dozens

Hey guys, so I've been reading threads for days and I want to order one of these bad boys tonight, but I need some opinions and info. I'm new to fixed gear riding, ride pretty casual for the most part and live in a relatively flat city, but intend on getting up and down some hills as well.

I did the wrench science fit guide and came up with this:

WS Recommended Sizes
Frame Size center-to-center: 57 cm
Frame Size center-to-top: 59 cm
Overall Reach: 69.40 cm
Saddle Height: 77.38 cm
Handlebar Width: 44 cm

Your Measurements
Height: 5.11 in
Sternum Notch: 58.00 in
Inseam Length: 34.50 in
Arm Length: 28.00 in
Weight: 163.00 lbs
Foot Size: 11.00 USMens

Now, onto the bikes. I intend to ride mainly fixed, but would like the single-speed flip option. I will run a brake on the front, and intend on having bullhorn-ish bars. Here is what I've gathered from you guys here:

KILO PROS
Frame is better.
Various smaller parts are better.
Comes fixed.

KILO CONS
Apparently lots of toe overlap, but I don't get if it's something I really need to sweat.
Need to buy single-speed cog.
Need to buy brake.

DAWES SST PROS
Wheelset is better (?)
Apparently no toe overlap.
Comes with brake.

DAWES SST CONS
Need to buy fixed cog.

I also need advice on the fitting:
DAWES: 56 or 58cm?
KILO: 57 or 60cm?

If you recommend either, please also recommend what parts to get that I mention needing.

Here are some lightly photoshopped pics to also try and decide on which just looked better after removing decals and such...





i really like the look of this bad boy someone here posted:



Thanks for any info guys, I really need the help, and please understand that I have read TONS on this site, but really just need some further input from you knowledgeable peoples...

synapsemusic

all things considered, both bikes are equally good for beginners. If you want bullhorns and plan on running a front brake, i'd say get the dawes. however if you're concerned about wheelset quality it might be worth your time to check out the Kilo TT Pro, same as the Kilo but with a nicer wheelset and front brake. as far as sizing goes, the BEST method is to check out a few bikes with similar sizing and see how you fit. IMO, a bike thats too big is far worse than a bike thats too small.
hope that helped

dozens

Thanks, but I can't afford to go with the Kilo Pro, I'm stretching my recession dollars to $350-375 as it is.

Let me ask some bulleted questions:

1) Do I really need to sweat toe overlap? I'm an average speed rider on a MTB, so I assume I'll be about the same on a fixed gear. This is the main thing keeping me from getting the Kilo. That and I
'm worrying about good 'ol comfort.
2) The Kilo bars can just be flipped and cut to be the same bullhorns, right?
3) What modestly-priced fixed cog could I get for the Dawes?
4) What modestly-priced single-speed cog could I get for the Kilo?

misha misha

Toe overlap isnt all that bad, i never hit my tire unless im spinning in circles.
Dont flip and cut bars..
Any older type bmx single speed cassete would work. They go around 20

Id say get the kilo, alot more fun bike to ride. I ride everysingle day, no matter if there is snow or rain, i ride breakless tho.

joker8baller

Toe overlap is horrible on my friend's Kilo TT 50CM. Though I hear and see it's a lot better on everything above 54?

Just built the SST, Kilo, and Clockwork... fun time.

For Fixed Cog, I got a Formula 14T, with a Dura-Ace Lockring, on the SST.
Friend got a EAI 17T with a Dura-Ace Longring on the Clockwork
Kilo didn't get a free wheel.

Wheelset is better on the SST, bullhorns and brakes are very nice.

But the Kilo is a very very very nice and adjustable frame, components are kinda bad. Wheelset is pretty bad. Feels like plastic (The rims). But as I said, the 50CM frame has a pretty bad toe overlap problem. But if you're gonna upgrade, I think the Kilo is your best bet.

Either way, I think either will make you happy. I love my SST...

synapsemusic

yeah i have a 60cm kilo (pro) and don't get toverlap. so i can't really vouch for anything. but i will say that after my first ride on a fixed gear I didn't want a freewheel. i'm guessing most people here felt the same way, but who knows. get a kilo, ride it for a few weeks, and start upgrading parts as you see fit.

dozens

Yes! More opinions?!?! Also need some help on my sizing... My measures are up top.

PluperfectArson

The overlap is pretty bad (I have a 50cm TT Pro), but you only really notice it if you are going under 5MPH.

ibcrewin

I almost bought the Kilo but ended up buying the SST. I didn't/don't have the money to throw in for brakes, and a single speed cog. It was the fastest way to a bike for me. (Plus I like the bullhorns) That said. I've been riding my sst for about 2-3 months now and I want to go fixed. Easy enough to drop $30-40 now and get the cog and lock ring.

dozens

Thanks all. So any more info? And help on sizing? Again, me measures are:

WrenchScience Recommended Sizes
Frame Size center-to-center: 57 cm
Frame Size center-to-top: 59 cm
Overall Reach: 69.40 cm
Saddle Height: 77.38 cm
Handlebar Width: 44 cm

Your Measurements
Height: 5.11 in
Sternum Notch: 58.00 in
Inseam Length: 34.50 in
Arm Length: 28.00 in
Weight: 163.00 lbs
Foot Size: 11.00 USMens

doubledribble

if you go with the kilo at 5'11" i'd def. go with the 55cm...posibly the 53, but your inseam is 34.5...stick with the 55. works well for me at 6'2".

dozens

Really? I would have thought that I should be in the much higher fitting? Like 57cm...

dozens

Am I wrong that a little bigger is better than smaller? I was really thinking with my measurements listed above I would be in the 56-58cm range.

doubledribble

the kilott measures a bit small so a 55 fits like a 57...

to me smaller is always better. your can stretch a fame out with a longer stem, diff bars or adjusting the seat position. if a bike is too big, it's just too big. if that makes any sense.

PluperfectArson

You would be better off trying to fit a smaller bike to you than a bigger bike.

dozens

Hey guys, also considering the Hour now. What sizing would you recommend for it?

adriano 

try the kilo. i did! check out the link in my signature!

pobre

how does the kilo geometry compare to the sst-al geo? the frames are both 200 on bikeisland..