Need some advice in deciding on a bike.
03-04-13, 09:14 AM
#1
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Need some advice in deciding on a bike.
I've been searching for my first fixed gear bicycle and have narrowed my choices down to these three: Mercier Kilo TT Pro, Motobecane Track, and a Specialized Globe Roll 1. The Roll is priced at $400, and is stock. I understand the Kilo is the preferred option, but is there any benefit to it over the Roll? My primary use for a new bike is to commute and cruise around town, and to exercise with. My budget is $500. Would it be best to buy a Motobecane and use the remaining budget upgrading it? Or go for the Kilo TT and save up to upgrade components?
03-04-13, 10:04 AM
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Are you set on a new bike? You could convert a decent steel road bike with horizontal dropouts to a fixed gear, have comfortable geometry for road riding and commuting, cable guides for running a rear brake, and be able to convert it back to a geared bike some day. None of the bikes you listed even have bottle cage bosses on the frame, so you will have to get a goofy behind-the-saddle bottle cage setup or put bottles in your jersey pocket. Go for versatility and repurpose an old road bike!
03-04-13, 10:18 AM
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Really? I looked at the BD website and can't see any in the photos and that feature isn't listed anywhere in the description.
03-04-13, 10:33 AM
#6
Your cog is slipping.
03-04-13, 10:43 AM
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You can't really go wrong with any of those choices - personally I would get the least expensive one because then that leaves you extra $$$ to get things like...
-Helmet
-U-lock
-Saddle(stock ones an ass-hammer)
-Tires(stock one's aren't very good)
-Pedals(stock ones are flimsy, fragile, and difficult to get your feet into
I bought a Windsor Hour about a year and a half ago and love it - but you do need to factor in a little extra money to replace the pedals if nothing else.
-Helmet
-U-lock
-Saddle(stock ones an ass-hammer)
-Tires(stock one's aren't very good)
-Pedals(stock ones are flimsy, fragile, and difficult to get your feet into
I bought a Windsor Hour about a year and a half ago and love it - but you do need to factor in a little extra money to replace the pedals if nothing else.
03-04-13, 11:05 AM
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03-04-13, 11:09 AM
#9
Your cog is slipping.
03-04-13, 11:17 AM
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Haha, Google brought me to the bikesdirect website.
03-04-13, 06:11 PM
#11
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Here's a quick update since earlier: My friend offered me an older Specialized road bike to use for a conversion for $100. The question is, how much would the conversion cost to do proper?
Also, I was offered a chance to check out a Surly LHT, which is night-and-day to this forum, but I could probably get it for around $500-600. I still think I'd prefer a fixed gear, since my commute is only around 15 miles round trip with around three moderate hills, and have no plans to do a cross-country trip.
Also, I was offered a chance to check out a Surly LHT, which is night-and-day to this forum, but I could probably get it for around $500-600. I still think I'd prefer a fixed gear, since my commute is only around 15 miles round trip with around three moderate hills, and have no plans to do a cross-country trip.
Last edited by mrpibb; 03-04-13 at 06:25 PM.
03-04-13, 07:40 PM
#12
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wheelset "velomine.com" 100 to 200, cog "10 to 30" and chain "10 to 20" and a set of clips and straps/pedals about 40 something from scrods site.
this is rough and im assuming the bikes brakes work and the saddle works for you and the tires are in decent shape.
this is rough and im assuming the bikes brakes work and the saddle works for you and the tires are in decent shape.
Last edited by GENESTARWIND; 03-04-13 at 07:46 PM.
03-04-13, 07:55 PM
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The brakes, saddle, and tires all need to be replaced, but I'm factoring that in separately. Thanks for some more information and an estimate!
03-04-13, 07:58 PM
#14
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You don't need an LHT. The thing's a tank. I have one and it's awesome for when I go touring or need to carry a bunch of groceries or beer, but I ride my Big Block to work everyday.
03-04-13, 08:02 PM
#15
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when i converted my centurion. i replaced, wheelset, tires, pedals, bars/tape and chain.
wheelset 179
tires 80
bars/tape 45
pedals 45
chain i think 15
wheelset 179
tires 80
bars/tape 45
pedals 45
chain i think 15
03-04-13, 08:19 PM
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EDIT: On second glance, the price is a bit out of range for me. Although, in the likes of the LHT, how is the Kilo WT?
Last edited by mrpibb; 03-04-13 at 08:22 PM. Reason: Further research
