dmbisbest

Hello all,

I am looking at a couple of different options for a bike to ride around town with the kids and get a little exercise on. I originally started wanting a cruiser that looks like this (with the matte black being majorly important):
IMG_0022.JPG

Now I have seen what it will cost to get me that bike 1) buy the felt magno, have it stripped and repainted ($700+) or 2) buy the frame kit and build it from scratch ($900+).

Considering the hefty pricetag that comes with that, I am now looking at Single Speeds like the Trek Soho or Felt Brougham (both in black).

My question to you professionals, it seems like I can get a lot more bike with the Single Speed and have it be more "usable". Would you agree?

Also, any other BLACK single speeds that people would suggest?

ThePritchett

I just bought a Matte Black Kilo TT Stripper from bikesdirect.com. Bike was 379 Shipped. Assembled it last night and really enjoyed the first hour or so of riding it. I will be changing the saddle and peddals, but otherwise I'm very happy with the bike. The components are all silver, which may be a deal breaker for you.

Capocaccia

If you are going to ride on anything but flat ground dont get the cruiser. Those bikes are gonna be 25lbs or more and really tough to make do anything but go slow on flat ground.

paipo

Soho S...one of the most fun bikes to ride and made easier to really like because of my lucky low local instant gratification buy-in. Its true what they say: I feel more connected to the bike when riding fixed. As I get stronger each month (1-hour in fixed feels like 90~120minutes on my multi-speed roadbike depending on how much effort I put into the ride), I'm hankering for a more traditional geometry road-frame like the Kilo TT Pro, Wabi Special, Windsor Hour, etc., to get me in a more "aeroadynamic"(a new word I may have just invented???) position when the headwinds mock me on longer rides.

I like my Soho S...I think you might like a Soho, too.

coffeecake

If you're interested in the cruiser style, you could look at a Batavus BUB. Comes in matte black, singlespeed or hub gear. $600 here in Canada, built to stay outside, rain or shine. Coworker has one and he loves it.

rudypyatt

Cruisers are ok. I picked up a Trek Classic (matte black aluminum, looks really good) last month and I go all over the place with it. Hills included.

Mind you, the Soho S is really something...

dmbisbest

So, I ended up finding a Felt Crass on eBay, got it for $217 (including shipping). At this price, I can ride it around and see what I think before dropping more money... I will let everyone know when I get it and what I think.

edwong3

What a coincidence that in another thread which I started, we're talking about one speed cruisers.

The Felts are really nice.

Enjoy, and please let us know how you like it.

rudypyatt

Man, the Felts are nice, the Revolver especially. I thought about buying their cruiser frame set and having one built-up at the LBS. Wasn't really cost effective - yet - so I bought the Trek, which I THOROUGHLY enjoy. Great job getting the Crass! Definitely let us know how it works out.

Ya know, it would be great if the Trek or Felt guys did one of these cruisers with a carbon frame, road race wheels and a single speed hub, etc. In black. Ultimate stealth bike/sleeper...

dmbisbest

Funny you say, that I looked at buying the frame set also... HS, the costs add up QUICKLY.

So far, I love the Crass. I have been cruising around w the kids and going on relatively short rides. I am going to change the handlebars and paint the chainguard all black, but other than that, I am good to roll. I will post pics when I am done.

The trek is sweet. Nice purchase!

rudypyatt

The Vader bike, on the prowl...

trx1

hit wally world, k-mart or target oan get a low dough cruiser..
https://www.target.com/b/ref=br_Adult...ank=reviewrank

fuji86

Don't know how big or fast the kids want to ride, but the cruiser sounds like a better idea if it's around town or just the neighborhood or a park ? Wal-Mart has Huffy for $ 75 & Schwinn for around $ 150. I don't know that I'd ever pay what they want for an Electra ? The SS/FG, the posture of that is going to be uncomfortable if you trying to coax the kids as a group to keep up and stay with in a grouping ?

https://www.walmart.com/search/search....y=0&Find=Find

NormanF

My Gary Fisher Klunker... now with swept back cruiser bar.

Lightweight and crusin' can be real... just feel the wind at your back, brah, as you ride!