Kilo Stripper or Fuji Feather
 

So I am looking at a Kilo Stripper (they dont have the WT in my size right now) or my local LBS has the feather for about $520. From what Ive read (theres very little on an actual comparison) they are comparable bikes. My question is: Is the extra $120 for the feather worth the fact thats its coming from my LBS? This will be my first bike spending anything resembling a decent amount. I was riding a Walmart special, just to see if I wanted to spend more on a bike or not basically.

One reason to go with the Fuji is that you'll be able to test ride it and be sure you actually like it/are comfortable on it.

If you don't have a lot of bike tools you would probably want to pay the LBS to put the Kilo together anyway and that could cost as much as $60 (someone was quoting that recently). Often the LBS will include things like free maintenance and tire changes which could add up. So price-wise it might not be all that different. Go to the LBS and try the fuji and see if you like it. How do you feel about the LBS? Are they just trying to sell you something or do they seem invested in bikes and in you as a customer. These things should make a difference in which way you go.

I've been in there quite a few times and love it. They are very low pressure and find you what you want and need not what makes them a quick buck. They don't have the bike in stock but they said they'd bring me in and do measurements to figure exact frame size and do a simple fit and setup for free. I'm heavily leaning towards it but want sure if the $120 difference would be worth it. Like I said it seems like the bikes are about the same. It's the fact that it's coming from an LBS that I'd be paying more for

A good relationship with any business that you are going to use regularly is worth $120 easily.

I suppose. Lol. As I said this will be my first bike that I spent over $100 on since I was about 12 or 13. Im one of those people that is always shopping online for the best deal. I also realize that saving the most money, especially in a hobby like this, isnt always the best deal, I just would like both benefits. As you said though assembly, which I would probably have them do, even at $30 is already 1/4 the difference. Ill probably make my way down there today or tom

I agree with @prooftheory. I think the resale will be better on the Fuji based off the "name" brand as well.
If you were more expierenced with bikes, knew your size and what was required to get it "going" then I would opt for an online purchase. Piece of mind and good service is indeed worth the $120.

I don't think you'll be disappointed in that Fuji one bit. Definitely does not live up to the 'feather' moniker, but it rides well, looks good and is fairly priced. See if the shop will swap the bars out for you as they're pretty uncomfortable.

I love my Feather. Kilo was not an option for me anyway (live in the Netherlands), but I think I'd still choose the Feather regardless... probably mostly based on looks, to be honest, I think it's simply beautiful :)

Do it! a free fitting and set up done properly will make a big difference man. And the bike shop will know you well... this is good considering you'll be in there every now and then doing stuff like picking up extra tubes, or asking them to run a tune up or something. Also the fuji seems like a solid first real bike. let us know what you end up doing

So I went ahead on the Feather. Should be about a week. He had me test ride two bikes that had almost similar geometries to the two different Feather sizes. Went with the 61cm but he figured its closer to a 59cm stand over bike

congratulations! Be sure to show us some pics. Enjoy!

Most definitely will

this

Isn't it nice when SS/FG does something productive like help people! Post pics when it arrives.

I'm planning on buying my first ever singlespeed bike in the coming weeks and I'm leaning towards the Feather. Aesthetically I'm drawn towards bikes with quill stems and lugged forks, and the Feather seems like a nice entry-level option in that category. I've read pretty much all the "Fuji Feather or XXX or YYY" threads and people usually recommend a Kilo TT (which isn't available over here in Sweden to my knowledge).


I'm planning on riding it pretty much stock over the summer and then get some nice porteur-style handlebars, inverse break levers and matching Gilles Berthoud (or maybe Cambium) saddle and handlebar tape. If the stock handlebars are as bad as people say I might get a flat handlebar for it.

Any thoughts?

Get the bike. Ride it. After you've ridden it for at least a few hundred kilometers decide what needs changing. The feather is a perfectly fine bike.