Originally Posted by
ctfinnigan
Hey all. Long time no talk. Or I guess long time no visit on my part.
I got hit by a car about three weeks ago (broken collar bone, and general ouchness all over). Luckily it wasn't my fault so my damages will be paid for. Now that I'm on the mend I'm getting my head back into biking.
Urbane appraised by bike's damages at about 400 with labour. It's a fixed-conversion and I'm wondering if I should just roll that money towards a new bike.
I'm thinking there's no way I could spend the 400 on my current bike without upgrading all the replacement parts, leaving me with probably 600-800 dollars of new parts on a so-so Trek frame.
So I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for a fixed gear I can buy in Toronto (no online) for 1500 or less (hopefully less, but I might go that high if it comes with chick magnets, a seatbelt, or a dog that is leashed to the bike so that when I bike he runs on the sidewalk with me). I've never bought a new bike so I'm not even sure where to start.
TIA
Its crap that you got hit, but now that you're looking for a new bike, rest assured: there's tons of bikes for under $1500, esp. fixed gear.
The only three fixed gear bikes I've ridden are:
1) Jamis Sputnik -$800
2) Cannondale Capo -$900
3) Miele conversion -$50
In general, the steel bikes (Sputnik and Miele) were more comfortable, and I still have the Miele frame, but sold the Sputnik because it was too small. The Capo is very stiff - you can confirm this with Operator - but will never "rust." I also test rode a Kona Paddy Wagon, but it just didn't feel right; the bike handled very slowly, IMHO.
Also keep in mind what you want the bike for: racing or commuting/utility? That matters a lot, because bikes designed for the latter will have fender and rack eyelets, which are pretty necessary in this city. I know Cycle Solutions sells a Canadian brand called, "Steelwool," which makes a Single Speed / Fixed gear model that has practical frame features (eyelets and easy geo), but it uses an eccentric bottom bracket instead of horizontal track ends.
In short, for 1500 bones you can be ballin' or save some cash and get a practical ride. Your choice.
What model Trek frame did you crash?