Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - The "Should I..." Thread

I'm indecisive. Are you?

Should I ditch the FTP build and buy a GTB complete for $750?

Yes.

I would jump for a GTB anyday over a FTP.... especially considering the soon to be ruined image and reputation of them from the horrendous builds yet to come from the nashbar sale.

Does anyone know the top tube length of a 54cm GTB?

Edit: Guy on PedalRoom says a 54cm GTB has a 56cm TT. Le bummers. Back to the FTP.

Should I...

Buy a new Affinity Lo Pro and move all of my existing stock/mediocre parts to it?
Buy another frame of equal quality to mine and save a little money on other upgrades.

Actually, just writing this helped. I don't need answers, but input helps :P

Also, I would definitely pick the GTB over the FTP.

What do you ride now?

I know! I'm just going to build the FTP, ride it, and sell it if I ever come across another good deal on a GTB or a Pulse. I don't want to push the limits with the TT length on the 54cm GTB.

Just use a 2cm shorter stem? It won't effect steering a noticeable amount like the worrywarts might say

I like this thread and I think it is a really good idea.

Should I...

Build up a new 2011 721 (when they come out) or buy a somewhat comparable complete bike from BD and upgrade the minor components? (crankset, bars, pedals, saddle, etc.) Note: I already have a Trek Earl worth ~$350 and a very nice Cannondale road bike, and I am by no means rich.

What do you ride now?

I know! I'm just going to build the FTP, ride it, and sell it if I ever come across another good deal on a GTB or a Pulse. I don't want to push the limits with the TT length on the 54cm GTB.

Currently a Motobecane Track. The problem is that it's too small for me (49 cm) and I want something twitchier; steeper angles, shorter wheelbase, etc.

I find those GTBs difficult to come across. Is the TT that much longer on the GTB?

Just use a 2cm shorter stem? It won't effect steering a noticeable amount like the worrywarts might say

I use a 70-80mm stem on a 54cm bike. That's already pretty short.

For my FTP I erred on the side of caution and got a 52, for which I can use a 100mm or so stem and probably feel ok.

I like this thread and I think it is a really good idea.

Should I...

Build up a new 2011 721 (when they come out) or buy a somewhat comparable complete bike from BD and upgrade the minor components? (crankset, bars, pedals, saddle, etc.) Note: I already have a Trek Earl worth ~$350 and a very nice Cannondale road bike, and I am by no means rich.

Motobecane Team Track!

Motobecane Team Track!

If they're ever in stock :\

Should I buy a CAAD 10 or build up a Bob Jackson Vigorelli?

I'd go for a CAAD 10 if I had the fund.

I always pick sw8 fixxays over road bikes for some reason, but I'd say CAAD 10 on this one.

Caad 10 with which group?

Either Rival or 105, I don't know yet. And neither of those will be happening to soon, but ya know, it's fun to think of what comes next. I might wait for the CAAD11...

should I buy another frame that I don't really need or not? and if I should, should I get an all city big block or try for a used bareknuckle?
gtb's look cool

Either Rival or 105, I don't know yet. And neither of those will be happening to soon, but ya know, it's fun to think of what comes next. I might wait for the CAAD11...
This is a pretty good deal (http://bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/gran_premio_inferno.htm) for RED and if steel isn't your thang, sell the frame and get a SuperSix or a SystemSix; both very good frames.

Get the SRAM!

wow, when was that thing added to the site?

It's been there a while, but I don't want to be afraid of tinkering with it. When something breaks on RED it'll be expensive. 105 is probably more n00b friendly ;D

Not sure...but I realized this (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_cf_team_di2_xi.htm) was added not too long ago, which is a hell of deal for Di2.

This is the what I want though...Apex (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/super_strada.htm).


It's been there a while, but I don't want to be afraid of tinkering with it. When something breaks on RED it'll be expensive. 105 is probably more n00b friendly ;D
Tiagra 10 speed should be coming out soon, even more affordable.

http://road.cc/content/news/31511-shimano-launch-tiagra-10-speed-new-cyclo-cross-components-2012

I'm going to stick with the CAAD, I want prebuilt.

Should I...



...use 23c tires on Sun CR-18? I kind of want to say yes, but I am not sure...

should i buy a chrome Ivan backpack and a NY noose bike lock???

whoops already splurged out hehehe

should i buy a chrome Ivan backpack and a NY noose bike lock???

whoops already splurged out hehehe

If you already have jorts, yes.

gonna be a while till i can save for more flannel and wayfarers but it will be worth it. ill have extra time to care for my mustache while i listen to arcade fire and of montreal vinyls

Invest in a good lock if you commute with it a lot.

got a Ny 3000 U lock too. Looks like I'm set for a while.

I'm going to stick with the CAAD, I want prebuilt.

Yes! You will not be disappointed.

...use 23c tires on Sun CR-18? I kind of want to say yes, but I am not sure...
They're wide rims man, but I guess all the roadies are doing it

Should I...
...use 23c tires on Sun CR-18? I kind of want to say yes, but I am not sure...

I tried it with 700x23 Rubino Pro, but the tire wasn't even wide enough to match the rim width. Was constantly afraid of denting a rim.

They're wide rims man, but I guess all the roadies are doing it
That's was exactly my thought process and the uber hip TB14s are the same width too...iunno...


I tried it with 700x23 Rubino Pro, but the tire wasn't even wide enough to match the rim width. Was constantly afraid of denting a rim.
Hmm...thanks for the input though. :)

I have a chance to pick up set set of them for a good price and I want to have a nice set of box-section wheels. Though it won't be much of an upgrade from my DA22, the CR-18s are at least single eyeleted.

Should I...

Buy these (http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=87_172_178&products_id=470&zenid=egbgvp41d3eqv74edqe845vst7) wheels for my 721 build or order some Foer's from Scrod and build 'em up myself? The Mavic's would be cheaper but Foer's are rad.

Mavic.

Mavic.

Yup, that's what I'm getting. I just needed somebody to reinforce it.

That's was exactly my thought process and the uber hip TB14s are the same width too...iunno...


Hmm...thanks for the input though. :)

I have a chance to pick up set set of them for a good price and I want to have a nice set of box-section wheels. Though it won't be much of an upgrade from my DA22, the CR-18s are at least single eyeleted.

I rode a 23c tire on a CR18 for about five months with no problems.

Should I...



...use 23c tires on Sun CR-18? I kind of want to say yes, but I am not sure...


its perfectly fine, mine came in the other day and im running 23c conti ultra races, they look awfully skinny and ugly, but they work perfectly fine until im able to invest in some nice fat gummies

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5080/5903935214_a3cc1dc4ba_o.jpg

Used Sugino 75 crank arms + Shimano UN72 BB, no chainring for $80 shipped.

Yes/no?

Used Sugino 75 crank arms + Shimano UN72 BB, no chainring for $80 shipped.

Yes/no?

sure hows condition? ... is that un72 109mm?

I updated with a pic. The condition looks to be used/not abused. I'll ask about the length of the BB.

should I...

build up a leader 725, cinelli mash, bianchi super pista?

I actually had TFB pricematch approve the CG sale of $750 on the Mash, but when I went back to the site after it was approved it said "Item is discontinued and is no longer available" Easy to approve a price if you no longer sell something I suppose. :D

looks ok, little pedal wrench gouge but otherwise pretty decent looking

should I...

build up a leader 725, cinelli mash, bianchi super pista?

I actually had TFB pricematch approve the CG sale of $750 on the Mash, but when I went back to the site after it was approved it said "Item is discontinued and is no longer available" Easy to approve a price if you no longer sell something I suppose. :D

bianchi

looks ok, little pedal wrench gouge but otherwise pretty decent looking

Yea. I don't mind used cranks at all. Adding a decent chainring, chainring bolts, and crank bolts will probably bring the total closer to $130-$150.

The other choice I had for my build was black Omniums, but those are super hard to find. Scrod's price is pretty good at $195ish shipped. Even then, though, the worst case price difference between the new Omniums and used Sugino 75s is still $45.

Hence my indecisiveness.

it would come down to what color I wanted in that case. After you add a chainring you'll save money but not a ton of it, I would get the color and cranks you like more if we're talking <$50

$50 is a lot to pay for color. I would pay $10 max for color, but that's just me. Plus, after seeing cc700's FTP, I think silver would actually look ok on the FTP.

I'm more concerned about the used-ness, I guess.

go with the omniums ... what's 50 bucks? Plus Scrod price is excellent all things considered. when the BB goes the GXP BB is super cheap and the chain rings are reasonable.

Bunch of should-i's:

Should I sell the used Dura-Ace 7710 crankset w/bb (got it for $200), profit, and get something cheaper (i.e. omniums) or just run them on my new Soma rush build?

Should I build up my Soma rush and then sell the Mark V or have it do duty as a singlespeeder?

Should I use the IRO wheelset on the Soma rush or get the Wabi wheelset (or something else)?

Should I get 28c or 25c Panaracer T-servs? I weight about 160lbs.