Jdubrx

I am in the market to get a fixed gear bike but I am unsure where to start. I really like the look of the Bianchi Pista but want the most for my buck. This bike will be my primary commuter and way to get around town.

Any recommendations or things I should consider?

rpc180

Definitely check out the SingleSpeed/Fixed Gear forum - they have plenty of recommendations for first bikes.

Jdubrx

Oh thanks, I am new here so sorry for placing this thread in the wrong forum!

Dubbayoo

The Specialized Langster is a fixed with more road geometry.

StanSeven

Some questions Have you ever ridden a fixed gear before? Do you mean a single speed (like a fixed gear but allows you to coast)? Since you are looking for the best value, are you considering buying a bike and converting it to a fixed gear?

The reason I'm asking is fixed gears are fun and great for training, especially if you're looking to develop a better spin. But they focus you to constantly pedal. If it's your commuter and way to get around town, you might not want to always be pedalling, especially if it's a comjested area with lots of sudden stops and starts.

merlinextraligh

On the other hand, lots of people that ride fixed gear claim that they're better in traffic because you more connected, and have more control in close quarters.

haimtoeg

I have a Cannondale Capo which I like a lot. However, try to look at craigslist, here in LA and Orange County areas there are always a few for sale. Also, as RPC180 said, check the SS/FG forum and maybe the commuters forum as well.

MIN 

I have a Pista but there is much about the bike that can/should/will be upgraded.

idcruiserman

If it's for commuting, get something with fender/rack mounts like a San Jose.

kevinmcdade

There are lots of entry level fixed gear bikes available in the $400-600 range. KHS Flite 100, Mercier Kilo TT, Tomasso makes one, Bikes Direct offers a couple, Redline, Raleigh, and a whole bunch more. Figure out if you want to commute using the track(ish) geometry of the Pista. It's a pretty nice handling bike for what it is but it's not that comfortable...IMO. Also, make sure you pick one that is at least drilled for a front brake. You can stop pretty quickly by applying back pressure and only one brake but I prefer the added security of front and rear brakes when riding in traffic. Also if you commute in all types of weather, you want one that can take a wider tire and possibly be able to accept fenders. There's always the option of converting an older road bike into a fixed gear.

DC_Emily

I thought the San Jose was jsut a single-speed?

Any of the entry level bikes are good for commuting. They're all aluminum, so you won't need to be concerned with damage from bad weather.
Personally, I think you're better off buying one new than from craigslist since you'll be guaranteed that everything is in good condition, even if not of utmost quality.

Make sure you pick a gearing that's comfortable and you use a front brake.
Have fun!

kevinmcdade

Nope...It's got a flip flop rear hub. I just picked up a 2007 San Jose on closeout from my LBS. GREAT bike!!!

CrimsonKarter21

Go with the Mercier Kilo TT off of bikesdirect.com . IMO, it offers the best bang for the buck, and the forks is lugged, compared to the BMX-looking forks found on the other bikes. Besides that, it looks goo and is like something rediculously cheap like $350.

EDIT: Sorry, I meant "BMX", I guess I've got BMW on the brain.

laryanshabaz

Schwinn Madison (beautiful, comes with full brakes w/aero levers)
Two paint schemes to choose from if you can find the '07 models near you (check performance bike)

pedex

IRO group buy, was the dedacci tubing special, now tony has the jamie roy at a special price, worth a look methinks.

kevinmcdade

+1! That Schwinn Madison looks to be a great choice!

kevinmcdade

There are a lot of folks on the SS/FG forum who love this bike. There is a long ongoing thread for discussion of the Kilo TT. Mercier Kilo TT Thread.

recursive

I've commuted on a fix for a couple of years now, and think this advantage is quite overstated. But it is there, nonetheless. The biggest problem I see with them though, is that it's very difficult to corner sharply. I've developed a technique of rocking the bike through corners to keep the inside pedal off the ground, but it's much smoother with a coasting bike.

elemental

Gotta agree here, had one and it was fantastic. Really great handling.

gfrance

I've developed the same cornering technique.

After almost two years of commuting fixed, I can't stop having right knee issues. And I run a front brake and don't do lots of backpedaling to stop. I'm not sure what the problem is. But overall, I do see a noticeable difference in my performance and power when I get on the road bike. It sure has been good in developing the size of my quads.

elemental

Impending knee problems forced me to get rid of my fixie, and I ran two brakes and never backpedaled. The problem is most likely compression from low-rpm mashing. I ran a medium sized gear and this really started to get to me. It's too bad, because fixie is fun. It just wasn't worth risking the kind of problems that could keep me off of bikes.

kwrides

If you go the BD route and look at the Mercier Kilo TT, check out the Windsor The Hour too. A great price for a bike that's the same as the Fuji, just different badging.

caloso

If you'll be riding fixed in town, my advice is to gear down to below 70 gear inches. I had mine at 75 (43/15) for a few months for taking long tempo rides out in the country but it was just killing me from stop sign to stop sign. 69 (42/16) is so much more mellow.