Please Help My Situation, Fixie/SS vs Road Bike
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Please Help My Situation, Fixie/SS vs Road Bike
Hi there im new to the forums and didn't quite know where to post this so if i am in the wrong place please let me know.
-Anyway, i had a few questions regarding the bike i should purchase.
First you might wanna know what i will be using a bike for,
Distance (Max): 20mi
Commute: to school: 2mi (Daily) up hill mostly
Environment: Foothills (very hilly)
Budget: $550
-So my questions are:
Can a Fixie treat me right for the max distance of 20mi?
Would it be Extremely hard on the hilly environment?
Would i need a Road bike for the distance and the hills?
Any suggestions on bikes would help too, thank you.
I am 16 years of age and fit, i think i could hold my own on a fixie but i am just making sure Thanks for all the help.
-Kyle
-Anyway, i had a few questions regarding the bike i should purchase.
First you might wanna know what i will be using a bike for,
Distance (Max): 20mi
Commute: to school: 2mi (Daily) up hill mostly
Environment: Foothills (very hilly)
Budget: $550
-So my questions are:
Can a Fixie treat me right for the max distance of 20mi?
Would it be Extremely hard on the hilly environment?
Would i need a Road bike for the distance and the hills?
Any suggestions on bikes would help too, thank you.
I am 16 years of age and fit, i think i could hold my own on a fixie but i am just making sure Thanks for all the help.
-Kyle
Last edited by bl4ckmagic34; 08-07-11 at 02:41 PM. Reason: messed up
#2
OASAASLLS
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Orlando FL
Posts: 673
Bikes: Pake, Surly Pacer, Kilo TT, Giant XTC, SE Stout, 853 Ritchey MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you have hills, it's always nice to have the ability to change to a lower gear.
#3
I just wanna ride
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Chico Califo
Posts: 1,155
Bikes: 2013 BMC Impec
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Best way to decide would be to borrow a road bike from a friend. Shift into a manageable gear to climb the hills, and see if that gear is one you would want to ride around on all the time. If you don't mind it, then you should have no problem riding fixed. If you think it's too low to be convenient for riding anything but up hills, then buy a gear bike
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
the hills are usually gradual but every few miles there is usually one pretty steep hill i would probably have to walk a fixie or SS. should i try and get in shape for a single speed or just go straight to a geared road bike?
Last edited by bl4ckmagic34; 08-08-11 at 05:57 PM. Reason: messed up
#9
Disgruntled Commuter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Tacoma, WA
Posts: 71
Bikes: DAWES MTA YO
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Personally I like the fact that a fixed gear bike will force you to power your way up the hills, but if you're not looking to show up to school winded or sweaty or annoyed that you just walked your sweet new bike up those hills instead of riding it, I'd vote for a road bike.
But honestly the best advice in this thread comes from the people telling you to give it a shot. The only way you'll know what's good for you is by getting out there and riding. Fun, after all, is #1.
EDIT: Sam Abst said it best: "Cycling is all about suffering."
But honestly the best advice in this thread comes from the people telling you to give it a shot. The only way you'll know what's good for you is by getting out there and riding. Fun, after all, is #1.
EDIT: Sam Abst said it best: "Cycling is all about suffering."
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i think i might go for a fixie/SS, the hill up to school is not bad and i like the idea of pushing myself, thanks everyone for helping me out, but after browsing i still dont know what fixie to get, so what thread do i go to for that?
#11
Disgruntled Commuter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Tacoma, WA
Posts: 71
Bikes: DAWES MTA YO
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Kilo TT.
But no, in all reality have a look at these bikes: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm
Judging by your earlier post it seems like you have a friend of a father of a friend who has some cycling experience, so buying online isn't 100% out. I'd take a look at that site and discuss some of the bikes you like with the person who has the most cycling experience.
Alternately, take a trip to your local bike shop and browse through the entry-level fixed gear options they have there.
But no, in all reality have a look at these bikes: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm
Judging by your earlier post it seems like you have a friend of a father of a friend who has some cycling experience, so buying online isn't 100% out. I'd take a look at that site and discuss some of the bikes you like with the person who has the most cycling experience.
Alternately, take a trip to your local bike shop and browse through the entry-level fixed gear options they have there.
#12
Rhythm is rhythm
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 1,187
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
get a track bike. they're easier to take care of, and the geometry is more fun to zip to school with and around town. you can easily ride 20 miles on a fixed gear and then some. i suggest buying used off of local classifieds and/or craigslist.
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am mostly browsing craigslist and just waiting for something interesting but i have been looking online and at bike shops for designs i like. thank you guys.
EDIT: after looking at that link, DeusVolt i came upon the Kilo WT5, i like it a lot because the fact it comes with brakes and the five speed internal gear hub, would this be a good first road bike/fixie/SS? thanks again
EDIT 2: Link: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...kilott_wt5.htm
EDIT: after looking at that link, DeusVolt i came upon the Kilo WT5, i like it a lot because the fact it comes with brakes and the five speed internal gear hub, would this be a good first road bike/fixie/SS? thanks again
EDIT 2: Link: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...kilott_wt5.htm
Last edited by bl4ckmagic34; 08-09-11 at 12:11 AM. Reason: cuz im an idiot
#15
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I take that back, i am now looking at this bike called the PK Ripper, My father had one when he was a kid so now the want is kinda personal. is it at least a quality entry level bicycle? down the road i may be able to upgrade parts but for a year or so will it hold up well?
PK Ripper Silver: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/se/dc_pkripper.htm
One more question, how do i size this bike based off of the sizing chart and bike geometry? i am 5'11" and still growing so 58cm correct?
PK Ripper Silver: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/se/dc_pkripper.htm
One more question, how do i size this bike based off of the sizing chart and bike geometry? i am 5'11" and still growing so 58cm correct?
#18
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My inseam is 32in
So based off of this chart, what size would i get?
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ripper_geo.gif
So based off of this chart, what size would i get?
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ripper_geo.gif
Last edited by bl4ckmagic34; 08-09-11 at 09:01 PM. Reason: included the pk ripper size chart
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 202
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nothing wrong with the PK ripper, just don't do tricks on it. The only real problem with it IMO is the price, overpriced for what it is. Most of the other bikes on BD will be a better value, Kilo TT, the WT5 u posted, or any other really tbh.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 4,863
Bikes: too many of all kinds
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1147 Post(s)
Liked 415 Times
in
335 Posts
With the questions you are asking, you are better off getting something from your local shop. You could order on line, but end up with something that isn't really optimum for you, and you might not even realize it until suffering for a few years. There is nothing wrong with buying local. Besides, a local shop will often let you take the bike out for a couple hours, over night, or a week, and see how it fits what you want to do. They are going to do a better job than a bunch of chaps on the internet who think they know what they want.
Buy the way - the proper gearing on a fixie is when going down hill hurts as much as going up hill...
Buy the way - the proper gearing on a fixie is when going down hill hurts as much as going up hill...
#22
Oh, you know...
Join Date: May 2009
Location: DC
Posts: 2,834
Bikes: '74 Schwinn Sports Tourer (Polo), S-Works E5 Team Festina (Chorus 11), Trek 2200 Bonded Carbon (Fixed), Trek 920 (7 speed IGH), Chesini Olimpiade SL (1x7)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Do not buy the PK Ripper for nostalgia. It is not the same bike your dad had when he was a kid... the fixed gear PK Ripper is similar in name only.
#23
The Fat Guy In The Back
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Posts: 2,524
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: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 319 Post(s)
Liked 161 Times
in
108 Posts
And IMHO way uglier than the original PK Ripper.
__________________
Visit me at the Tundra Man Workshop
Visit me at the Tundra Man Workshop
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 202
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Instead of the traditional road bike setup with a cassette & derailliers it's basically a hub with a set # of internal gears inside (just like it called lol). Some people like to hate on them but it's a pretty simple and low maintainence option if you want multiple gears. IMO if you're in a hilly area and want a cheap, low maint, easy to use option a IGH would be a good choice.
A better more indepth explanation of IGH hubs https://www.sheldonbrown.com/internal-gears.html
A better more indepth explanation of IGH hubs https://www.sheldonbrown.com/internal-gears.html