furiousbob

Although I've been riding since I was a little kid, I've always owned cheap walmart/target/kmart bikes. My last one got thrown out accidentally so I'm using a loaner right now. After visiting the local bike shop, I've arrived at two possible candidates. Keep in mind that I ride 4 miles both ways everyday, slight inclines, mostly straightaways and little to no road irregularities.

On one hand, we have a Mongoose Sabrosa 29" wheels, fixed gear, upright, disk brakes, and slicks. No frills commuter. I test-rode it and i damned near instantly fell in love (After riding crap 18 speed bikes all my life, I think I would've fell in love with anything nicer). This bike is being offered at $500

On the other hand, we have a Marin Kentfield with standard wheels and standard everything. It's something I'm much more used to (except for the fancier shifters as opposed to the twist ones). It's marked at a much more affordable $350.

Now with all the bills and whatnot bombarding me from month to month, I'll be able to get 500 in two months, 350 in 4-5 weeks.

I've got one other question...how do fixed-speed bikes work out in the real world? I rode it around the block and sure it felt like heaven on wheels but what about practicality? Stopping/going/going fast?

Thanks!

Elusor

why settle?

bob is worth so much mores?

furiousbob

well bob is in a bad neighborhood (prostitutes and drug dealers around the corner). I work in a good neighborhood but I've almost been mugged on my route a few years back so I'm sorta worried that a sexier bike might attract the wrong people.

But you're right, why settle.

How's fixed-speed riding, btw? Or should I head on over to the fixed-speed channel?

Wino Ryder

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From what you described, maybe a fixed speed would be better for you, given the area you have to ride in. But remember, a fixed speed bike is exactly that, a fixed speed bike. Meaning your limited to a fixed speed, or fixed gear. As far as low maintenance, they're great. Just oil up the chain and ride. But if you have any hills to contend with, then you're gonna have to "grunt" a little to get where you're going.

furiousbob

So I was frustrated after work and felt like trying to break the world record for fastest man on two wheels, I wouldn't be able to go faster or as fast than say a 21 speed on the top gear?

caloso

You could do that. Just get the same chainring/cog combination as the 21 speed, say 52 x 12. It's just that now you've got a gear that you probably won't be able to climb in and will probably dislocate your knees when you try to stop.

So, many of us fixed gear commuters go with a nice, middling gear ratio. What it is, exactly, is different for everybody. Just for an example, mine's 42 x 16 (69 gear inches). It's low enough for the start and stop of commuting, high enough that you can still spin it up to 25 when you're trying to make the stoplight.

furiousbob

Hmm..

I don't think I'll need to switch gears too much (I do like riding on lower gears on hot days to work though, prevents me from sweating too much). Other than that, I live in a pretty level area, no major hills or anything, just slight inclines. I'll test ride it another day to settle this once and for all.

Oh and Isn't it much easier to take off the rear wheel without that whole mess of gears? I've never actually had to take off my rear wheel but it's nice to know.

M_S

Sounds like a single speed might be just right. A bike that can be run as a single speed or fixed gear would be good. I understand some people love riding fixed, but it always makes me nervous when I ride a fixed. I haven't had much practice though.

I'd question your need for the suspension on the mongoose though, since the roads are good. If you want a fast sing;e speed bike, the Bianchi San Jose would be a good bet. It's technically a cyclocross bike, but really it's just a great (speedy) single speed commuter/errand runner. I believe it retails at 600 dollars, which may be a little high for you, but it's possible you'll be able to find an 06 model for less. Here's the link.

furiousbob

There's no suspension on the goose. I thought the front had pneumatic forks the first time I saw it but upon furthur inspection, they're stiff.

caloso

Ya know, if you're patient and can use a hex wrench, you could build up a very nice ss or fg commuter from a gently used frame for less than $300.

M_S

I see, you're right. I was looking at the Sabrosa Ocho. My fault, sorry.

JeffS

That depends on the rider. Many people find that they actually go faster on a fixed-gear because you're more apt to power up hills (although you said you don't really have any).

e0richt

I have a bike with stem shifters, so I find that its really easy to take the rear wheel off by turning the bike upside down and loosening the quick release and pulling the wheel off.

CBBaron

Fixed gear bikes work great as an everyday commuter. It what I use.
A fixed gear bike is fun, as you have already found out.
The fixed gear drive train requires less maintenance and won't require adjustment.
Its also cheaper.
I always use rim brakes but in case the brakes are non functional you still have a backup in back pedaling. I have had this problem with snow and ice and in one case due to mechanical failure.
You vary your speed by your cadence not by gearing. Your top pedaling speed will be reduced but with a 72 gear inch (42x16) setup you can still exceed 25MPH. Flat ground speed is often not a problem, however going down hill your feet have to keep up with the bike. This limits you top speed going down hill.
For short climbs or moderate grade climbs, I climb as well or better on my fixed gear. It is easier to stand and crank up the hill. However for long climbs or steep hills the low cadence can be a problem, but there is always walking.
I find a fixed gear very practical for everyday urban commuting. My ride is 8.5 miles each way and involves city streets and a decent into the river valley and part way up the other side. Ofcourse the return course involves climbing back out of the valley. I have ridden my fixed gear on hilly 35 mile rides and I know others than have done mountainous 100 milers.
Craig

Jolt

Taking off the rear wheel with the gears is really not a big deal. Putting it back on isn't either. Personally I don't think I would want a fixed gear, as it doesn't seem at all practical if you have hills to deal with (sounds like you don't have many though). Another low-maintenance option that would offer a bit more versatility would be something with an internally-geared hub. I don't have personal experience with these but they seem like a decent option if the somewhat limited range of gears isn't a problem where you ride.

dynaryder

Sabrosa's a single speed,not fixed gear. SS's can coast,fixies can't.

dwainedibbly

If you're just getting back into cycling, think singlespeed, not fixed gear. If you want to get into the FG thing later, it's simple enough to convert. It does sound like a SS/FG bike would work for you, given the terrain, etc.

+1 to the Bianchi San Jose idea. I commute on one some days.

furiousbob

Yeah I noticed when I test rode it, it didn't brake on backward pedals (like one of my childhood bikes did). Sounds like the Sabrosa might be a good choice. The San Jose idea sounds like it'd do a bit of digging to find a 05 or 06 version. Would a typical bike shop have any? (I go to a velo shop)

StokerPoker

I've got a Marin Kentfield and it has been my all weather commuter since January. So far I have no real complaints. I like the fact that it's got front and rear rack and fender mounts. I've haven't changed any parts but I have added racks, fenders, baskets, lights, bottle cages, bar ends, seat bag, toe clips and a bell. It is holding up well under all the weight of my add ons and me. I expect to have to upgrade the rear wheel within the next year or so, but I have a bad habit of jumping speed bumps with a loaded bike

CBBaron

OK some terminology is needed here:
Single Speed - One chain ring, one cog, no shifter, can coast
Coaster Brake - On a single speed or hub geared bike you can brake by pressing back on the pedals. The brake is built into the rear hub.
Fixed Gear - One chain ring, one cog, no free wheel. The crank is directly connected to the rear wheel. When the cranks move (forward or backward) the wheel moves and vise versa.
It sounds like the one bike you are looking at is a single speed not a fixed gear. Single speed bikes also make good commuters but the riding is somewhat different than fixed gear. Most of the advantages except backup braking apply. However with a single speed you can coast when going down hill so it does not limit your speed there.
A 29er single speed bike probably does not have a hub that can be converted to fixed gear. However the rear wheel can easily be replaced with a FG wheel if you so desire.
Craig

furiousbob

What's a 29er?

hubcap

29er is a term usually associated with mountain bikes with 29" wheels. The Mongoose you are referencing looks to me like a singlespeed flatbar road bike (aka "fitness" bike). I think it would make a fine commuter and I like that it will take wider tires and has rack and fender eyelets.

How much more is the Ocho? The internally geared hub on that one gets you many of the advantages of the 1x1 but with the flexibility of the conventionally geared bike. I would like something like that one myself.

BTW, I commute on a Bianchi San Jose and love it.

furiousbob

Awesome, I'm sold on this 'goose idea. If I come across a San Jose, I'll be sure to test-ride it. And as for the Kentfield...maybe next time.

chephy

That childhood bike most likely wasn't a fixie either, but a single-speed with a coaster brake.

chephy

I personally would go with the Marin. I like the option of gears, I had good experience with Marin bikes and did I say I like gears? You can't really go fast on single-speeds unless you've got a killer ratio in which case you have to push really hard uphills and it's difficult to start the bike which is not so good with the constant stop-and-go of urban commuter. Stopping on single-speeds is fine - no different than stopping on geared bikes. You say you don't shift gears very much. That could be partially because the crappy bikes you've had before are so crappy that shifting is just too much pain. I've been there, so I know. Used to set my 18-speed walmart junker into its top gear and forget it there. Took me a while on a real bike (a Marin btw ) to learn how to use gears efficiently.