Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - some assistance? plz?

Hello guys!! i have been reading posts from this forum for sometime now but i finally decided to join. I have been wanting to get a bike to train with the goal being body fat reduction. I want to ride for about an hour at high intensity(for me) four to five days a week. I am currently at around 22% body fat and i want to reduce it to under 10%-15% and then just ride enough to maintain it. I dont make a lot of money so i cant spend much on a bike but i saw a couple of bikes at walmart for under $200 which is the most i can spend. I like the single speed bike because its probably easier to maintain but i wanted to get the opinion of seasoned riders. can i still achieve my goal with a single speed? which of the two would you go with if you were in my place? i appreciate any response i can get.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Genesis-700C-Mens-Fixed-Speed-Track-Bicycle/14089740?findingMethod=rr
or
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Victory-Vision-20-Road-Bike/11064938?findingMethod=rr

either is good, the only bad bike is one thats not ridden.

I was recovering from back surgery (in which I gained over 50 pounds) and wanted to get back into shape. I dug out my old mountain bike (30 pounder) and rode that for about 20-30 miles 4 days a week for about 2 months, along with a decent diet. I dropped 30 pounds in those two months. I then discovered this forum and went through a bunch of bikes (Windsor Cyclo, Cervelo S1, Bianchi Via Nirone, Dawes SST) and ultimately ended up with a Specialized cyclocross bike and a Scrambler fixie. I'm in much better shape now, so riding doesn't take as much effort, therefore I don't lose weight like I did when I first started. I liked starting with a geared MTB because 1) since it was heavy, I had to work twice as hard, and 2) since there were gears, I was less inclined to give up when I needed to just take it easy. I don't recommend an SS or FG for the purpose of losing weight, especially if you're not a seasoned rider. I think a geared bike might be better to get you on track. Good luck!

Most anyone here is going to advise against a walmart bike. They are of low quality and often assembled poorly. I had a walmart bike a few years ago and it didn't last two months before it fell apart.

If you have to get a walmart bike, then go for the singlespeed or fixed gear as there is less to go wrong with it. Walmart has a mongoose (http://recs.richrelevance.com/rrserver/click?a=bc93f72255d4cec0&vg=55194dcf-c99a-42ec-a0b2-a34af1a76404&pti=1&pa=content_top&hpi=1030&stn=ClickCP&rti=1&u=&uguid=c18402ba-0fbf-4724-992a-b64a2f424118&3fec48ad45a683d1&pg=42&p=13398142&ct=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.do%3Fproduct_id%3D13398142%26findingMethod%3Drr) fixed gear that looks ok to me.

You should take the walmart bike to a real bike shop to get it checked out too.

Overall I think you would be better off going used off of craigslist. Good luck with your weight loss.

If I were you, I woudl get something from Bikes Direct instead of wallmart. BD is a decent value for what you pay.

If it is flat, a single speed woudl be great. They are cheap, light, easy to fix and maintain. I got one for staying in shape, ended up commuting on it and velodrome racing on it. Hardly ever mountain bike any more.

I agree with all the above, but given that there is a financial situation to take into consideration, I will not sway you away.

I do think that you should save up about 250 more and go for a kilo instead.

i agree about going the craigslist route first for a singlespeed bike.

also, i would recommend getting a Windsor- the hour from bikesdirect.com before the walmart bike. it might be 60 dollars more than your 200 budget, but i think the 60 more pays for allot more of a bike than anything from walmart.
http://bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/thehour.htmhttp://bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/thehour.htm

Bikesdirect 'nuff said.

I just have to say how horrid walmart bikes (especially road bikes) are up close in person, especially when you've owned legitimate road bikes... Here at my grad campus just yesterday, I saw an abandoned older Denali road bike, and its brake calipers (if you can even call them that) were exactly ones you would see on a walmart kid's bike! That made my day. :lol:

Used is a good idea, and if you're lucky, can get you a much better bicycle for a lot less money. But you should know what you're looking for or find a friend who can help. (I don't know if Wall-Mart would be a lot of help either, for that matter.)
I would guess that if you ride year round, you'll have better luck losing weight.

If you have a friend that is knowledgeable about bikes and you are patient, used could be a route to go. But if you dont have a bike nerd friend, and access to his bike tools I would defiantly go with the BD route. There is just so much that can go wrong in the used market.

I strongly recommend a quality used bike over a walmart bike. They may look ok in the store, but they break because they're junk.

Or get a Bikesdirect bike if you can afford it.

Whatever you get, make sure it fits you! This is very important. If you're tall, this another reason not to buy at walmart. Many of their bikes are one-size-fits-all-(poorly.) If you need help choosing a used bike, find a friend who knows about bikes or just post up the craigslist ad on here. We should be able to tell you whether it's a ripoff or not.

obvious troll is obvious

obvious troll is obvious

You are seriously describing yourself. Look at your posts. You dont know the difference between weather and whether, you where going to buy a bike from bigshotbikes, and you told a guy who wanted to paint his frame to leave the BB in.

You are seriously describing yourself. Look at your posts. You dont know the difference between weather and whether, you where going to buy a bike from bigshotbikes, and you told a guy who wanted to paint his frame to leave the BB in.
Yea, you're totally right.

LOL got me on that one.

To the original poster, Do yourself a favor and get a used bike shop bike. Definitely not a fixed gear bike. Try a mountain bike or hybrid with gears

I'm going to say Bikesdirect as well... 280$ for a way better bike in the windsor hour...

wow.....i've never had so many responses in a forum before. Im so glad i decided to post before going to spend my money. Thank you very much......im not knowledgeable about bicycles so i am considering the bike that illdthedj suggested even if it is almost a third over my budget(i might just have to wait longer to afford it). I just dont see any brakes on that bike.....i dont think i want to ride like that, i need at least a front brake(i ride a motorcycle so i know the importance of a front brake). im also going to look around on craigslist and take up on fastjake's offer to post any adds i find....if you guys dont mind. (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?188586-illdthedj)

hi guys..so i've been searching and i found these so far.....
i think this is my favorite:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/bik/2015286566.html

these:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/2015314139.html

do you believe what this guy says? is it really that good of a bike?
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bik/2015206891.html

hi guys..so i've been searching and i found these so far.....
do you believe what this guy says? is it really that good of a bike?
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bik/2015206891.html

I like how he calls it a "rainbow bike" and how it's fork is bent inwards. It does look like a 86' PH 10 however....

hi guys..so i've been searching and i found these so far.....
i think this is my favorite:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/bik/2015286566.html
are you seven and half feet?

going from 22% body fat to 10-15% is a pretty big jump. riding alone will not get you there; you're going to need to do some lifestyle/diet modifications in addition to riding.

as for the exercise plan, i would start with some low-moderate intensity rides, 60-90mins a day, 3-5 days a week. do that for 4-6 weeks and see how you're progressing. high intensity riding tends to build muscle, not burn fat.

as for the bike, you're better off scouring craigslist for one that fits and is in rideable condition.

hi guys..so i've been searching and i found these so far.....
i think this is my favorite:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/bik/2015286566.html

these:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/2015314139.html

do you believe what this guy says? is it really that good of a bike?
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bik/2015206891.html

1. Looks pretty good, but how tall are you??? That's a huge bike.

2. The last two bikes look fine, maybe a bit overpriced in my opinion but then again I don't live in LA.

3. The fork looks bent. Don't buy unless you plan to buy a new fork for it. It's a decent bike though, I used to have a Peugeot made from that HLE tubing. Weighed about 25 lbs complete.

I've already started to change my diet habits.....i've cut down on my fat intake. Im eating vegetables, steamed rice, lean beef, chicken and turkey for my sandwiches. I know its not an overnight change but it sure beats running instead(i hate running and i used to play soccer). well.....i havent been measured since high school but they told me i was 5'11". Ive read on other posts that height is really important but i cant really afford to be picky(it would be nice to have something that fits). From your comments, it seems i might be better off just waiting a few months until im able to come up with another hundred bucks.

I'm going to recommend maybe checking out some local bicycle co-ops in your area. I know the ones around here have "earn-a-bike" programs where you can get a bike for just volunteering or small donation. This IMO will fit you situation because #1 its free/cheap and #2 you'll learn how to work/maintain your bicycle.

I purchased a cheap FG a LBS and I started volunteering at the local coop so I could learn more about them. I ended up getting a nice mixte road bike there for my wife so she could ride. I'm sure if you're in the LA area they have quite a few programs like this.

Be patient. You will regret the desperation of purchasing a 71CM bike very immediately when you hop on and see that your legs are not long enough to hit the downstroke of the pedal (I may be slightly hyperbolic) I'm 6'2 and wouldn't try a 71CM. I've been on a 60CM and that is a little bit "up there" in terms of bike sizing. I have a 57CM and it feels like the ideal size. I'd say look for something between 53-58CM and test it out. If your groin isn't being man-handled by the top tube then things are in decent shape. I know people who ride bikes that don't fit them and it's a PITA to deal with.

I've already started to change my diet habits.....i've cut down on my fat intake. Im eating vegetables, steamed rice, lean beef, chicken and turkey for my sandwiches. I know its not an overnight change but it sure beats running instead(i hate running and i used to play soccer). well.....i havent been measured since high school but they told me i was 5'11". Ive read on other posts that height is really important but i cant really afford to be picky(it would be nice to have something that fits). From your comments, it seems i might be better off just waiting a few months until im able to come up with another hundred bucks.

at 5'11 a 56cm or 58cm should fit you roughly.
keep the craigslist search up and you should be able to find something old but nice for your 200 dollar range.

WOW...38inch standover! You should definitely try to save an extra hundred or so dollars and get a bike that fits. Fit is VERY important. If you have an ill-fitting bike that isn't comfortable after long rides, you will NOT want to ride again. I made that mistake with the first few bikes I bought, and I eventually got a FIT done, so now I'm on the correct size bikes. Do it right from the start. There's nothing wrong with BD.

i wanted to reply to tfunks message to say thanks but i wasnt able to because i have under 50 posts...so "thanks bro...i really appreciate it." i have some good news.......yestarday i spoke to my father in law and he lent me his bike until i can get one of my own since he is not going to be using it for a while. I tried to buy it from him but he wouldnt sell it. I started today and i went a little further than i thought i would be able to do.The gears dont work well and the handlebar is a little crooked but its good for what i need while i save up more money. I used a couple of applications to record my first ride, if anyone is interested..here is a link:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=108952730055839238405.000493254c2b598443769&ll=34.24473,-118.572865&spn=0.088973,0.181789&z=13

174765174766
Here are a couple of pics of the bike that my father in law lent me.

It's hard for me to judge since I don't know what size wheels you have, but did you adjust the saddle height at all? It looks low if you're 5' 11". If your saddle is too low you'll kill your knees and go a lot slower than if it was at the correct height.

Also, straighten those bars out. Loosen the nut at the top of your stem (it's the one that's half cut off in the bottom of your second picture.) That will allow you to set them straight.

On a bike like that your best bet it to take it to your LBS and have them do a "tune up" or full service of adjusting gears/brakes and saftey checking all the bolts.

You will regret investing money in a set of SS wheels for a bike like that. For your purpose I see no benefit in doing this.

Not to mention, you will get a better workout with a variety of gears. As you increase your speed you will want to increase pedaling resistance by changing gears to get a better workout.

It's hard for me to judge since I don't know what size wheels you have, but did you adjust the saddle height at all? It looks low if you're 5' 11". If your saddle is too low you'll kill your knees and go a lot slower than if it was at the correct height.

Also, straighten those bars out. Loosen the nut at the top of your stem (it's the one that's half cut off in the bottom of your second picture.) That will allow you to set them straight.
so i straightened the bars like you said but i think something is wrong with them because they started to loosen this morning when i went for my second ride. I will research how to adjust the seat properly, maybe it will help to maintain a consistent pace. right now i've used army cadences to maintain pace.

On a bike like that your best bet it to take it to your LBS and have them do a "tune up" or full service of adjusting gears/brakes and saftey checking all the bolts.

You will regret investing money in a set of SS wheels for a bike like that. For your purpose I see no benefit in doing this.

Not to mention, you will get a better workout with a variety of gears. As you increase your speed you will want to increase pedaling resistance by changing gears to get a better workout.

sorry to sound so ignorant but....what is an LBS? is it like a bike shop or something?

Local bike shop.

so i straightened the bars like you said but i think something is wrong with them because they started to loosen this morning when i went for my second ride. I will research how to adjust the seat properly, maybe it will help to maintain a consistent pace. right now i've used army cadences to maintain pace.


Either you didn't tighten the stem enough, or something is broken. Another possibility is that someone packed way too much grease in there which doesn't allow everything to be tightened securely.

Raise your saddle up to the minimum insertion point and see if you can reach the pedals. If not, lower it until you can. Your leg should be almost fully extended at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Reading this will help a lot: http://sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html#adjustment Heck, read the whole website if you have time.