TejanoTrackie 

There is currently a very good closeout sale on the Motobecane Messenger at bikesdirect for $199.95:

Save Up to 60% Off Motobecane Track Bikes | SingleSpeed | Fixed Gear - Messenger Track

The only remaining sizes are 43cm in blue and 64cm in red. I've been riding one of these bikes as a FG for over 4 years w/o any problems and all the components are solid if not expecially fancy. It comes standard as a SS on a flip/flop hub with both front and rear brakes and there's planty of room for tires up to 32mm wide. This bike is definitely much better to the normal alternatives in this price range. Had I not already purchased a Windsor Clockwork for $179.95 last December when they closed out that model, I would for sure grab the 43cm size Moto before they are sold out.

hairnet

If only I needed a bike. But I haven't owned a red bike yet.

raguvian

Well darn... I wonder if I should have bought this instead of the Kilo TT for $300?

I mean I really like my Kilo but $200 is such a steal...

Caliper

how heavy is yours?

TejanoTrackie 

Mine is the smallest 43cm size and I've since changed many parts, but IIRC it originally weighed about 22 lbs.

Caliper

Hmmm, and I'd be looking at the 64cm model. Had hoped a double butted frame would weigh less.

TejanoTrackie 

I think it's a combination of things, not just the frame, that accounts for the higher weight. The wheels are rather heavy, but you get something that's bombproof. The Lasco cranks, while aluminum, are also kinda thick and heavy pieces. The thing is, my old vintage steel bikes that I raced on for decades are just as heavy, and I'm probably a lot lighter than you. So, even though the 64cm size will be a bit heavier by maybe a pound, I doubt you'd even notice. Compare this to your typical hi-ten and steel component bike in this price range at around 30 lbs, and this bike is light as a feather.

Caliper

Hey, who you callin' heavy! Since you ride a 43cm, I probably do weigh more, but at 6'1", 160# I'm not exactly a clyde either. Mostly, it's that the converted 62cm Raleigh I picked up yesterday weighs 21-22#, but then it's not a hi-ten frame either. If I hadn't gotten such a good deal on that bike (great CL find, much less $ than the Messenger), I was just about to grab a Messenger because it is a great price. I was hoping it would be lighter so I'd have an excuse to get it anyways because the track dropouts really would be nice.

Or maybe, I should just get the Messenger because it's a good price on a frame that should fit me... Not too many frames being built today in that size range after all. N+1 in full effect...

murrellington

6'1 and lookin at the 64cm frame? I was expecting you to be taller. I'm 6'2" and was thinking the frame was too big. Maybes my buddy can get it. He's 6'8" and I know for a fact his current bike is too small. I can ride his fine.

Caliper

The internet always makes people seem taller It's my 35.5" cycling inseam. I've got a lotta leg. I can ride down to a 58cm frame, but that's a pretty aggressive fit with a lot of seatpost showing. I really like my 25" (63.5cm) Schwinn for fit.

murrellington

I really should get my measurements taken. Is it easy to do with a take measure or do you go somewhere professional?

Caliper

Bike Fit Calculator | Find Your Bike Size | Competitive Cyclist

I just followed their videos. The results aren't gospel and you're not likely to find a bike that exactly fits the numbers outside of something custom built, but it's a great starting point. A helper is nice for taking measurements, especially one of the opposite gender

TejanoTrackie 

Well, the large 64cm red ones are sold out now, so only short peeps can still benefit from this good closeout deal.

Save Up to 60% Off Motobecane Track Bikes | SingleSpeed | Fixed Gear - Messenger Track