MEmond

I'm looking for a single speed bike for commuting in NYC. I have a hybrid Giant FCR3 from 2008 I've been using every day (6 months out of the year for the past 5 years) but I rarely change speeds, hate V-brakes, and would just like the simplicity of a single speed. I like tires around 26-28c as I often hit potholes, go over curbs, and don't really want to worry about pinch flats. I don't want an aggressive track/road bike position because my back doesn't like to be bent over and I need to be able to look over cars. I also want something as light as possible without breaking the bank.

I've pretty much picked out the Fuji Declaration for $499 as I don't think I need to pay over $500 for a good bike. The question lies on that I've found 2 other very attractive looking bikes that are very similar in style and weight but much less money ($300-325) the only real difference I can see is that the frames on the cheaper bikes are Hi-Ten. I know that's a cheaper material but as I'm not doing tricks or going down mountains, does that really even matter that much? The customer service is City Grounds and Pure Fix Cycles seem to both be great so that's not a factor. Can anyone make a valid argument on why I would regret not paying $200 more for the Fuji when I can get a similar bike for hundreds less?

Here are the 3 bikes:

https://www.citygrounds.com/fuji/fuji...-bike-2012-585
https://www.citygrounds.com/se-bikes/...bike-2013-2120
https://www.purefixcycles.com/collect...te-black-fixie

AristoNYC

I know Carlton won't like this, but considering your price range and the fact that you are looking to buy a bike online anyways, why not consider a kilo tt or similar bike on Bikesdirect. I just ordered a Kilo WT for winter riding.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm
*though, I believe the Kilo's are aggressive track geo (correct me if I am wrong) so that might not work for you.

BigglyPuff

I'd look at BikesDirect too.

But you're gonna have to prioritize one, light as possible or not breaking the bank. I know what you're saying, you want lightweight and cheap, but cheap is cheap for a reason. High ten is gonna be cheaper, but heavier.

You could get do a lot with a $500 budget if you look used or go with BikesDirect.

MEmond

The forums on here are beginning to seem like an ad for BikesDirect. Please resist the urge to recommend other bikes and stick to the three I listed. As I mentioned, despite the two cheaper options being Hi-Ten, they're all about the same weight. Weight wasn't my biggest concern anyway. Also, I found a local bike shop that sells the SE and Fuji bikes so I'd buy those locally, or the Pure Fix online.

My only real question was: "Can anyone make a valid argument on why I would regret not paying $200 more for the Fuji when I can get a similar bike [SE Drift Lite or Pure Fix] for hundreds less?" And if there isn't a valid argument, which of the two cheaper bikes would you go with?

cruiserhead

Well the Fuji has a nicer parts spec as well as the better frame.
It all adds up.

I noticed the alloy crank, sealed bb, sealed bearing high flange hubs, integrated semi-sealed bearing headset, alloy micro adj seatpost...etc

SE has steel crank, not noted but assume the bearings are not sealed cartridge, and the multi-piece clamp style seatpost

although $200 is a lot in this price range, I believe you are getting a much nicer bike w/ the Fuji. I'm sure it will give you more trouble free miles and be more of a joy to ride.

Purefix seems a bit skimpy on details but it looks cool. I like the black/black w/ deep dish wheels.
Can't tell what bearings or other details are vague so it's hard to compare.

I would skip the SE and pick between the Fuji and Purefix.

Since you're commuting, add in the price of locks/gear/tools (if you don't have them already). If your budget is topping out, get the Purefix.

tsmvengy

Well, out of the three you picked, the hi-ten ones are going to be 10-20% heavier. The Fuji is a better bike, the other two are indistinguishable from each other.

Bat56

You should get the cheapest bike available.

How are we supposed to know what you might regret? You seem prepared to shut down any suggestion which attempts to move you off of your chosen path.

Get the cheapest thing you can. Frame materials won't matter to you. Buy the thing locally.

Scrodzilla

Beginning to?

Crandrew

Yup, I would say this covers it

BigglyPuff

Or try thinking outside of the box.

The reason I suggested BikesDirect is because out of the three bikes you listed, knowing what I know now and with a budget of $500, I wouldn't buy any of them and I'd look at something else.

But if I had to choose between the lesser of three evils, I'd go with the Fuji.

NcA13

Call around your local Fuji / SEbikes dealers and see who has what in stock. Can't beat actually riding the bikes to make up your mind. If you're comfortable on the Draft Lite and they cut you a good deal, go for it. They're pretty sold cheap bikes for getting around IMO (but nothing special).

Scrodzilla

FWIW - many of the SSFG bikes being offered by BikesDirect are just rebranded SE/Fuji bikes.

BigglyPuff

The hell you say!

AristoNYC

How is 3lbs difference "around the same weight"? In bike terms that is roughly 1 ton.
If you found a local bike shop that sells them I recommend going in and seeing what bike you like better, as far as components, weight etc.
and to call the bikes similar is like calling all fixed gear bikes similar, they may look the same but components, frame quality/material make a difference.
And to answer your question with a question, why are you so against other recommendations? Again, people seem to recommend BD bikes for a reason, you can get a decent, light bike for under $500.

calv

bfloyd6969

This. My BD Motobecane Track is practically identical to the Fuji Classic Track, even down to the same Velo saddle - other than the name on the headtube badge. I don't know, maybe the welds are a bit nicer on the Fuji, and perhaps this is Fuji's way of selling the lesser quality welding work and still making some money back...

Scrodzilla

Precisely. Things that get caught by the QC dept. at ASI (Fuji/SE/Kestral/Breezer) that can't be sold as first quality but are still "passable" are bought by companies like Bikes Direct/Bike Island and rebranded.

bfloyd6969

Explains why the welds on my Moto Track are very blah.

markaitch

how would you know this? have you held them side-by-side? analyzed the metals? or is it because the bfssfg bikedirect sales force sold you that story? lots of manufacturers use velo saddles on their bikes...that means nothing.

it's more complicated than that. besides scarfing up 2nds, irregulars & closeouts, they arrange & buy runs of frames from familiar names but built from other tubing & with less stringent qa standards in the same factories, sometimes they take the misappropriated frame designs to other cheaper factories, & on & on...

especially interesting is the fact that (as we have even seen in this thread) bd aficionados/salesmen often get pissy when anyone tells them that they are not interested in what they are selling...

Scrodzilla

FWIW - I've spoken to people at ASI about this first hand. It's really not as "complicated" as you think.

Considering you own an SE Premium Brew frame that was refinished and sold by Bike Island, I'd figure you would see the trees for the forest.

Who's getting pissy?

markaitch

is asi bd's sole supplier?

renton20

Back to the question at hand. Buy a bike from a shop that you like that has well informed employees. Things that a shop can do for you include but are not limited to, getting you on the right size frame, nailing down your fit, swapping components, often for free or at a reduced price, connecting you with or hosting local group rides, discounts on accessories, etc. IMO for a beginner who, no offense, doesn't understand the difference between 4130 and hi-ten tubing, a shop can offer a lot that is generally included with the purchase of a bike. BTW some of the advantages of the more expensive bike are that it will be lighter, it will be less prone to denting, the frame will be stiffer, the quality control will likely be better, components will be higher quality, bearing seals will be better, the list goes on.

bottom line is that it doesn't matter what we say. Go to a shop and actually ride both of these damn bikes. Make your own decision.

Scrodzilla

No, but they are certainly the biggest. BD does sell a handful of other bikes (GT, Schwinn) without rebranding them as well.

But yeah, this thread is way off topic. The OP is going to come back and be like "What the hell is wrong with this place?"

MEmond

Thanks, this response is getting somewhere. It seems like a valid argument in the making but I don't know enough about the specs to understand what a sealed cartridge, alloy crank, sealed bearing high flange hubs, sealed bb all mean in the long run. What do those better specs logistically mean? You mentioned "trouble free miles" which actually means something to me but seems vague. Can anyone explain what each of those specs are getting me?

AristoNYC

Also, when you decide and get a bike you like, come meet up with us for a ride!