bettyboobers

Hi My name is Matt and I have used this site for about a year to look up answers to my bike questions, but never had a reason to post anything. But I am looking to buy a cheap ss/fixed bike. I'm not a marathon rider and I don't ride to work every day (anymore). I just want something moderatley lightweight that looks decent and won't fall apart the first year. I really want a Bianchi Pista, but just can't justify spending that much money right now. So I've been looking at the Mercier Kilo tt. I want it in green and they haven't had it available in green in my frame size for months, so I'm getting tired of waiting. I stumbled upon this bike called the Gavin Fisso online and like the look of it. Its Cromoly like the tt...but as far as cranks, wheels, etc, I am too novice to really know what I am getting. As far as I can gather, neither bike has good components. But are the tt's any better at all? I have also looked at the Crosslake sales bikes on eBay, but the company seems fishy to me. I also have looked at republic bikes but they are hi-ten steel which I don't want. I know most of you would say just get the pista anyway...but unless I could get it for $500 or less, it's out for me. I'll post links to the bikes...


https://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/gavin-...gear-bike.html

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

rustbelt

You know, I am looking at the Gavin Fisso too but the lack of information about the bike makes me nervous. I love the look of it and it seems to have exactly what I need.

Does anyone have experience with this bike?

Thanks.

sential

Easy... Kilo TT.

Look at those gaping Clearances on the Fisso. Kilos a much tighter, nicer looking frame. You cant get a better frame than the kilo unless you're paying over a grand. With exception to the SE premium brew frame for $350 on some sites right now.

allez

Tons of people here have Kilos, and I barely hear anything about the Gavins. This should tell you something immediately.

dcdomain

Was just about to post the same question the OP asked. Guess the Gavin bikes don't really have much of a following here. Been looking for a SS / Fixie for a few years now. Think I'm ready to finally dive in. Tired of putting my road bike through the daily commute, cleaning out the drivetrain isn't fun at all.

TheBikeRollsOn 

Honestly, I haven't ridden either, but the Gavin doesn't look like a bad buy at all. The components look like they might be a step up from the Kilo, however, Reynolds 520 vs. 4130? The Kilo's frame has tighter geo if that's what your looking for, and it made of higher quality steel. Also, it comes in more colors...

filtersweep

Buy the Gavin. The world needs more test bunnies.

LupinIII

slow your roll there turbo. the kilo is decent, but i wouldn't start comparing it to 1k frames. I much prefer a soma rush and that's like $450 retail.

I generally try to make a point to not buy bikes from companies that don't publish geometries. I'm not a fan of kilo geo, but it isn't bad. imho the kilo wt looks much better

elemental

What about a Waterford-built Verus frame for $529? I'd say that's a bit of a step up. For well under $1000, you could have any paint color you can dream up and two clear coats. Who can name the frame?


On topic, I too am a little concerned when a manufacturer won't share geometry. If they did, I would say choose on that.

Brian

That's never stopped anyone else.

On a serious note, I've been in contact with the Road Bike Outlet folks about their wheels, and would be happy to check with them about any bike questions not answered on their site. They're definitely approachable, and pretty cool. And they've got some nice rides.

k.typical

i mean they both look like decent bikes for an entry level fixie. I had the same dilema and i decided to go with the kilo tt...specifically the stripper chrome. I actually havent gotten the bike yet but i was lookin at the gavin fisso and it looks like the components are a little more generic then the kilo tt. I would go with kilo tt. The gavin also has a straight fork which leads to a more rigid ride where you feel every little bump. The kilo tt looks like a better build in general....and i just typed this and realized how old this post is haha

crispyblunts

the wheels on the gavin are gonna be heavy.

any budget 43mm deep v is gonna weight down the bike. I had stock windsor hour wheels on my bike and switched them to a cheap 40mm deep v made by retrospec, added a bunch of weight to the bike. With the kilo you'll be shaving off like 2 lbs or something.