Originally Posted by Moonshot
I love my Bianchi fixed gear, but it's not working out as a commuter bike. I need a bike to which I can add fenders and a rear rack.
I don't have much money to spend on a new bike, but I can afford the Van Dessel Straight Up. Does anyone have any dope on that bike or any other inexpensive singlespeed I should look at with fender and rack eyelets? The Straight Up moustache bars look goofy. Do you get used to 'em over time?
Another thing, I prefer road geometry and 700c wheels.
Thanks.
Are you looking to replace the Bianchi or get a whole new bike? If a whole new bike I'd check your local craigslist.com listings for older road bikes which usually have alot of the options you are looking for. If you are looking to replace the Bianchi, check into a Surly Crosscheck frame or a Karate Monkey. Selling the Bianchi frame (provided this is the route you are looking at) can finance most of the Surly frame. I've got a fixed crosscheck, it's got the mounts you want and plenty of tire/fender clearance. Moustache bars are great, but the Van D version looks like a poor attempt - the Nittos are where it's at. I've got room to mount a light and a computer in near the stem which is all I really need.
My setup, no fenders in this shot.