Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Help A Newb Out

Hi guys, first time poster but I've checked out a lot of the threads here recently. Anyways, I was wondering if SS/FG bikes were cheaper than their Multigear counterparts? For example, could I get a better bike (in terms of frame/other parts) for cheaper if it was fixed gear rather than having lots of gears? I ask this because I've never really used gears before, never saw the need to. I'm not a serious biker but I'm looking to pick up something that will last, and I've found a great Trek bike I'm seriously considering buying. Just wanted to understand the benefit of purchasing a SS/FG bike. Thanks!

Kilo TT

Kilo TT

http://4petsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/parrot.jpg

OP, I actually like your question. The problem is that with a geared bike, you are actually buying more parts. Kind of like comparing $15,000 Honda Civic and a $15,000 Ducati. Both will get you to the grocery store and to work but they are clearly two different vehicles and not worth comparing that way.

Huge benefit I'd say is the simplicity with your drive train (IE- one fixed cog/one free wheel in the rear and a singular sprocket up front with the cranks).

There are times when switching gears seems beneficial but a SS/FG will be just fine and you will learn to adjust your pedaling and achieve a good cadence.

I've been on this forum shortly but if you're Trek in consideration is around $400ish and you're thinking of getting into a SS/FG then a Mercier Kilo TT from BikesDirect.com (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott_pro_xi.htm) will be advised to you.

Good luck, search before you ask but there are tons of good people on here that are pretty knowledgeable and helpful!

http://4petsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/parrot.jpg

+1

Huge benefit I'd say is the simplicity with your drive train (IE- one fixed cog/one free wheel in the rear and a singular sprocket up front with the cranks).

There are times when switching gears seems beneficial but a SS/FG will be just fine and you will learn to adjust your pedaling and achieve a good cadence.

I've been on this forum shortly but if you're Trek in consideration is around $400ish and you're thinking of getting into a SS/FG then a Mercier Kilo TT from BikesDirect.com (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott_pro_xi.htm) will be advised to you.

Good luck, search before you ask but there are tons of good people on here that are pretty knowledgeable and helpful!

I was looking at the Trek Soho S, would you recommend the Mercier over that?

Thanks for the help!

If the trek feels right and fits, is decently priced and fits, by all means. If not, the aforementioned.

I don't know much about the Trek myself but that model new is $600+ and a new Kilo would be $450 shipped to your door. If you're leaning towards a SS/FG then just search reviews and threads on here to get a good grasp of why they're always recommended.

Personally I built up a bike but I probably would've purchased a Kilo myself had I known about this forum and just upgraded parts as needed.

If ever you go the Kilo TT route, you have to make sure you have tools and mechanical knowledge to put the bike together. One option is to bring it to an LBS.

From what I can tell, those only ship to the states, I'm in Canada. I don't have any knowledge about putting a bike together, I'm just concerned with making a bad investment. I don't want to buy a bike and be ripped off so I'm trying to figure out if Trek makes good bikes or just overpriced shiny stuff that will fall apart. Thanks for the help guys!

Trek makes good bikes. Not the best, but they're good.

From what I can tell, those only ship to the states, I'm in Canada.

Being in Canada too also make me hesitate about purchasing a Kilo TT from BikesDirect.com, extra shipping cost and border taxes may make it better to look on this side of the border.

Being in Canada too also make me hesitate about purchasing a Kilo TT from BikesDirect.com, extra shipping cost and border taxes may make it better to look on this side of the border.

Have someone in the states buy it for you, and then ship it to you. Slightly cheaper/easier?

I live in Canada and i ordered a kilo tt from BD. i guess i'm fortunate enough to be a 45min drive away from the border though.

as far as FG being cheaper, i'd say in the long run that yes they are indeed cheaper.
you will be replacing/maintaining fewer parts as mentioned. of course there is no upwards bound of how much you want to spend on your fixie :)
imo a fixie is a great way to get into biking. i started with a fixie and got my 'dale after a year or so.

Where do you guys live in Canada?

Trek makes good bikes. Not the best, but they're good.

+1. I LOVE my Earl. Also, I rode an older version of the popular Trek 2.1 for the the whole road cycling season this spring. Loved it. Pretty stiff and smooth as butter on the road.