Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - 600 dollar Complete

Like the title says I have about 600 for a complete bike. I am not new to bikes, I am a big lurker in the Classic and Vintage section and occasionally here. I will eventually upgrade things as they wear out but I want something that will last for a while (if there is anything at this price range that will). Thanks

Wabi Classic, or you can find a Surly Steamroller on sale.

Like the title says I have about 600 for a complete bike. I am not new to bikes, I am a big lurker in the Classic and Vintage section and occasionally here. I will eventually upgrade things as they wear out but I want something that will last for a while (if there is anything at this price range that will). Thanks

What are you going to be using the bike for? This will play a big factor in which bike you should get.

www.bikesdirect.com <- this was going to be referenced by someone eventually but you can get some good deals on bikes below $600.

Me being partial to the langster, you can easily find one for sub $600.

langster/steamroller has the advantage of the lbs - you can be fitted, pick the right size, and test ride it (since sizing varies company to company). if you are more experienced, then i would buy a mercier kilo tt (i know, typical responce) and change out the crappy kenda tires, ass hatchet seat, and some bars and tape of your choice, and still be well under 600 in the case something else needs to be replaced.

+ 1 for the wabi classic.

What about the Moto team track one? People say it's a hell of a bike for the price.

What about the Moto team track one? People say it's a hell of a bike for the price.


It is. But its $795. OP if you can stretch that I would suggest as well as many others to go for it.

Were talking about this bike: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/team_track.htm

it is a hell of a bike for the price, but a hell of a bike for the price on the track. no brakes, hard aluminum frame, high gearing, etc. is a no-go for the street, even if it does have dura ace cranks.

Ya I should have waited for an answer to my original question of how are you going to be using this bike.

A while back someone answered one of these "I have $--- to spend, what should I get?" threads. I think it went something like this:

Any response that says, "you should get _____ bike" is totally useless because the OP didn't describe at all what they want. Do you want a bike for racing at the track? Commuting? Off-road? General road riding? Until you say specifically what the bike will be used for we can't give you a worthwhile response.

ass hatchet seat

I did not think it was THAT bad.

it is going to be used for commuting (less than 10 miles per trip). And also for some fun late night rides.

IRO Angus with money left over for upgrades to your liking.

IRO Angus with money left over for upgrades to your liking.

+1 . use the extra $$ to buy a nice saddle.

/thread. Really.

it is a hell of a bike for the price, but a hell of a bike for the price on the track. no brakes, hard aluminum frame, high gearing, etc. is a no-go for the street, even if it does have dura ace cranks.

Coming from the guy who owns a Mash???

I have a team track and ride it on the street, it's a great bike. I added a front brake (it comes with a rear brake and lever) and swapped out the cog for a larger one (it comes with three cogs and lockrings).

So, you're out $20 extra for that front brake. . .

Coming from the guy who owns a Mash???

I have a team track and ride it on the street, it's a great bike. I added a front brake (it comes with a rear brake and lever) and swapped out the cog for a larger one (it comes with three cogs and lockrings).

So, you're out $20 extra for that front brake. . .

yes, coming from a guy that has a mash and a pista concept - because the fact that i own two aluminum track bikes that i can tell anyone that is thinking about it that it is not the best use for the streets from a little something called personal experience. i was naive in thinking that aluminum would be an equivalent street ride to steel, and i was wrong - just warning the op so he doesnt waste his money on a bike that doesnt have the ride quality he wants. great, you like your bike - but comparable steel is always a better ride for commuting, where he is going to be riding. youre using the wrong bike for the purpose, dont try to justify your purchases here. 20$ out is already 220 dollars out of budget.

yes, coming from a guy that has a mash and a pista concept - because the fact that i own two aluminum track bikes that i can tell anyone that is thinking about it that it is not the best use for the streets from a little something called personal experience. i was naive in thinking that aluminum would be an equivalent street ride to steel, and i was wrong - just warning the op so he doesnt waste his money on a bike that doesnt have the ride quality he wants. great, you like your bike - but comparable steel is always a better ride for commuting, where he is going to be riding. youre using the wrong bike for the purpose, dont try to justify your purchases here. 20$ out is already 220 dollars out of budget.

Touchy touchy, not trying to justify my purchase, I assumed that since you had two aluminum track bikes that something odd was up, though I'm glad you didn't tell me your Mash was for track use only ;)

Touchy touchy, not trying to justify my purchase, I assumed that since you had two aluminum track bikes that something odd was up, though I'm glad you didn't tell me your Mash was for track use only ;)

thats because its not built up. im considering not finishing it, and getting something of the lugged steel variety. decisions, decisions.

well i have been looking around locally here are some prices I found

2010 Surly Steamroller, 460, almost new (less than 2 miles)
2009 Jamis Beatnik 325, brand new
2009 Jamis Sputnik, 440, brand new
2009 GT Gutterball, 390, brand new

I am thinking about these four bikes. My riding will be all on pretty crappy streets, some nice bike trails though. What do you guys think?

those bikes are all your size?

well i have been looking around locally here are some prices I found

2010 Surly Steamroller, 460, almost new (less than 2 miles)
2009 Jamis Beatnik 325, brand new
2009 Jamis Sputnik, 440, brand new
2009 GT Gutterball, 390, brand new

I am thinking about these four bikes. My riding will be all on pretty crappy streets, some nice bike trails though. What do you guys think?


Heres how I look at it. The Steamroller is only 20$ more than the Jamis which eliminates the Jamis from my decision. I dont like GT's. They are the bike supplier for Team Saturn meaning they actually dont have any real race team just a sponsorship. This makes me question if there is real research going into their bikes.

So the GT and Sputnik are out. Looking at the Beatnik I see a 2 year old (probably used) mediocre bike. You can easily get a bikesdirect.com bike brand new with very similar, almost equal component setups to the 2 year old Jamis for 325$.

If Im you, I dont buy any of the bikes above. Id pay 400$ tops for the steamroller and thats the only one Id spend money on. There just more bike to be had elsewhere for less or same money.

all bikes are my size and all are brand new, except for the steamroller which literally has two miles on it (shop demo bike).

As for the bikesdirect bikes, I am liking the kilo tt pro with the chrome. But i am looking around, personally i think i would rather pay 30 less for a 2010 steamroller. But i will keep looking

I would go for the Steamroller then, as long as it really has 2ish miles and isn't beat up

Since it is the shop demo bike, I bet you could have them reduce the price if you talked them into it.

i already talked them down. I went and looked at it again and there is not a scratch on the thing. I really trust this shop they, i have been going there for 4 years so i know they are not trying pull anything over me. I am gonna thik about it for a few days and then make my decision.