Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Recommendations - $800 max for NYC

I am moving to NYC in a few months and am nervous about taking my road bike with me (caad9) so I'm looking to get a cheap(er) single speed bike to use for commuting and medium rides (~30 miles max).

Wish list
#1 - Light weight (I will be in an old building with a very slow elevator, will need to carry the bike
#2 - Maintenance free - no space in the apartment for a bike stand/etc.
#3 - not too flashy...would like the bike to not get stolen

I definitely will want a bike that can support brakes

I'm willing to do some customization, and spend up to $800

Thanks for your help!

all city big block complete

Could I recommend a Cervelo T1?

All city or Surly steamroller.

Could I recommend a Cervelo T1?

That frameset seems to be $1200, is there a way to get it cheaper?

That frameset seems to be $1200, is there a way to get it cheaper? I think he was joking man, not a good bike for the streets of NY. The surly steamroller can fit up to 38c tires and can be built up to take a lot of abuse I own one myself for riding in philadelphia and it's a tough bike.

windsor essex

because reasons

1. htfu

2. ss

3. ulock

I think he was joking man, not a good bike for the streets of NY. The surly steamroller can fit up to 38c tires and can be built up to take a lot of abuse I own one myself for riding in philadelphia and it's a tough bike.

Thanks...So the advantage of the steel bikes is the durability? For the All city/surly are there any parts that I would want to replace right out of the box? It looks like the surly has a much different geometry than most road bikes

Thanks...So the advantage of the steel bikes is the durability? For the All city/surly are there any parts that I would want to replace right out of the box? It looks like the surly has a much different geometry than most road bikes Nah man everything is fine stock i've been riding my bike stock for a little over a year and I only replaced the tires. I don't think the surly comes with pedals so you'll need pedals and straps. Steel bikes offer a less bumpy ride and more comfortable overall. You can use 23c skinny tires or 38c fat tires with low air pressure and it will be a real comfy ride. Here's a pic of mine on a ride threw the snow I did with 35c cross tires. http://i46.tinypic.com/4kfvr7.jpgdrive side with drops. http://i45.tinypic.com/2pob9z8.jpg

Convert an old 10 speed with a steel frame to a one speed or ride it as is. Get something cheap that works and if it gets ripped off, you won't lose too much sleep over it.

For $800 you have plenty of choices. It sounds like you're a weight weenie, so I suggest to just get the lightest setup possible. Just too many choices to pick from.
I recommend Steamroller as well, but then there are poople out there that will start foaming outta their mouf and holler how its too heavy. All City Big Block is also neat.

NYC streets often suck, and drivers will force you to hit potholes and cracks all the time. I would get a steel frame and 28 tires. It's flat except for the bridges, so a SS is fine. Would help to know where you're going to live tho.

I like the Trek Earl

Just get whatever you would get for anywhere else. NY isn't like another planet or anything. Just keep your eye on it because our thieves are pretty ingenuous.

dont get rid of the caad9! you will regret it dearly. you should just get an se draft or something like that and keep both.

Thanks...So the advantage of the steel bikes is the durability? For the All city/surly are there any parts that I would want to replace right out of the box? It looks like the surly has a much different geometry than most road bikes

I've had an All City Big Block complete for a few months and I've totally fallen in love with it. The stock build is very solid and you won't have to change anything on account of quality.

It really is a super bike. If you buy from an LBS, it may exceed your 800 dollar budget. Mine was over 900 after taxes.

Steamroller may be under your budget, but its not as nice as the Big Block.

dont get rid of the caad9! you will regret it dearly. you should just get an se draft or something like that and keep both.

I'm not getting rid of it I will be in Morningside heights, right next to the riverside park bike trail.

Thanks or all of the help so far. I know i'm a noob, so I really appreciate it.

I'm not getting rid of it I will be in Morningside heights, right next to the riverside park bike trail.

Thanks or all of the help so far. I know i'm a noob, so I really appreciate it.

deevee...

Chrimbus?

718c.com

morningside heights puts you in a great HTFU location for riding fixed.

Could I recommend a Cervelo T1?

Oooh. Nice one :lol:

if you want a theifcandybiek the big block is ****ing sweet.

but i'd rather have something i wouldn't cry about if it twas sterlen.

Oooh. Nice one :lol:

haha, im glad someone got it.

Get something with square wheels that nobody else would ride; that'll guarantee it doesn't get stolen or ridden.

Dare I say two kilo TT's so when the first one gets stolen, you still have one.

talking to my friends in Manhattan, i think i'd go with a fun conversion for a lockup.

or a Kilo TT (the purple is pretty sexy) and two guns (carrying a spare gun is called a "New York Reload".) :)

I would definitely get a kilo tt again, the purple is hot; and for 800 you can get 2 and even add in some upgrades.

Dare I say two kilo TT's so when the first one gets stolen, you still have one.Agree with this post 100%. $ 800 in NYC is easily $ 450 more than you want someone to steal. In that case any of the BD bikes around $ 300 or so is a 30+ mile ride bike. I ride a Vilano that far every other day for the past 2 years now and it was $ 257 delivered. Nobody has stolen it in Miami, FL. Then again it's not locked up very long for anyone to measure it to be stolen.

Wabi Classic

In all seriousness, I would by a Kilo TT Pro, and put the remaining $350 into the bike how you see fIt. I.E.: new tires, bars, stem, seat post, and saddle. A couple of these are entirely optional.

I would argue a kilo is more flashy than an A-C or Wabi, a lot of times that's the only criteria why your bike was chosen on that rack.

boring wabi colorway. but I'm one of the few people here who doesn't recommend buying a kilo then replacing every part on it :p

718c.com

morningside heights puts you in a great HTFU location for riding fixed.

+1 on 718c.com

You can buy a sweet frame either through them or on craigslist/ebay and then have them convert it..I think it should def. be around your price range.

^ they've got a couple of beautiful frames in stock as of last week-- both vintage and some new leaders-- and the people there know their ****.