Oogie

Hi all! I've been lurking here for a week now- as well as other sites- seeking info to help me decide on a new bike. Ithought the choice would be quick and easy, but the more i read, the harder it is for me to make up my mind and i've reached the point where i need specific advice not brought up in any other post so far......

I'm definitely set on a fixed gear / single speed- so i need a bike with a flip flop hub. I used to ride a Cube X-Race bike to commute to work a couple years ago but then sold it prior to moving to LA as I needed the cash. However, i'm really feeling the urge to commute to work again (7 miles each way).

More than just a commuter, i also plan on using this bike for everyday cruising with my friends, which does involve occasionally jumping over sidewalks (could be avoided), and cutting through short bits of grass or dirt (harder to avoid). I'm currently borrowing a friends beach cruiser for daily trips around my neighborhood, and for riding by the beach. So i'm looking for something fun, but will also quickly and comfortably get me to and from work- and i definitely do not see myself on leisure cruises by the beach or quick trips to the shop on a race bike (nor can i afford two bikes).

So, to the nitty gritty. I'm ready to spend up to $600, maybe $700 (though unreasonable, i could let myself get convinced) on my bike, including upgrades- I could even consider $800 - $900, but it would definitely take me a few months to be able to go that far and i want a bike now.

Here is where it gets tough (and where i will be heckled). Please do not judge me for this, as i really do value your opinions. Here's whats going through mind: I'm difficult on colors: I really do not feel black bikes, nor steel parts (i know, its lame, but i cant help it, I accept the superficial side in me). I am though open to a paint job and changing parts (even if it takes me a few months to get the cash). Also, i do not want something that will break down within the first 300 miles (but am willing to invest $$$ in upgrades, as long as it doesnt surpass my longer term budget). This is my dilemma, the cheaper bikes have more color options than the quality ones (which are either black, or have too many colors / logos), but are the cheaper frames worth upgrading? Or on the other hand, should i get a better bike from the start, and invest in aesthetics in the longer run? The second option is probably the best, but for what i'm planning to do with it, do i really need to get a Paddy Wagon that i'd end up re-painting, or am i better off with a Motobecane Messenger, which i'll need to at least change the wheels and tires some time down the road, including other components? This is where i need your expertise guys and gals.... Though i could afford more, i do not want to waste money for specs i shouldnt worry about either. Maybe i'll never need more than an off shelf TT, besides new tires?

Here's what i'm interested in so far, based on surfing on this forum:
Low price points: Kilo TT Pro, Kilo WT, Motobecane Messenger (my fav at the moment....). I hear you guys recommending the TT and Messenger quite often here, but i'm wondering if these are bikes worth investing $200 - $300 in part upgrades within the first couple of months? Actually, would i need to? I'm afraid the frames are too cheap and heavy vs my next options:
Mid price points: Redline Urbis- I havent heard much good on this board, but it really seems like a fun bike. Felt Broughman- black and chrome parts again.
High Price points: IRO (i do not like black, and thats the only option for the model with a flip flop hub)- is this worth re-painting? How much is a paint job? Trek District S- i could actually live with this color, but havent heard much about this one. Kona Paddy Wagon- same as the Iro, i really do not like the colors. Wabi Classic- i do not like the chrome parts. Raleigh Furley or Rush Hour- again, color issues, and i'm not sure i understand the differences....

Excuse the long post, and i'm sure that lots of you are boiling as to my comments on color, but i do need and respect your guidance and advice. What do you recommend i do? Thanks for your patience and comments!

SSbalt

Something to consider is that if your budget is like $700, it's better to get a bike for less than that so you can add some parts to it(imho).

I ended up getting a Windsor The Hour(apparently the same frame as a Moto Messenger) and I am very happy with it. The only things I didn't like out of the box were the flimsy pedals(just a pain in the ass to get your feet into) and the ridiculous 15 tooth cog. The Messenger might come with different/better pedals and cog, I don't know.

The Kilo is a "better" bike, but I'm enjoying the more relaxed geo of the Hour honestly. I just got it for commuting and cruising with friends so I didn't need extremely aggressive geometry. I also have a "swimmers body"(long torso/short legs). Fit plays a huge role in how a bike's going to feel for you, so your body type is something to consider as well.

Personally, I would go as inexpensive as you can stand - because that leaves you more money for upgrades/repairs/another bike/fast food/etc. Also if you get it stolen it isn't AS huge of a deal. Others will tell you to get the best you can afford because it may create a better riding experience for you. Everyone has their own philosophy on things.

People who tend to be really picky about the aesthetics of their things typically tend to be the ones that want to change the looks of their gear pretty often. I know, because I'm the same way. Tastes are ever evolving, new color schemes appeal to me, whatever. If you go the inexpensive route , you have more money to play around with if you want orange wheels 8 months from now, or different style bars, or a yellow frame instead of the grape purple one you have now.

Good luck, hope you get what you want though

Ultraspontane

There is no hope for ye

GMJ

You're in LA? Buy a bike soon and register for the Wolfpack Marathon Crash.

Buy a Rush Hour. You said you're going to be hopping curbs, so I imagine you're going to use it as a street beater. You already have deep profile rims with DP-18s. Put some 32c's on there and it will ride very nice even on crappy streets. All the parts I replaced on mine were just for preferences and not necessity, except for the pedals. Its a solid bike for right around $700. For the most part though, with your price range, you're going to be looking at very similar frames, most likely 520 Reynolds/4130 Cromo. The geometries and prices will vary, so just go with what jumps out at you.

The Rush Hour comes with a flippyfloppy hub, and comes with brakes so you could try SS for a while and eventually try fixed. I did that and never went back. The differences between the Rush Hour and the Furley are pretty substantial, mostly because they are purposed for different things. The Furley is a monster of a SS cross bike and the Rush Hour is a road bike with trackish geometry.

Furley (cyclocross):
Eccentric BB and vertical dropouts
Thicker stock tires
Brakes w/ hoods

Rush Hour (road):
Standard BB with track ends
Comes with 23c
Cross Brakes

I know the 2012 Rush Hour comes in black, but there are different colors from the previous year.

Pinkbullet3

Rush Hours have always been goodlooking bikes in my opinion. You're recommended 32s, though? Are the streets really that crappy? Surely you can get away with a nice set of 28s...

Lao_shi

I would say go the middle route.

Don't pay more than you can stand to lose. Since you plan to use this as a commuter, around town, whatever bike, just assume that it is already stolen. That way when if it actually happens you won't be heartbroken, and it may help you avoid putting parts that are way too nice to be left out on a bike that will be left out.

Don't pay for a piece of crap. Chances are if you buy a super-cheap bike, so many corners were cut to achieve that price-tag you may not enjoy riding it, and then that bike becomes wasted money/resources/space.

Don't think of aesthetics as an investment, because you aren't actually going to see any returns (excluding cashing in on now-trendy components via e-bay). I try to view every dollar I spend on my commuter as money lost, because ultimately I am leaving this bike exposed to anyone and everyone.

I can't afford a commuter AND a nice bike right now, so I have a (~$400) fixed commuter. I would like a nice road bike, but that is beyond my current means. I do get the urge to go crazy upgrading the fixed gear, especially since it does double duty for longer weekend rides, but by treating theft as a certainty rather than a freak accident, I can talk myself out of dropping cash that 1) I don't need to, 2) I can use for necessities, and 3) will likely make my ride a more conspicuous target.

The problem with the blingy porn-bike that you lust after, is everyone else lusts after it too.

TL;DR
People will envy your gorgeous bike on forums.
People will steal your gorgeous bike IRL.

Jaytron

Kilo TT

SSbalt

Great post, also add

"Those same forum luster's will then all laugh at you for having it stolen" ( see "smartest messenger in the world" thread)

Jaytron

Only if you're an ass about it.

GMJ

That's what made it funny.

renton20

Get yourself a 2010 jamis sputknik on closeout, nicer tubing than anything else near the same price, clearance for big tires, good wheels with sealed bearings, comes in like 4 different colors. Marketed super badly but an awesome bike all around.

Oogie

Thanks for the quick comments guys. Still hesitating!! Indeed, the Rush Hour sees bad a$$. Actually seems more reasonable to go for the TT or Messenger.... WIll let you guys know. Unfortunately i'm too late for th Wolfpack Marathon Crash, seems awesome, right after a night a good night out! Next year!

john4789

You noted the WT. I just got one a week ago and think that it is awesome as a commuter. It is all in the wheels - deep profile 32s that come on the WT will hold up much better with the curb jumping and dirt/grass riding you noted. Flip-flop hub too will give you a shot at ss and fg to determine what you like best.

Oogie

Tempted by the sputnik now.....!!! This is tough.... Still have about 7 days before i get my tax returns, hopefully i would have decided by then.... Then again, the WT does sound like a fun bike. Thanks again guys, at least i know i'm on hte right path.

carleton

Buy the one that you think is cool. Don't worry about what we think. DO NOT post it back here and ask us what we think because even if we told you to buy it...we'd still make you feel bad about owning it.

TL;DR: Make yourself happy, not the internet.