Kilo TT. In fact, if I could go back in time, I would splurge a little extra and get the Kilo TT Pro as it comes with much better components.

Another bike you might want to check out that is in your price range is the IRO Mark V $399: http://www.irocycle.com/markvbuild-a-bikewstandardwheelset-2.aspx

I plan on upgrading, but not right away. But I hope whatever bike I would get would be upgradable. I looked the TT Pro, I was hoping not to spend that much right away. 400 seems to be a good budget for me to start with, then add on later.

One bike on BD I absolutely also liked was the Fantom uno cross. But I do not like the initial amount of teeth on the chainring(only at 38t).
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/uno.htm

The main reason for even entertaining the thought of getting the Fantom cross is because I live and commute in Philadelphia on my bike, and the roads are so horrible here. What do you think of this bike? I read reviews of this and it got really great reviews.

If I do get the fantom uno cross, I do have an Extra Sakae SX singlespeed crank/crank arm laying around(from 89). Do you think that would work with this bike if I could just install it instantly?

As far as that bike is concerned, aside from the ridiculously low gearing, it seems like a fine bike. If you are riding around on hilly terrain, that would work perfectly. You could always buy a new cog anyway if you want a higher gear, a Surly cog would run you 20$ or so.

Regarding those cranks: it depends. I tried searching the internet, but was unable to find the sizing of those cranks. You want something that is compatible with the 113mm BB on the Fantom Uno -- kind of the downfall of using old parts on newer bikes is it's difficult to know the sizing. You could take it to a LBS or a bike kitchen and see if they can help you out sizing it. I'm sure some of the more experienced riders here might be able to help you out a bit more in this area.

Yeah, I think I should just go with the Kilo TT. I have a MTB if I want to ride hard anyway.

Since my inseam seems to be about 56(using the multiplier .65) and 58 (.67), should I just go with the 57 inch frame? Or will the 55 cm frame be a better idea?

Can't go wrong with the Kilo. Wish I would have chosen that over my Hour. I would go for the 57, but if you are really worried you can always go to a LBS and have them fit you to a bike. It's best you start to find a shop you like, as if you plan on upgrading, you will be spending a lot of time there and they are great places for information.

6' tall on a 56 seems a little cramped.

Hmm, yeah cs1, that's the inseam I measured. Twice by myself and once with someone else helping. Think I am doing something wrong?

So the 57 cm should be a good size for me?

It's ashame the bluemetal color is Out of stock, but I like the black and orange colors just as much.

Sizing: (c-c = center to center seat tube, c-t = center to top, TT = top tube c-c)
55cm (c-c) is 58cm(c-t) with TT of 565mm and standover of 32 inches
57cm (c-c) is 60cm(c-t) with TT of 575mm and standover of 33 inches
60cm (c-c) is 63cm(c-t) with TT of 606mm and standover of 34 inches

Now I am wondering. I measured 34 inches when I measured my inseam... so am I looking at a 60 cm frame ?
I mean I literally measured 34 inches when I measured the inseam.

I do know of a bike shop that I regularly go to, but its the lbs to my old place, so I must make a commute to there. Theres a LBS near me now, but this guy is horrible and overprices, the parts he sells are low quality, and it seems like he is more interested in having business where people just leave their bike with him, instead of a back and forth feedback.

the TT Pro is going for the same price as the Fantom Uno Cross right now 399.95 just for your FYI

whoa thanks!!!

I am definitely picking up this kilo tt pro.


Edit: So I remeasured
I am 5'11
34inch inseam (56-58 cm with my conversions)
5'8~5'10 arm span
26inch arm length


so, if I measured myself at 34" inches. I should maybe pick up the 57 cm frame then? So what might a good frame be then?


Was I doing something wrong in my conversions?

I'm sorry, one more edit. My MTB frame is 19inch. a suggestion on the internet was for me to just add 10 cm to that inches(converted into cm). Which gave me 58 cm frame. Those Kilo TT Pros come in 57 cm and 60 cm. What should I get then?