Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Redline 925 vs. Schwinn Madison

Two very different 2009 models on closeout for virtually the same price. Which would you pick?

I'm a road biker that's looking to pick up a SS/FG for winter training and errand running. I don't commute to work on a bike, but want something I can use in the rain/winter and lock up around town without much worry. I like the Redline because it already comes with fenders, which I'd probably add to whatever bike I buy. The Schwinn on the other hand is a great looking bike and seems much sportier. Am I better off getting the more commuter-friendly Redline and using that for training, or getting the sleeker Schwinn and converting it to a commuter?

In my ideal world, I'd probably build up a Surly Cross Check as a SS/FG, but it's out of my budget. The Bianchi San Jose is also a very appealing option, but I'm having a hard time finding any in stock in my size since they are now discontinued.

I'd get the Bianchi San Jose but since its hard to find, I like the Schwinn Madison.

I have the mid 1980s version.

my lbs has one san jose in stock right now.

The Madison is likely more lively and entertaining to ride, and since you're not commuting on it I'd go for the Madison.

Madison.

I like the Redline myself.

Leader.

ftfy

I use my 09 Redline for commuting. Wide tire clearance, stock fenders, rack eyelets . . . everything a SS commuter could ask for. :thumb:

Madison is also an excellent bike, but I personally prefer the Redline for commuting because of the above features.

In your case, I'd pick the Redline because of the versatility and the compact geometry.

Madisons are big, you have to get one or two size smaller than your usual sizing to achieve decent saddle to bar drop.

Though, you could always use a stem with a lot of negative rise.

for winter training and errand running.
9-2-5.

no experience with either, but i'd go with the 925 for use around town.

i did own a bianchi san jose for a while which i enjoyed quite a bit, but i would not use it for road training.

no experience with either, but i'd go with the 925 for use around town.

i did own a bianchi san jose for a while which i enjoyed quite a bit, but i would not use it for road training.

What makes the San Jose worse for winter training than the 925 or Madison? Also, if I'm strictly using this bike on paved roads, will a Madison's stock tires be good enough for New England winters? When the roads are paved of course.

What size bike do you ride? On my local craigslist Philadelphia someones selling a san jose for $300 its a 2009 dude barely rode it. I would buy it but I just bought a bare knuckle because my bike beat up a car or the car beat me and my bike up i dunno.

I ride a 52 cm San Jose. It has monster tires on it. Its a SS.

My Madison is the same size. That can only take 25c tires. Its now a 3 speed FG.

. . . I just fit 700C X 30 tires on my 08 Madison . . .

Wait...I thought you will be using your King headset from Kilo, which is not compatible with a Madison.

Or are you using that for another build?

He scored an '08 Madison!

Wait...I thought you will be using your King headset from Kilo, which is not compatible with a Madison.

Or are you using that for another build?

ha, actually I never meant to run into the Madison, but as it be I'm probably going to try my luck at trading the 1" King for a 1 1/8"...and a few other things that might just big the carp out of me...

It's a lot beefier of a frame compared to the TT... Makes the kilo feel like a childs toy... but I definitely got a few sizes too small...the Maddy fits me A LOT better.

Yea, my worrisome side kicked in...old habit.