Inexpensive Fixie
#1
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Inexpensive Fixie
Soup everyone.
I'm in the market for a new bike, and I want something very different from my current bikes, so I figure a track bike is a good option.
I'm posting this here becuase I'm don't intend to race track with it or anything, just fart around town and ride when it's rainy. Call me a poser/posuer/prozeur/poughzeur/prohzeughere whatever, but I want a track bike. As a side note, I also like track geometry.
Anyway, I have a budget of ~$1,200. I'm definitely not into the idea of brakeless, so I'd like a front brake (not rear). I know you guys HATE Langsters, but there's one down at my LBS. It's not a current model (I don't think, at least), maybe last year. Not in the Specialized catolouge (SP?) or on their website. It's little over a grand, and has a front brake, with the lever mounted on where one would normally put a bar plug. I test rode it, and it felt pretty good. Sharp handling, but held it's line well. What says you, SSFG?
Any other suggestions?
I'm in the market for a new bike, and I want something very different from my current bikes, so I figure a track bike is a good option.
I'm posting this here becuase I'm don't intend to race track with it or anything, just fart around town and ride when it's rainy. Call me a poser/posuer/prozeur/poughzeur/prohzeughere whatever, but I want a track bike. As a side note, I also like track geometry.
Anyway, I have a budget of ~$1,200. I'm definitely not into the idea of brakeless, so I'd like a front brake (not rear). I know you guys HATE Langsters, but there's one down at my LBS. It's not a current model (I don't think, at least), maybe last year. Not in the Specialized catolouge (SP?) or on their website. It's little over a grand, and has a front brake, with the lever mounted on where one would normally put a bar plug. I test rode it, and it felt pretty good. Sharp handling, but held it's line well. What says you, SSFG?
Any other suggestions?
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#3
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#4
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Surly Steamroller
IRO anything
You could probably build something of pretty high quality with that budget.
IRO anything
You could probably build something of pretty high quality with that budget.
#5
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for a $200 more you could get a brand new Felt Tk2 and it comes with good parts and it has a brake hole too.
#6
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#7
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#8
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#9
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yeah inexpensive trackbikes tend to run $600 or $700. For $1200 you should be able to get something rather nice, but not exotic.
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really? man i must be the cheapest mfer on this forum. inexpensive in my mind is about 2-400. for 6-700, you can find some sweet bikes. for 1200, you can really find some sweet bikes.
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Maybe I just refuse to come to terms with the fact that there is something fundamental to riding a fixed gear that means you have to try to **** on everyone else.
anyways
If you are serious about getting a bike for bad weather I encourage you to look for frames that have fender mounts, unfortunately most track frames dont have these. I suggest, if you want a real all weather bike, look at the tricross singlespeed (its flip flop rear) the bianchi san jose, the steam roller, and bikes closer to those in application. These bikes have a lot more features that work for adverse conditions, specifically fender mounts and (excluding the steam roller) cantilever brake mounts for better clearance for fenders.
if your set on a track bike, then find whichever suits your fancy, I like the trek t1 a lot, as well as the felt, and pista concepts. Also the raleigh rush hour pro is an alright bike. All of these are around your price point and real track bikes.
Last edited by Pfutz; 03-22-08 at 12:09 AM.
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"Rainy" called for fat tires, fenders, and waterproof panniers in my book, but maybe the OP is on to something... I'll try some threadless 23s, a single brake, and some tapeless bars next time it pours.
Note to Self: Load up on pintos prior to storm for the "fart around".
Note to Self: Load up on pintos prior to storm for the "fart around".
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If you're up to the choice, you could build a very nice bike for 1200, I would suggest something like this:
Bareknuckle frame/fork
Chris King headset
Sugino 75's w/ bottom bracket and chainring
Formulas to Open-Pros
A nice dura ace cog and lockring
bars of choice, my call would be some nice nitto drops
threadless stem of choice
seatpost and saddle of choice
parts bin front brake and bmx lever
find a nice Izumi or other reliable chain,
and you are gold.
That might total to a little over 1200, though you would be close, especially if you shopped around a bit and/or used some parts you might happen to have.
Edit: If you think the langster is quick, ride something tighter and more track ish and you will realize that langster is a boat. I cant say I could recommend a Langster, especially not for close to a grand. You can do much much better.
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