SS/Fixed under $600 suggestions, no BD possible
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
SS/Fixed under $600 suggestions, no BD possible
Hi again everyone,
I was here about a month ago asking for opinions on the Surly Cross-Check and the Steamroller, but my plans have now unfortunately changed. The 2008 Steamroller I had on hold was sold from under my nose, and the 2009 is too far out of my price range to justify.
I live in Canada, so Bikes Direct isn't an option for me. Just for point of reference, I had the 2008 Steamroller held at $585+taxes, so I would like to keep it under that price point. Bikes I have looked at in stores around me are the 09 Fuji Track ($550+taxes, could probably get a free brake or other goodies in that) and the 09 Giant Bowery ($600, but didn't much like the look of it). Any opinions on the Fuji Track, or anything else in this price range?
Thanks!
I was here about a month ago asking for opinions on the Surly Cross-Check and the Steamroller, but my plans have now unfortunately changed. The 2008 Steamroller I had on hold was sold from under my nose, and the 2009 is too far out of my price range to justify.
I live in Canada, so Bikes Direct isn't an option for me. Just for point of reference, I had the 2008 Steamroller held at $585+taxes, so I would like to keep it under that price point. Bikes I have looked at in stores around me are the 09 Fuji Track ($550+taxes, could probably get a free brake or other goodies in that) and the 09 Giant Bowery ($600, but didn't much like the look of it). Any opinions on the Fuji Track, or anything else in this price range?
Thanks!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 97
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Man I found a $ fuji for $500 but they wont throw in a free break. I walked out of the store. The other steamroller thread has info on how to get one $612 shipped (in the US) if that works for you.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,785
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 522 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3228 Post(s)
Liked 3,848 Times
in
1,435 Posts
Redline 925?
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The Redline 925 might be an option, but I have, literally, called more than 30 bike shops and not found one that stocks Redline bikes.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: TO
Posts: 432
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Not sure where in Canada you are, but a few weeks ago, Europe Bound had some 2008 KHS Flite 100's for around 650. You might be able to get them to do a better deal. The Giant Mash Up was the only other bike I saw in that price range.
#6
Senior Member
I have a Fuji Track. It rules.
#9
Get on your bikes & ride!
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Lextown
Posts: 1,070
Bikes: See signature (it varys day to day)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Universal can get you one for $570 out the door shipped in the States. (VIP15 coupon code) Not sure what they would charge for Canada, ey.
__________________
Litespeed Classic
Soma Double Cross DC
Litespeed Classic
Soma Double Cross DC
#10
Goathead magnet
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 524
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#11
I Love My Dream
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,075
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Most American border towns have a package pick-up/drop-off depot that deals with Canadians and Americans cross border shopping. BD/BI will ship to these places for Canadians, you just need to cross the American border to pick it up.
#12
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am, unfortunately, not able to visit any of the border towns that may be copasetic to these kinds of shipping depots; I am limited to only my local bike shops, it seems. I'm getting pretty good feelings about the Fuji Track, I'll probably go and take a test ride on it soon. Another option may have presented itself, however: one of my local bike shops claims to stock IRO products, is there anything from their line that is in relatively the same price range?
One last question: is there anything (other than the atrocious saddle) that would need replacing immediatly on the Fuji? The stem and bars look a little bit funky to me, and I would prefer risers anyway. I haven't heard much about the rims or the cranks, however, are they any good?
One last question: is there anything (other than the atrocious saddle) that would need replacing immediatly on the Fuji? The stem and bars look a little bit funky to me, and I would prefer risers anyway. I haven't heard much about the rims or the cranks, however, are they any good?
#13
Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi again everyone,
I was here about a month ago asking for opinions on the Surly Cross-Check and the Steamroller, but my plans have now unfortunately changed. The 2008 Steamroller I had on hold was sold from under my nose, and the 2009 is too far out of my price range to justify.
I live in Canada, so Bikes Direct isn't an option for me. Just for point of reference, I had the 2008 Steamroller held at $585+taxes, so I would like to keep it under that price point. Bikes I have looked at in stores around me are the 09 Fuji Track ($550+taxes, could probably get a free brake or other goodies in that) and the 09 Giant Bowery ($600, but didn't much like the look of it). Any opinions on the Fuji Track, or anything else in this price range?
Thanks!
I was here about a month ago asking for opinions on the Surly Cross-Check and the Steamroller, but my plans have now unfortunately changed. The 2008 Steamroller I had on hold was sold from under my nose, and the 2009 is too far out of my price range to justify.
I live in Canada, so Bikes Direct isn't an option for me. Just for point of reference, I had the 2008 Steamroller held at $585+taxes, so I would like to keep it under that price point. Bikes I have looked at in stores around me are the 09 Fuji Track ($550+taxes, could probably get a free brake or other goodies in that) and the 09 Giant Bowery ($600, but didn't much like the look of it). Any opinions on the Fuji Track, or anything else in this price range?
Thanks!
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 1,382
Bikes: Mercier Kilo TT Pro, Schwinn Le Tour Conversion, Free Spirit polo beater, Cervelo P2T, aluminum tandem.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Iro.
#15
Get on your bikes & ride!
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Lextown
Posts: 1,070
Bikes: See signature (it varys day to day)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Oh, I thought shipping was free on this too? I get it now, they give you a shipping credit, but still charge shipping later on. Makes sense. Still a good deal at $612.
__________________
Litespeed Classic
Soma Double Cross DC
Litespeed Classic
Soma Double Cross DC
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Victoria, BC
Posts: 86
Bikes: Cypress track bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
the Fuji track is supposed to be really good, also try craigslist, you might find a good deal on something
#17
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I did not have a downpayment on the bike, it turns out it was a mistake that the bike was sold. A newbie to the store removed the 'saved for x' tag when he was cleaning it up and forgot to put it back on, no one else but the manager knew it was saved for me, and it went out the door a few hours later. The manager did offer me a decent deal on the 09 as compensation once I talked to him and we got the whole situation straightened out (the guy that was new to the store bought me some beers, too, really nice guy if a bit forgetful), but it's still about $250ish more than the 08 I had saved.
I think the Fuji is about the best bike I can get in my price range, especially considering I can grab some upgrades and still be a few hundred under the cost of the stock Steamroller. Is there anything other than the seat that would need immediate changes on the Fuji?
Thanks for the help, everyone!
I think the Fuji is about the best bike I can get in my price range, especially considering I can grab some upgrades and still be a few hundred under the cost of the stock Steamroller. Is there anything other than the seat that would need immediate changes on the Fuji?
Thanks for the help, everyone!
#19
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#21
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
So I took a test ride on a 52cm Fuji track the other day, it was quite an interesting experience. I get the feeling that it might be a little bit too track-ish for me. I had trouble reaching the drops comfortably, but I would like to think that this is because of my odd porportions: I have a long torso, but short arms and legs. Everything else seemed to fit quite well, however.
Considering I have checked most of the other stores in the city and found nothing in the same price range, I believe my best bet now will be to search for a used bike on Craigslist. Another option would be to grab the Fuji track and, as much as I fear saying this in public, throw risers on it with nice comfy grips and get a bit more of an upright position (don't worry, no barspinz will be harmed in the making of this bike). Would the simple substition of risers and lowering the seat offset the 'trackishness', or would it be better to find a more relaxed road frame?
Considering I have checked most of the other stores in the city and found nothing in the same price range, I believe my best bet now will be to search for a used bike on Craigslist. Another option would be to grab the Fuji track and, as much as I fear saying this in public, throw risers on it with nice comfy grips and get a bit more of an upright position (don't worry, no barspinz will be harmed in the making of this bike). Would the simple substition of risers and lowering the seat offset the 'trackishness', or would it be better to find a more relaxed road frame?
#22
Economists do it w/models
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Ottawa/Toronto
Posts: 590
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
So I took a test ride on a 52cm Fuji track the other day, it was quite an interesting experience. I get the feeling that it might be a little bit too track-ish for me. I had trouble reaching the drops comfortably, but I would like to think that this is because of my odd porportions: I have a long torso, but short arms and legs. Everything else seemed to fit quite well, however.
Considering I have checked most of the other stores in the city and found nothing in the same price range, I believe my best bet now will be to search for a used bike on Craigslist. Another option would be to grab the Fuji track and, as much as I fear saying this in public, throw risers on it with nice comfy grips and get a bit more of an upright position (don't worry, no barspinz will be harmed in the making of this bike). Would the simple substition of risers and lowering the seat offset the 'trackishness', or would it be better to find a more relaxed road frame?
Considering I have checked most of the other stores in the city and found nothing in the same price range, I believe my best bet now will be to search for a used bike on Craigslist. Another option would be to grab the Fuji track and, as much as I fear saying this in public, throw risers on it with nice comfy grips and get a bit more of an upright position (don't worry, no barspinz will be harmed in the making of this bike). Would the simple substition of risers and lowering the seat offset the 'trackishness', or would it be better to find a more relaxed road frame?
#23
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thank you for the advice, but I am now starting to feel like I didn't make myself clear. By 'trackishness' I meant the hunched over aero position and the handling (which I thought was rather nice, to be honest). What I am trying to avoid is that streched out aero position.
So, rephrased, would there be any point in getting a Fuji Track, putting risers on and dropping the seat, or should I look for a different bike?
So, rephrased, would there be any point in getting a Fuji Track, putting risers on and dropping the seat, or should I look for a different bike?
#24
*
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Baltimore
Posts: 6,876
Bikes: https://velospace.org/node/18951
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Thank you for the advice, but I am now starting to feel like I didn't make myself clear. By 'trackishness' I meant the hunched over aero position and the handling (which I thought was rather nice, to be honest). What I am trying to avoid is that streched out aero position.
So, rephrased, would there be any point in getting a Fuji Track, putting risers on and dropping the seat, or should I look for a different bike?
So, rephrased, would there be any point in getting a Fuji Track, putting risers on and dropping the seat, or should I look for a different bike?
__________________
α
α
#25
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I guess I'm showing just how unfamiliar I am with this information. I'm assuming risers, as opposed to drops, would put me in a more upright position, that seems like a given to me. But on the contrary, I'm kind of defeating the point of a track bike by doing that - in your opinion, should I look for a bike with a shorter top tube that will stretch me out less and still allow me to use drops, or should I look in to making the Fuji Track more upright?