Entry Level Bike Recommendation
06-21-11, 01:51 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 14
Bikes: 1990 Diamondback/Centurion Interval, Cervelo R3 (sold)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Entry Level Bike Recommendation
Hi everyone! This is my first post here. I've been doing lot of research, but not able to find the info I'm looking for.
I'm new to the bike world so please excuse my lack of knowledge. Basically I'm looking for a entry level single speed bike that can freewheel (coast?) and has front and rear brakes. Weight isn't really an issue.
Looking for something that will cost me around $300-400 complete, and I'll upgrade as I go along.
Browsing the pictures on the forum, I really like these styles:
I considered the Trek Gritty, but it seems a lot of people here hate that.
I know in that price range, it's slims picking, but I have no idea what to keep an eye out for on craigslists.
Bikesdirect has some listed in my price range: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm
Pricepoint settlewhip (fixed, but they sell freewheel adapter): https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/214...ie-SS-Bike.htm
Nashbar/Nekkid: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/SubCate..._202326_202339
Bikesdirect also has some Merciers, which are in the $500 but I might consider if it's worth the upgrade.
Looking forward to picking one up! I attended my first SJ Bike Party, sjbikeparty.org, and now I'm hooked. Finally ready to let go of my 20 year BMX bike that's held on by zipties!
I'm new to the bike world so please excuse my lack of knowledge. Basically I'm looking for a entry level single speed bike that can freewheel (coast?) and has front and rear brakes. Weight isn't really an issue.
Looking for something that will cost me around $300-400 complete, and I'll upgrade as I go along.
Browsing the pictures on the forum, I really like these styles:
I considered the Trek Gritty, but it seems a lot of people here hate that.
I know in that price range, it's slims picking, but I have no idea what to keep an eye out for on craigslists.
Bikesdirect has some listed in my price range: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm
Pricepoint settlewhip (fixed, but they sell freewheel adapter): https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/214...ie-SS-Bike.htm
Nashbar/Nekkid: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/SubCate..._202326_202339
Bikesdirect also has some Merciers, which are in the $500 but I might consider if it's worth the upgrade.
Looking forward to picking one up! I attended my first SJ Bike Party, sjbikeparty.org, and now I'm hooked. Finally ready to let go of my 20 year BMX bike that's held on by zipties!
06-21-11, 01:56 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Riverside/Temecula, CA
Posts: 493
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Kilo TT
/thread
No I'm not trying to be annoying just at 300-400 its probably the best complete out there (just change the pedals)
/thread
No I'm not trying to be annoying just at 300-400 its probably the best complete out there (just change the pedals)
06-21-11, 01:58 AM
#3
what? NO!
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hollywood, CA
Posts: 253
Bikes: 1988 Bridgestone RB-2 converted to ss
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
06-21-11, 05:35 AM
#4
i smell bacon
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,574
Bikes: Geekhouse Deerfield, GT Edge Ti, Spooky Skeletor, TET Track, Ritchey P-650b, Bridgestone MB-3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Kilo TT.
It's a pretty nice frame... and I think it's the best value for the money in the $400 range. As far as upgradability goes, there are two irritating things about the bike: the 26.8mm seat post and the 1" threadless steerer.
BD's lower priced offerings are pretty solid, too, if you want to save some of your cash to get some parts upgraded right of the bat.
It's a pretty nice frame... and I think it's the best value for the money in the $400 range. As far as upgradability goes, there are two irritating things about the bike: the 26.8mm seat post and the 1" threadless steerer.
BD's lower priced offerings are pretty solid, too, if you want to save some of your cash to get some parts upgraded right of the bat.
06-21-11, 06:46 AM
#5
Your cog is slipping.
06-21-11, 08:00 AM
#7
The Fat Guy In The Back
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Posts: 2,532
Bikes: '81 Panasonic Sport, '02 Giant Boulder SE, '08 Felt S32, '10 Diamondback Insight RS, '10 Windsor Clockwork, '15 Kestrel Evoke 3.0, '19 Salsa Mukluk
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 320 Post(s)
Liked 177 Times
in
115 Posts
Last year I picked up a Windsor Clockwork and absolutely love it. A little more relaxed geometry than the Kilo TT which is what I was wanting.
__________________
Visit me at the Tundra Man Workshop
Visit me at the Tundra Man Workshop
06-21-11, 09:02 AM
#8
extra bitter
06-21-11, 09:55 AM
#9
So tragically hip.
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: MASHboro, NJ
Posts: 364
Bikes: 2009 SE Premium Brew, 2001 GT Interceptor, 2010 Motobecane Fantom 29
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Those pictures remind me of how much I enjoy snacks.
06-21-11, 12:31 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 115
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I picked up a Windsor Timeline this spring and have been really enjoying it. The pedals needed to be replaced immediately, but other than that I'm pleased with the purchase.
06-21-11, 01:04 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Yorktown, VA
Posts: 444
Bikes: IRO SS / Trek 2.1 / Trek 5.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ok, I'll go ahead and say it...IRO Mark V :-)
Oh, and just because the Gritty gets a bad rap here does not make it a bad choice. Everyone has an opinion and everyone is both right and wrong at the same time...it's the wonder of web forums.
Oh, and just because the Gritty gets a bad rap here does not make it a bad choice. Everyone has an opinion and everyone is both right and wrong at the same time...it's the wonder of web forums.
06-21-11, 03:06 PM
#12
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 14
Bikes: 1990 Diamondback/Centurion Interval, Cervelo R3 (sold)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for the info everyone, I have enough data to use the "search" function effectively now!
I like the Gravity Attack, Windosor and Kilo variations.
I like the Gravity Attack, Windosor and Kilo variations.
Last edited by MRpilot; 06-21-11 at 03:41 PM.
06-21-11, 03:08 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 1,296
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Kilo TT Pro maybe.
06-21-11, 04:37 PM
#15
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 14
Bikes: 1990 Diamondback/Centurion Interval, Cervelo R3 (sold)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
06-21-11, 04:51 PM
#16
i smell bacon
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,574
Bikes: Geekhouse Deerfield, GT Edge Ti, Spooky Skeletor, TET Track, Ritchey P-650b, Bridgestone MB-3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
striknein is a Big Shot shill.
The rest of us are Kilo TT shills.
The rest of us are Kilo TT shills.
06-21-11, 05:01 PM
#18
Goes to 11.
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Wichita, KS, USA
Posts: 2,547
Bikes: 2015 Soma Double Cross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
06-21-11, 05:31 PM
#19
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 14
Bikes: 1990 Diamondback/Centurion Interval, Cervelo R3 (sold)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
hahah, it's the same with all the forums I frequent, just this time I'm on the other side of the fence. No offense meant or taken. 
The bikes I'm eyeballing on BD are currently sold out, I'll pick one up as soon it comes in stock and update everyone later, thanks again for the suggestions (and warnings).
The bikes I'm eyeballing on BD are currently sold out, I'll pick one up as soon it comes in stock and update everyone later, thanks again for the suggestions (and warnings).
06-21-11, 05:57 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 1,296
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What about the Kilo TT Pro, there seem to be a lot left of those, and less parts that need to be updated.
06-21-11, 06:18 PM
#21
Your cog is slipping.
06-21-11, 06:21 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 1,296
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Kilo TT shill----> Schwinn Madison shill ----> Leader Shill ----> profit.
06-21-11, 06:54 PM
#23
TEEEJ
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 114
Bikes: 78.5 Trek 710 FG Conversion, 90's Raleigh CitySport FG coversion, '98 Specialized Ground Control, '00 GT Outpost SS, Vilano Track Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
06-21-11, 07:29 PM
#25
Your cog is slipping.
