inexpensive lugged frames / complete builds (current options?)
11-03-15, 04:01 PM
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inexpensive lugged frames / complete builds (current options?)
Hello! I used to ride a Mercier Kilo Team, bought as a complete bike from bikesdirect plus some component upgrades. I really liked the combination of price + lugged aesthetic. Sadly it was stolen and I need to replace it, but it seems that bikesdirect and bikeisland no longer offer the Kilo Team. Does anyone know of any current online options for a (relatively) budget fixie with a lugged frame (preferably without markings?) I love the idea of building one up myself, but simply don't have time at the moment, so for now I'm looking for complete bikes. Thanks for any help!
Edit: I just noticed that bikeisland does still offer the standalone Kilo Team frame, however only in 3 sizes at the moment. They don't seem to offer any builds using the frame.
Edit: I just noticed that bikeisland does still offer the standalone Kilo Team frame, however only in 3 sizes at the moment. They don't seem to offer any builds using the frame.
Last edited by scorpsjl; 11-03-15 at 04:31 PM.
11-03-15, 04:41 PM
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Actually, that state bike is probably your best bet, even though it has a sloping top tube and is made by state.
11-03-15, 04:50 PM
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Thanks! You're right, the state seems like a reasonable option, and the colors are not bad (does anyone know how those (metal?) decals are attached? I could live with them anyway, but might also toy with the idea removing them if it were possible..) Can't remember if I've ever ridden a road frame with sloping toptube, it does seem like only a slight slope.
I guess the question is just if the lugging is worth $230 to me (vs Kilo TT). Thanks again for the link!
I guess the question is just if the lugging is worth $230 to me (vs Kilo TT). Thanks again for the link!
11-03-15, 08:12 PM
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Seems like lugs should be chromed.
Personally I'd do a little ebay hunting for a nice 70s lugged frame from good quality steel with horizontal drop outs. Used to have a very sweet Italvega that was unfortunately too small for me but made from some very nice higher end columbus steel with chromed lugs and drop outs.
Personally I'd do a little ebay hunting for a nice 70s lugged frame from good quality steel with horizontal drop outs. Used to have a very sweet Italvega that was unfortunately too small for me but made from some very nice higher end columbus steel with chromed lugs and drop outs.
11-03-15, 09:02 PM
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Seems like lugs should be chromed.
Personally I'd do a little ebay hunting for a nice 70s lugged frame from good quality steel with horizontal drop outs. Used to have a very sweet Italvega that was unfortunately too small for me but made from some very nice higher end columbus steel with chromed lugs and drop outs.
Personally I'd do a little ebay hunting for a nice 70s lugged frame from good quality steel with horizontal drop outs. Used to have a very sweet Italvega that was unfortunately too small for me but made from some very nice higher end columbus steel with chromed lugs and drop outs.
11-04-15, 10:27 AM
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is $600 inexpensive? made in the USA. two sizes. half dozen colors.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...n-single-speed
- am i super late to the party in posting this? just saw it yesterday.the kick starter started ? dunno.. anyway - 26 days to go.
other bikes here: Detroit Bikes
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...n-single-speed
- am i super late to the party in posting this? just saw it yesterday.the kick starter started ? dunno.. anyway - 26 days to go.
other bikes here: Detroit Bikes
Last edited by mrv; 11-04-15 at 10:34 AM. Reason: k.s. started 4 weeks ago -doh - or maybe yesterday - hell, i dunno...
11-04-15, 10:31 AM
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is $600 inexpensive? made in the USA. two sizes. half dozen colors.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...n-single-speed
- am i super late to the party in posting this? just saw it yesterday.the kick starter started 26 days ago
other bikes here: Detroit Bikes
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...n-single-speed
- am i super late to the party in posting this? just saw it yesterday.the kick starter started 26 days ago
other bikes here: Detroit Bikes
11-04-15, 10:37 AM
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What size do you need ? If you are small, this might fit your needs >>> Save Up to 60% Off Track Bikes - SingleSpeed Fixed Gear Track Bikes - SE Racing Premium Brew
11-04-15, 02:54 PM
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What size do you need ? If you are small, this might fit your needs >>> Save Up to 60% Off Track Bikes - SingleSpeed Fixed Gear Track Bikes - SE Racing Premium Brew
11-04-15, 05:55 PM
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It's too bad that it's almost impossible to find the previous hunter green version. That one looked great (used to have one) and they really were nice, comfy, smooth riding frames despite being an SE product. If that 49cm version TT linked to fit me, I'd buy another and get it repainted.
11-04-15, 06:22 PM
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Probably not inexpensive enough but a screaming value regardless and an awesome bike and build. I love mine. Beg borrow or steal to get one if you can.
Wabi Cycles Special fixed gear bike specs
Wabi Cycles Special fixed gear bike specs
11-04-15, 09:35 PM
#18
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I was I a shop I used to love today, they had these Biria completes that had full lugged Biria track frames. I've never seen them before. Apparently Biria also has aluminum track frames now.
11-04-15, 11:55 PM
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Thanks a lot for all the replies!
Yeah, that Wabi Special is basically my dream bike (love the red!) Actually I've talked to Richard before, he seems like an amazingly nice guy, and I nearly bought this bike last week before springing to my senses and realizing I just can't afford or justify such a fancy purchase (for me). Still nice to hear an independent confirmation of its awesomeness though, thanks.
Yeah that SE premium brew seems basically what I want, and could try to solve graphics problem w/ a quick paint job, but I need a 55-58cm. Maybe it will come back in stock in a bigger size?
Probably not inexpensive enough but a screaming value regardless and an awesome bike and build. I love mine. Beg borrow or steal to get one if you can.
Wabi Cycles Special fixed gear bike specs
Wabi Cycles Special fixed gear bike specs
What size do you need ? If you are small, this might fit your needs >>> Save Up to 60% Off Track Bikes - SingleSpeed Fixed Gear Track Bikes - SE Racing Premium Brew
11-05-15, 12:46 AM
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I believe that particular SE model is from 2009, so the small frames they have are likely all thats left. You may be able to find some old stock in your size if you search around.
11-05-15, 05:23 AM
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I had a green PB myself - was a really nice bike. But its been so long since they were made and didn't sell that outside of the few small sizes Bikedirect/Island has - all the closeout NOS dragon paintjob bikes have got to be gone by now. As a sidenote, has anybody else had one of those in their hands? The pattern may be fugly but the actual finish was really fantastic. Smooth and hard, with a hint of sparkle - if SE had just done it paneled or something else simple...they would have had a winner instead of having to hoor the damn things out to every bike discounter in the world 
Anyways...the lugged Wabi is exponentially superior to and only about $300 more than that new State bike everybody has been nattering about lately. If you plan to keep your new bike awhile and can round up the cash - this may be the time to go for it. Strangely, while a few years ago there was a dearth of cheap lugged tarck bikes/frames around, that seems to have changed so that for the most part only the more expensive ones are available nowadays.
Or if you must absolutely stay low-priced and can stand the risk - you can probably find something on Alibaba
Lastly.. @johnalton87 - you just posted your very nice lugged-frame bike in "Post Your SS/FG Bikes." I think I know what your frame is and if I'm right it's been mentioned more than once in this very discussion, but I am not sure and don't have the stones to go out on a limb. Why don't you let the OP know what it is?
Good luck...
Anyways...the lugged Wabi is exponentially superior to and only about $300 more than that new State bike everybody has been nattering about lately. If you plan to keep your new bike awhile and can round up the cash - this may be the time to go for it. Strangely, while a few years ago there was a dearth of cheap lugged tarck bikes/frames around, that seems to have changed so that for the most part only the more expensive ones are available nowadays.
Or if you must absolutely stay low-priced and can stand the risk - you can probably find something on Alibaba
Lastly.. @johnalton87 - you just posted your very nice lugged-frame bike in "Post Your SS/FG Bikes." I think I know what your frame is and if I'm right it's been mentioned more than once in this very discussion, but I am not sure and don't have the stones to go out on a limb. Why don't you let the OP know what it is?
Good luck...
Last edited by IAmSam; 11-05-15 at 05:27 AM.
11-05-15, 08:40 AM
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Get a regular Kilo TT. Ride it, upgrade it and save up for a nice lugged frame like the Wabi.
I feel like lugged frames on cheap bikes are kinda lipstick on a pig.
I feel like lugged frames on cheap bikes are kinda lipstick on a pig.
11-05-15, 01:10 PM
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Do you know if some version of this is available online? I couldn't find anything via google.
11-05-15, 01:12 PM
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Yeah, I know what you mean, and I think I'm leaning in this direction. Still frustrated though that Mercier apparently (?) stopped making the Kilo Team, it was a nice frame for the price.
11-05-15, 01:33 PM
#25
Your cog is slipping.
