Hey all,
I have a relatively short commute (2-3 miles) through a flat, busy city with rather rough roads, crappy drivers, and lots of stopping and going.
I've been riding a POS crosslake sales fixed gear bike, and it has been alright. However, I do not feel all that safe on the bike because the components are so crappy. I am ready to buy a better bike. I have been stalking craigslist for months, but nothing has caught me eye. I don't really have the time or money to customize a bike either.
I really like the simplicity of a fixed gear, especially since my commute is on flat land, but there are a few things I want.
- I like the responsiveness of the fixed gear with the "track" geometry, but I want something a bit more relaxed for everyday commuting. However, I am not looking for a dutch, totally upright ride
- I want room for fenders
- I want slightly bigger tires (maybe 32s at most) for the occasional path or broken up road/sidewalk (I do 95% of my riding on the road)
- I have been thinking a 3 or 5 speed IGH would be nice, not sure if it would benefit me though. I like be able to control my speed without having to use brakes (but I do have brakes) in the stop and go traffic
- Need a bike that is pretty bulletproof, but not looking to break the bank
Here are some IGH bikes I have been thinking of:
Kilo WT5 (
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott_wt5.htm):- Would really like input on this bike as there is not much info about it
- Pros: Aggresive geometry based on on the Surly Steamroller, components look good, IGH 5 speed sturmey archer hub (anyone have opinons on this hub for commuting?), plenty or room for tires, room for fenders, mounts for rack
- Cons: bikesdirect quality (however, i can get this bike locally from cycling spectrum which will set it up), possible issues with toe overlap, kind of want flat or riser bars, at 5'10" with short arms I am inbetween the 53cm and 56cm size, track-ends with fenders
Kilo WT (
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../kilott_wt.htm)
- Fixed/free version of Kilo WT5, see pros and cons above
IRO Phoenix 3-speed (
http://irocycle.com/index.asp?PageAc...ROD&ProdID=173)
- Pros: More relaxed geometry than the IRO Mark V with room for tires, fenders, and racks, 56cm will probably fit me better than 56cm WT5, 3-speed IGH, good components
- Cons: Its only a 3-speed (5speed>3speed?), more expensive than Kilo WT5
IRO Phoenix fix/free (
http://irocycle.com/index.asp?PageAc...ROD&ProdID=163)
- fixed/free version of IRO Phoenix 3-speed
Other bikes on my rader too, opinions welcome:
Not even sure if I need any gears since I ride on such flat terrain (Houston) and already enjoy riding fixed, but though it may come in handy if I'm hauling something or am riding in an aggressive headwind. Would 3-speeds be enough?
Need help, please!
Ross