schleven

I'm a college student and want to start riding instead of driving to school. I'm looking buying a fixie but have no idea really where to start. I want something light and practical that can get me around the city and to and from school (up hills, etc). Where should I start? I'm on a "college student" budget so a used bike is probably the way to go. What would you guys suggest? Would it be cheaper to build it part by part or to buy a complete set up? Let me know.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

-Steve

dewthedew

$350 https://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott.htm

and buy a shimano 105 front brake.

schleven

$350 may be a little pricey. And I think I can do without a brake, will help keep the weight down too. Any other suggestions?

Also, what size will be best for me? I'm 6'0'' 150 lbs.

snafs

You can't get much cheaper than $350 for a new bike and you might as well run a brake. You wont save that much weight, but you will save your ass and bike.

spacehippo

the weight of the brake is negligible for what it can do to save your butt when the time comes. It's definately worth it to have a second stopping force.

schleven

I figured I'd be getting a used bike. Wasn't expecting to be buying new.

snafs

Then check the paper, craigslist.org, check out some LBS or ask people around campus who are on bikes. would be able to find a beater, cheap conversion or a sweet deal. Just my .02.

Haha now looking back I'm kicking my self for not picking up that used hand built frame with super light Easton Tubing at my LBS. Oh well.

schleven

So what should I be looking for? Sizes, manufacturers, specs, etc?

::velolove::

whuh?! how ya gonna stop? breaks only wiegh like... 3 pounds right?

maddyfish

IMO if looking on CL try to ensure it is not stolen, then look for rust, then a track hub, or flip flop hub.

And don't spend more than $150, anymore than that and you might as well buy a $300 Windsor from BD

kyselad

If you want cheap, do a conversion. Find an old bike in good working condition with horizontal dropouts, buy a fixed wheelset (www.bicyclewheels.com), and with a few tweaks you'll be good. Plus, it will come with that brake that you absolutely do need, especially since it sounds like you're new to fixed.

Youngin

I've been trying to be cheap with my conversion, but it adds up quick. Buying a new bike might've been cheaper, but you'll like your bike more if you convert it yourself.

vuduchyld

If you do not have much experience riding a bike in general and riding a fixie specifically, I would HIGHLY recommend a front brake.

Actually, it will not weigh three pounds...possibly less than a pound, even.

I have been riding for 30 years and I recently bought my first fixie. Can I stop without my brake? Sure. But I was actually ASTONISHED by the difference. Believe me, I can go a LOT faster knowing that I have the ability to slow down or stop my bike.

For an experienced rider...especially an experienced fixie rider...I'm all for individual choices and responsibility. I would never chastise somebody for not wearing a helmet or not riding with a brake. But I would strongly advise anybody to gain some experience and gather information before making that choice one way or another.

Spend five minutes riding a fixed gear bike before you decide.

nathbdp

you don't need a brake man, all the messengers will look down on you if you have one. basically what im saying is, you won't be considered a jedi.

jodypolk

find another hobby.

dewthedew

seriously.

kyselad

Well, a conversion can be done on the cheap well under $350, esp if you're not worried about making it pretty. Then again, if the OP wants a "practical" commuter for going "up hills, etc," why not get a used bike, keep the gears, and be done with the whole thing under $100? If it's about having a hip, fixed bike, you will indeed exceed $350.

vuduchyld

OP, where are you located?

conor

that's what i was thinking.

schleven

I'm in San Luis Obispo, CA.

I just want something very simple and plain (ie no brake, etc). I like the idea of stopping without a brake, it's more natural. I'd say I'm fairly competent on a bike but not an expert. When I say hills, I do not mean hills like San Francisco hills, I mean on a much much smaller scale.

Also what size would I need? 6'0'' 150lbs.

nathbdp

SLO in da house

crushkilldstroy

You're killing me here. You're "fairly competent", but have no idea where to buy a bike or what size you would even need. Just put a ****ing brake on your bike so the Public Works guys from your city don't have to scrape you out from under a trash truck.

mattface 

a front brake caliper and lever weighs like half as much as a pair of Converse, and I'd much rather ride barefoot than brakeless myself. If you REALLY want to save weight and be very minimalist and "natural" I suggest riding entirely nude.

vuduchyld

Filterless cigarettes are probably more "natural" than filtered ones, too...but it doesn't mean they are better for you.

If you have never ridden fixed...well...never mind. I ain't your daddy.

ianjk

Or ignore the elitists and do what you want.

Track cog = ~$30
BB Lockring = free - $10
Old road bike = free - ???

My commuter has a couple thousand miles on it and I have a whopping $200 invested into it ($197 wheel + $3 bike + couple parts from my bins).

Please use a brake if you plan on riding outside of the velodrome.