sciencebones

Ok, to start this is not the usual “what $18 budget fixie do I buy**********” question. I’ve read through every single one of those on this forum, twice.

Long story short - or as short as possible. I’m looking for a new SS Bike with a bit of the classic look. Quill Stem, I dig the lugs, no Deep V action, super clean and simple. The owner of a LBS says we can build up a Soma Rush in my budget ($550) if I do all the labor, under shop supervision, of course. Build the wheels and the whole nine. All chrome, sexy, with black rubber, saddle and bar wrap. No brainer, right? YES!

Only deal is, he said give me a few days to work the numbers and source the bits. I have a feeling it might not work out (seems too good to be true, that frame ain’t cheap) and I’m gonna either have to spend a LOT more jack to make it happen (probably worth it, but don’t have the extra cash) or I’m gonna have to find something else.


The “something elses” that have the look:

Fuji Feather: Doesn’t get a ton of love on this joint (Nobody has any 2014s left. The 2015 may not look as slick)

Pure Fix The Coolidge: Seems they are all sold out now. So 2015 coming soon?

Kilo Stripper: I HATE that stem (and seat post) on an otherwise great looking bike. The crowns on the fork are way good. And I’ve seen some lugged Kilo frames too that look nice. All threadless or some really funky forks? Why oh why?!

Any other options? Suggestions? I’ve been all over and can’t find anything I dig.

I hope the Soma deals works out, but being an obsessive nut job I want a back up.

Oh, also - this will be my first road bike, just city ridding and such. I currently ride a BMX (have been for years) but that thing whoops me on long rides with the girlfriend.

Thanks in advance.

ThurberMingus

Sounds like that price definitely is too good to be true. I'm working on a similar classic/modern project on my Windsor the Hour. I got it for $100 on Craigslist and I've been very happy with it. I still have some parts to buy and some work to do, but I heartily recommend the Hour as a budget Kilo alternative.

EDIT: also the geo on the Windsor is a little more relaxed, so it makes a great around town bike.

sciencebones

Yeah, the Soma may not work out. I think my only real shot at it is the owner of the shop really wants to build up a cool bike. It's a new shop in town and I think he may be thinking of doing it just to get people talking about it, you know? I live in a pretty small city and I'm out on a bike, heading to dinner/bar/library or something almost every day. That and the owner and I have a few mutual friends so we've had beers a few times. Super cool guy, but I have a feeling the shop will not make a penny at that price?

Also of note, his shop is the only Fuji dealer in my area. I originally went in to just order the Feather from him but the more we talked about what I liked the more he started talking custom build.

prooftheory

You've got a shop owner invested in building you a cool bike. Even if the price went to $1000 I'm sure you would get your money's worth. The chrome rush is awesome.

sciencebones

Agreed. I'm trying to not get my hopes up and looking for an alternative if it doesn't pan out. Plan B.

nightfly

Keep an eye out on ebay. Recently picked up a Soma Rush frame for very cheap in good condition. That said even with a great deal on the page, building the bike up cost close to $1000.

europa

You haven't mentioned Wabi. Worth a look though pricing may be an issue,

With that relationship you have with the shop owner, you may find it doesn't come down to simple dollars and he may still be able to do you a deal or give you time to pay. All you can do is ask. Best of luck, sounds like an exciting time for you.

BeatChemist

I would definitely work with the shop owner and arrange some kind of payment plan or something if it goes a bit beyond your budget. When you speak with him again, tell him your absolute top end budget, and play up the word of mouth advertising aspect. I'm sure you will get an awesome bike at a great price.

I am a bit jealous, because I'm thinking of doing a build with the chrome Rush frame... and it looks like I'm budgeting around $1000-1200!! lol

sciencebones

Just heard back from the shop owner. $550 was indeed too good to be true. He said it would be closer to $750 -800, which I realize is still a great deal on a custom built Rush, but it is more money than I can spend on my first road bike.

I'm still looking for other options and/or suggestions?

Thanks!

SquidPuppet

I was going to suggest the Wabi Special too. It's lugged and has pretty old school forks. But, the price is about the same as the Rush and it has a threadless steerer as well.

sciencebones

Screw it! I just got back from the shop. I'm going with the Rush. If I'm gonna get a bike I might as well get a nice one. Even if it is more than I wanted to spend. Honestly, I'm just as excited to learn how to build wheels and put the bike together. Knowledge is king!

I'm so glad I spent some time reading this forum and didn't buy that State Bike last summer.

The shop owner is rounding up the parts list and is supposed to email them to me soon. I'll post them up in this thread if anyone is interested? If not, thanks to everyone that replied and I'll do my best to hang around here and contribute when I can.

Have a nice weekend, folks.

gl98115

Buying toys on credit is dumb.

BeatChemist

Buying toys on credit you will never be able to pay back is dumb. Buying things on credit because you don't have the necessary liquidity right now is not a bad idea at all. Especially if the terms of credit are reasonable.

It's not like I'm suggesting he put the whole bike on his credit card. Pay as much as he can can now, and work out an arrangement with the shop owner for the balance.

jhess74

Bringing up and critiquing someone's financial decisions in a condescending way is tacky.

Leukybear 

Nobody said you have to buy new @ retail.... buy used.
Preferably after someone else built it. Check your local craigslist. What you want should run you ~$300 second hand which I can imagine is much closer to your pricepoint.

gl98115

This sounds like better advice.

sciencebones

Thanks for the advice. CL is pretty bleak around East Tennessee. Especially in the smaller frame size I need. I've been watching like a hawk for a few months now without much luck.