Where to begin? Buying a complete bike
04-16-14, 12:12 PM
#76
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Which direction are you from Long Beach? If you're 40 minutes north I could probably recommend other shops; not so much south or east though.
04-16-14, 05:53 PM
#77
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This is why you don't get bike advice from roadies. The professional peleton has no relevance at all to real cycling yet most roadies imagine they have to be clones of the pros ... and one of the results is stupid advice like imagining bikes need to be tiny.
04-16-14, 11:32 PM
#78
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Possibly true, but my buddy just had no clue on bike fit.
04-18-14, 08:37 AM
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Hey guys,
First time poster here. I'm sure you get this constantly (actually, I'd bet on it), but here goes:
I live in NYC and currently ride a Motobecane track bike. It's been pretty good to me for what it is (not saying I can compare it to much since this was my first fixed gear bike). However, I'm getting that itch to get something new. Originally, I just wanted to get new rims for it, but the rims are nearly as much (if not AS much) as the bike itself, so it makes more sense to just sell it and buy something else.
The highest I can go at this point would be around $500--I know, I know: #KiloTT-- but I just want to ask if anyone has had any experience with a custom Strada (MSC Customs | Bike Out Loud). Logos on bikes kind of irk me for some reason, so I like a clean look. I'm also a big fan of solid color rims.
Looks wise, I LOVE the BAMF Assasin, but I understand the frame is very sub par and it's not great for a city bike (carrying it up and down lots of stairs). I'd like to possibly get something that has a similar aesthetic. I was thinking of going black Kilo TT and adding more black parts over time. Another option would be to do the same with the Fuji Feather.
Any suggestions/advice/whatever would be helpful. While I love riding, I wouldn't say I'm bike obsessed. I do, however, appreciate NOT having a crap bike.
Thanks a lot for your time.
p.s.
also, looking into this: https://www.citygrounds.com/aventon/a...y-grounds-3571
First time poster here. I'm sure you get this constantly (actually, I'd bet on it), but here goes:
I live in NYC and currently ride a Motobecane track bike. It's been pretty good to me for what it is (not saying I can compare it to much since this was my first fixed gear bike). However, I'm getting that itch to get something new. Originally, I just wanted to get new rims for it, but the rims are nearly as much (if not AS much) as the bike itself, so it makes more sense to just sell it and buy something else.
The highest I can go at this point would be around $500--I know, I know: #KiloTT-- but I just want to ask if anyone has had any experience with a custom Strada (MSC Customs | Bike Out Loud). Logos on bikes kind of irk me for some reason, so I like a clean look. I'm also a big fan of solid color rims.
Looks wise, I LOVE the BAMF Assasin, but I understand the frame is very sub par and it's not great for a city bike (carrying it up and down lots of stairs). I'd like to possibly get something that has a similar aesthetic. I was thinking of going black Kilo TT and adding more black parts over time. Another option would be to do the same with the Fuji Feather.
Any suggestions/advice/whatever would be helpful. While I love riding, I wouldn't say I'm bike obsessed. I do, however, appreciate NOT having a crap bike.
Thanks a lot for your time.
p.s.
also, looking into this: https://www.citygrounds.com/aventon/a...y-grounds-3571
Last edited by SamoSamo; 04-18-14 at 09:25 AM.
04-18-14, 06:32 PM
#80
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Sorry, I got tired waiting for the website to load all it's nonsense so I don't really know what the bike's like. If the only thing bugging you is the graphics, you'll often find these are on top of the paint and can be pealed off so it's just a matter of asking the right questions there.
Don't go for a sub-par frame. Although the frame is just a component like any other, it is one that defines the bike (like the wheels) and expensive to replace, it's one worth getting right the first time.
Others on here will be able to give more specific advice though. Hang in there.
It's a good tip to hang on to your Motobecane for those rides where your bike will be locked somewhere you don't want to leave your good bike, or crappy conditions where you don't want to ride the good bike. There are reasons not to hang on to the old bike (space, money, etc) but if nothing else, wait till you've got the new bike sorted before flogging the old one if you can - gives you something to ride if the new one is at the doctors.
Don't go for a sub-par frame. Although the frame is just a component like any other, it is one that defines the bike (like the wheels) and expensive to replace, it's one worth getting right the first time.
Others on here will be able to give more specific advice though. Hang in there.
It's a good tip to hang on to your Motobecane for those rides where your bike will be locked somewhere you don't want to leave your good bike, or crappy conditions where you don't want to ride the good bike. There are reasons not to hang on to the old bike (space, money, etc) but if nothing else, wait till you've got the new bike sorted before flogging the old one if you can - gives you something to ride if the new one is at the doctors.
04-19-14, 03:27 PM
#81
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This seems like it might be a good place to post a few questions of my own about buying a single speed complete. For the last few years I've been riding a mountain bike that was converted to a single speed that I picked up on Craigslist for $50. It's been a fine commuter, but my roommate got a Torker U-District a few months ago and after riding it a few times and I was amazed at how much faster I am on it (and how much fun it is).
So here's what I think I want. Single speed, chromoly frame, riser bars, under $500*
I've been keeping an eye on BD for the Kilo TT, but they haven't had one in my size for the 3 months or so I've been looking.
I'd actually prefer to buy a bike from a local shop. My roommate got her Torker from the lbs, complete with "lifetime" tuneups...but that shop closed down a month or two after she bought it. It reopened as a clothing store, that sells a few bikes on the side, none of which seem to be of great quality. There's another shop in the area that specializes in FG and SS, but the bikes they sell are pretty much all brands that have a pretty bad reputation on here. I've got more choices if I go farther out, but since I don't have a car, going farther out kind of defeats the purpose of developing a relationship with your local shop. I already know that if something breaks that I can't fix myself I'm going to be going to one of the two shops that is within walking distance of my house.
Right now I'm thinking 3 basic options:
1) Get something that BD has in my size (I'm thinking Dawes Streetfighter or Motobecane Fixie Cafe)
2) See if one of the local shops will order me something that isn't crap without charging me a fortune
3) Go to a shop that is farther away, but that has a better selection
*My bike is my only transportation and it gets locked up outside a lot, I don't want anything that will hurt too much if/when it gets stolen.
So here's what I think I want. Single speed, chromoly frame, riser bars, under $500*
I've been keeping an eye on BD for the Kilo TT, but they haven't had one in my size for the 3 months or so I've been looking.
I'd actually prefer to buy a bike from a local shop. My roommate got her Torker from the lbs, complete with "lifetime" tuneups...but that shop closed down a month or two after she bought it. It reopened as a clothing store, that sells a few bikes on the side, none of which seem to be of great quality. There's another shop in the area that specializes in FG and SS, but the bikes they sell are pretty much all brands that have a pretty bad reputation on here. I've got more choices if I go farther out, but since I don't have a car, going farther out kind of defeats the purpose of developing a relationship with your local shop. I already know that if something breaks that I can't fix myself I'm going to be going to one of the two shops that is within walking distance of my house.
Right now I'm thinking 3 basic options:
1) Get something that BD has in my size (I'm thinking Dawes Streetfighter or Motobecane Fixie Cafe)
2) See if one of the local shops will order me something that isn't crap without charging me a fortune
3) Go to a shop that is farther away, but that has a better selection
*My bike is my only transportation and it gets locked up outside a lot, I don't want anything that will hurt too much if/when it gets stolen.
04-19-14, 09:01 PM
#82
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Sorry, I got tired waiting for the website to load all it's nonsense so I don't really know what the bike's like. If the only thing bugging you is the graphics, you'll often find these are on top of the paint and can be pealed off so it's just a matter of asking the right questions there.
Don't go for a sub-par frame. Although the frame is just a component like any other, it is one that defines the bike (like the wheels) and expensive to replace, it's one worth getting right the first time.
Others on here will be able to give more specific advice though. Hang in there.
It's a good tip to hang on to your Motobecane for those rides where your bike will be locked somewhere you don't want to leave your good bike, or crappy conditions where you don't want to ride the good bike. There are reasons not to hang on to the old bike (space, money, etc) but if nothing else, wait till you've got the new bike sorted before flogging the old one if you can - gives you something to ride if the new one is at the doctors.
Don't go for a sub-par frame. Although the frame is just a component like any other, it is one that defines the bike (like the wheels) and expensive to replace, it's one worth getting right the first time.
Others on here will be able to give more specific advice though. Hang in there.
It's a good tip to hang on to your Motobecane for those rides where your bike will be locked somewhere you don't want to leave your good bike, or crappy conditions where you don't want to ride the good bike. There are reasons not to hang on to the old bike (space, money, etc) but if nothing else, wait till you've got the new bike sorted before flogging the old one if you can - gives you something to ride if the new one is at the doctors.
If anyone else wants to chime in that would be awesome.
05-16-14, 02:22 AM
#83
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Just an update for anyone interested. I ended up driving like 30+ minutes to a LBS and picked up the Fyxation Eastside. I couldn't be happier. It is AMAZING what a difference it is when you have good customer service. The owner made me feel relaxed and comfortable and was totally able to help me and my needs considering my experience with bikes (very little). I was so pleased I went back and bought my girlfriend a bike a week later. I plan on supporting his shop and taking all of my business there.
Thank you everyone for the suggestions, it was a good learning experience.
Thank you everyone for the suggestions, it was a good learning experience.
05-17-14, 10:11 AM
#84
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Hey guys,
First time poster here. I'm sure you get this constantly (actually, I'd bet on it), but here goes:
I live in NYC and currently ride a Motobecane track bike. It's been pretty good to me for what it is (not saying I can compare it to much since this was my first fixed gear bike). However, I'm getting that itch to get something new. Originally, I just wanted to get new rims for it, but the rims are nearly as much (if not AS much) as the bike itself, so it makes more sense to just sell it and buy something else.
The highest I can go at this point would be around $500--I know, I know: #KiloTT-- but I just want to ask if anyone has had any experience with a custom Strada (MSC Customs | Bike Out Loud). Logos on bikes kind of irk me for some reason, so I like a clean look. I'm also a big fan of solid color rims.
Looks wise, I LOVE the BAMF Assasin, but I understand the frame is very sub par and it's not great for a city bike (carrying it up and down lots of stairs). I'd like to possibly get something that has a similar aesthetic. I was thinking of going black Kilo TT and adding more black parts over time. Another option would be to do the same with the Fuji Feather.
Any suggestions/advice/whatever would be helpful. While I love riding, I wouldn't say I'm bike obsessed. I do, however, appreciate NOT having a crap bike.
Thanks a lot for your time.
p.s.
also, looking into this: Aventon Mataro Fixed Gear Track Bike
First time poster here. I'm sure you get this constantly (actually, I'd bet on it), but here goes:
I live in NYC and currently ride a Motobecane track bike. It's been pretty good to me for what it is (not saying I can compare it to much since this was my first fixed gear bike). However, I'm getting that itch to get something new. Originally, I just wanted to get new rims for it, but the rims are nearly as much (if not AS much) as the bike itself, so it makes more sense to just sell it and buy something else.
The highest I can go at this point would be around $500--I know, I know: #KiloTT-- but I just want to ask if anyone has had any experience with a custom Strada (MSC Customs | Bike Out Loud). Logos on bikes kind of irk me for some reason, so I like a clean look. I'm also a big fan of solid color rims.
Looks wise, I LOVE the BAMF Assasin, but I understand the frame is very sub par and it's not great for a city bike (carrying it up and down lots of stairs). I'd like to possibly get something that has a similar aesthetic. I was thinking of going black Kilo TT and adding more black parts over time. Another option would be to do the same with the Fuji Feather.
Any suggestions/advice/whatever would be helpful. While I love riding, I wouldn't say I'm bike obsessed. I do, however, appreciate NOT having a crap bike.
Thanks a lot for your time.
p.s.
also, looking into this: Aventon Mataro Fixed Gear Track Bike
I went to BD for my bike after a horrible encounter with the 1 and only bike shop in town! I bought a hybrid of the previous year so it would be less expensive but I wasn't sized for it and was touching the top tube with my crotch ( I think they could have sold me the smaller frame and just changed the seat post (of course I'd buy the longer seat post) Anyway, I was tired of riding upright and most of the riding I do is road; Any LBS in a 50 mile radius were charging over $650 for an entry level road bike; long story short; sold the hybrid and with that money I bought a Motobecane Mirage S from BD; I had researched sizing a bike from ebicycles site and others so I am very happy with my final choice except now after riding 200+ miles I think I may need a different cassette; currently it's a 12-28 & I think either a 11-19 or a 11-24 is what I could use.
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