Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Can someone tell me if this would be a good first fixie?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
bahne
05-19-11, 09:35 PM
Hey guys,
I know how much everyone hates threads like this, but believe me, I HAVE done a decent amount of researching/searching before posting this.

While I would really like something like a Mercier Kilo TT, even that unfortunately is a bit out of my budget so i've been looking at some cheaper conversions on craigslist and such.

Which has lead me to this bike. Pretty much has all the info in the ad, and i'm assuming the frame is just some old schwinn from who knows when.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bik/2391440372.html

What do you guys think of that? Any better suggestions? I was also looking at the mongoose cachet (yes, I know what you all think of that... but can't beat the price) but I think the ~55cm frame will be too large for me.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

nickpoiron
05-19-11, 09:42 PM
depending on the mechanical "soundness" of all the parts on there, and the brand of the "super deep v" i would only spend maybe $150 max
jessesv
05-19-11, 09:49 PM
If you're eager and really (really) want to get out on a bike then talk the price down a little and you're good to go. HOWEVER, I know a lot of people are going to come in and say 'just save the extra $150 and get a kilo.' which isn't bad advice, but it depends on how bad you want a bike and what you're willing shell out.

When I got my first fixed gear bike, I bought a $200 no name conversion that I well overpaid for. It had crappy wheels, an old one piece crank and upgrading parts was a pain. But more importantly, it got me out on a bike and I was able to save up to build a project bike.

I think there's a lot of value to just getting out there on your bike instead of spending hours on the internet debating price, parts and other such things.

bahne
05-19-11, 09:58 PM
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the quick/insightful responses. Looks like i'll pass on this one, keep doing some more searching :)

Found a couple cheap frames for sale, so maybe just build a bike from the ground up. That'd be more fun anyways.
calv
05-19-11, 09:59 PM
Keep in mind it'll probably be a LOT more expensive. Like double/triple your budget, unless you're very good at finding nice used parts.
jessesv
05-19-11, 10:11 PM
Keep in mind it'll probably be a LOT more expensive. Like double/triple your budget, unless you're very good at finding nice used parts.

+1

It always seems like a good idea at first, but it almost always ends up costing way more. That's why I bought a cheapo bike built up and then spent a good 6+ months on my project bike.