ncsadan

I'm a novice rider interested in purchasing my first serious bike. I'm moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Manhattan in June and am dumping my car for a bike--it will serve as my primary mode of transportation (likely in conjunction with the Subway, esp. during the winter.) I've been doing all sorts of research on various bikes and my final decision comes down to cost and practicality. For their light weight, durability/ fixability, and cost I like single speed bikes, and for their versatility and ridability (esp. in hilly Winston-Salem) I like the crosses (most notably Bianchi Volpe and Kona Jake.)
My questions are 1) in a city like New York, what is really more practical for commuting purposes? and 2) once that big decision is made what is a good first bike to buy (but one that I won't be replacing in 2 years.) Also, I have a friend who is willing to build a single speed with me, which could be more cost effective but will also be more difficult (not to mention I have no idea what part brands are superior to others.) Is that a good idea and can anyone steer me in the direction of a good dealer?
I'm about to graduate college and try to work as an actor, here, so cost effectiveness is crucial. I have no qualms with buying used/fixed up.
Thanks to anyone who just read that novella of a post

Kimmitt 

If your friend is cool, work with him/her. There's no better way to get into any hobby or skillset than having a friend show you the ropes. That's the tiebreaker to me.

ibcrewin

I commute from Astoria (home of Kaufman Astoria studios) to Midtown on my Dawes SST from Bikes Direct. I've had it for a couple of months now with no problems. Potholes can be teeth rattling but you get used to it. Also, include a REALLY good lock in your budget. Good luck!

vegipowrd

I would actually go single speed first. You will spend less and have almost no maintenance issues. Don't worry too much about what sort of components you throw on because the main issue is getting the distances to work. Surly and Shimano make almost everything you'll need, unless you want some fancy Sugino track parts.
If you go the single speed route, gear it a little on the low side. A low geared SS is one of the most relaxing things in the world to ride.
You can convert almost any frame to SS, so just find something you like (MTB or road) and have at it. Since theft will be an issue this could be a good thing and make for a good first city bike. You may get another later, but I would start with the thing you can ride anywhere.

jyossarian

How about a single speed cross bike like mine? It's a fixed gear cross bike that I use to commute, run errands on and do charity rides, and plain ol' riding. Plus I live in Manhattan.

If you plan on riding the hills of NJ up to Piermont and Nyack, you might want the geared cross bike. If you plan on riding around NYC and locking up a lot, nothing wrong w/ a single speed and fatter tires (28 or greater). Your best investment will be in locks. Get good ones (plural).

mijome07

L(o)(o)k no further.

rohmen

For what it's worth, I say go for the geared cross bike if you can afford a decent one. I was facing a similar decision a few years ago after I got back into cycling. I ended up buying a Surly Crosscheck complete (a geared cross-style bike) instead of a Surly Steamroller (a single speed/fixie) and have been extremely happy with the decision. When I was looking to purchase a new bike, I intended to just use it to commute 6 miles round trip and get around Chicago. A single speed would have been perfectly adequate for those uses.

Soon after picking up a nicer bike, however, I found myself going out for longer and longer rides. 6 months later, I completed my first century. I likely wouldn't have done the century or got into longer distance riding as quickly as I did if I had purchased a single speed. A geared cross bike will be more expensive to start, but I think it gives you some room and flexibility to grow and figure out what type of riding you really enjoy. A good cross bike can be adpated into an adequate road bike, commuter, and fireroad/mtn bike by simply changing the type of tires you are using.

The Bianchi Volpe and the Surly Crosscheck come well-equiped stock, and I think both would get you through at least two years of use (besides the saddle) before upgrades were absolutley necessary. When I test rode the Kona Jake, I just didn't like how it felt. It does seem solid for the price point, however. Good luck.

ncsadan

All these varying opinions are extremely helpful, guys. I haven't made a decision yet, I just don't want to seem unappreciative. Thank you! Keep it up!

AngryScientist 

nyc is pretty flat, i say go single speed, but get something capable of running wider tires, 28's would be pretty good. as others mentioned, budget for some good locks if you ever plan on leaving the bike outside.

i would look to bikes direct for your first bike, and have your friend help you assemble it / show you how it works. there is def. less maintenance on the SS bike, enjoy!

GearsForFears

No need to choose between cross or SS. I commute on a single-speed Cross-Check and can't imagine going back to a geared bike for city riding. Light, easy, just grab it and go. Lets you totally focus on and enjoy the ride. That Fantom Cross Uno linked above is similar to what I have and a pretty phenomenal deal for $400. I paid $650 for the X-Check, slightly used off Craigs.

TheatreME

First things first. Do your research. Look at Sheldon Browns site, and ask around the singlespeed fixed gear forums as well. I live in DC and still have the car, but hardly ever drive it. However, I spent money I did not need to when I was setting up my bikes because I did not know any better. But I never had a friend to help me, so thats in your favor.

Like other have said NYC is pretty flat so as a commuter a single speed will be fine. The problem comes in when you want to ride somewhere with hills, then gears are your friends. I have two bikes for just that reason: a fixed gear with a flip flop hub, and a MTB converted utilitarian beast.

As a starving artist, I say get a good SS, either a used bike you can convert or newish. Just realize there may come a time when you have to walk a hill if you get outside the city. I know plenty of people in NYC (actors and otherwise) who dont have a car or a bike so you will be fine either way you decide. Just make sure to get a bike thats fits you well so you want to ride it. Its wasted money if you never ride it because its uncomfortable.

spaceballs

I recently bought an IRO Angus for similar reasons; sometimes I still kind of hit myself for not getting the Mark V and saving myself a few bucks in the process. Look at the IRO Mark V; can be equipped for single speed, fixed, or both.

The best deal is the warranty. If anything happens to the frame, you can get it replaced for half the cost of a new one [which is $125]. The frame is comfortable, durable, and fast.

ncsadan

"That Fantom Cross Uno linked above is similar to what I have and a pretty phenomenal deal for $400."

This does look like a sweet deal, but should I be worried about buying a bike before riding it (as some have suggested)? I know that as far as frame size is concerned, I'm between a 55 and a 57 depending on the make and top tube length.

fuzz2050

Buy a cross check frame, and two rear wheels, so you can switch between fixed and a 1X9 with little work.

noteon 

It's true that much of NYC is pretty flat, and if I lived elsewhere on it, I might be okay with a single-speed.

However, there's a 25% grade at the end of my 26-mile (round-trip) commute, and sometimes I tow my kids around in a trailer, so it really does depend on where you're going to ride and what you're going to do with the bike. Do you know where you're moving yet?

markhr

Cross as the mostly flat places all seem to have REALLY steep bridges, no fun on a SS.

https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/368115-drop-bar-discbrake-700c-off-peg.html

trek portland - https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...land/portland/

cannondale cross xr7 - https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/c...del-8XR7C.html

Brodie Ronin '09 - https://www.brodiebikes.com/2009/bikes/ronin.php
Brodie Ronin '08 - https://www.brodiebikes.com/2008/2008_bikes/ronin.php

rocky mountain solo cxd - https://www.bikes.com/main+en+01_102+...tml?BIKE=606#2

kona sutra - https://www.konaworld.com/08_sutra_w.htm
Kona Sutra - https://www.konaworld.com/09_sutra_en.cfm
Kona Dew Drop - https://www.konaworld.com/09_dewdrop_en.cfm

Orbea Diem Drop Disc (2009) - https://www.orbea.com/en-gb/productos...icicletas.aspx (see road bikes > fitness > diem drop disc)

focus cross disc - https://www.focusbikesuk.com/focuscyc...cross_disc.php
focus mares disc 2009 - https://www.focusbikesuk.com/focuscyc...mares_disc.php

Devinci Caribou2 (2009) - https://www.devinci.com/11628_an.html

Raleigh USA Sojourn (2009) - https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/sojourn/
Rei Novara buzz road bike (2009) - https://www.rei.com/product/779985

rotwild rs1cx - https://www.rotwild.de/en/ (street bikes section)

Fixie Inc. Pureblood - https://www.cycles-for-heroes.com/bik...oss/pure-blood
fixie inc. pureblood - https://www.cycles-for-heroes.com/200...pureblood.html

Salsa la Cruz - https://www.salsacycles.com/laCruzComp08.html
Salsa Fargo - https://www.salsacycles.com/fargoComp09.html

Opus Sentiero - https://opusbike.com/site_route.php?lang=en (see 2009 bikes > road > cyclocross)

Genesis Croix de Fer - https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/series/croix_de_fer

BikesDirect Motobecane Fantom Cross Outlaw - https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/outlaw.htm

Baron bicycles - https://baronbicycles.com/spec.htm

Kimmitt 

Fuzz2050 has a good idea.

ncsadan

I'm choosing between greepoint (Brooklyn), manhattan, and Astoria (queens). Bk can get hilly in places.

ncsadan

There's a guy about 2 hours (driving) away from me selling a 1986 volpe 18 speed for $400. It has new wheels. Is it worth driing out there to check it out or are older volpes even the same thing?

jyossarian

Hell no it's not worth checking out.

Bottomfeeder

Build it with your friend. Then you should be half way to knowing how to fix it when something breaks or wears out. THAT will save you money... and you won't have to wait on a shop to fix your bike. A single speed should be fine for NY City.

DanO

noteon 

Unless you live someplace where it's not.

Seriously, know your likely routes before deciding whether to get gears. NYC isn't a pancake.

Kimmitt 

Worst comes to worst, he puts together a SS and has to swap out the rear wheel for an IGH after a couple weeks. Not the end of the world.

jyossarian

If the OP is gonna live in Bklyn or Qns, and commute to Manhattan, he'll have to take the bridges which are a pretty good climb. The Bx is real hilly as is northern Manhattan. NYC is mostly flat, not completely flat. Having said that, a single speed is fine IF you don't mind working hard up those bridges and hills.

GearsForFears

After you've commuted a little while SS and you're in a bit of shape, the uphill isn't a problem. In fact the granny gears seem lame because you can walk up the hill almost as fast and with less effort. The downhill is where you miss the higher gears.