Fuji Absolute Vs Randor
 

I was searching for a good single speed bike for some weekend path riding in the park I came across these two converts on craigslist. I emailed the guy, and he does not seem flexible on prices. Which is the better deal? I know the Randor is a cheap fallen company, but its half the price.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/bik/1632949313.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/bik/1630657175.html

Quite honestly, they're both crap. The Randor has steel rims, a cheap brake caliper, and a "put it on the middle cog" SS conversion. Fuji is only better by virtue of the rims, but not $250 better.

Look for another deal.

-Kurt

+1 Randor is pure junk.

Fuji is way over priced.

Aim higher.

This is the only other bike which remotely fits my price range.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/1627934823.html

Much nicer bike, though still overpriced a bit (but not as bad as the other hack job conversions.) Take the seller's sizing suggestion with a grain of salt, the Schwinn won't be properly sized for a 5' 10" + rider...

Yeah I figured I could get them down to $200 (everything in this city is overpriced). I am 5'4 so thats fine :)

some new ones just came on:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/1635211067.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/1635237586.html

The Raleigh is cool if you intend to ride it as it is, but if you want to replace the rims, cranks, and other parts, look elsewhere. The Columbia isn't much better than the Randor. I still think the Schwinn is your best option, this one was in worse condition when I picked it up for my wife:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_TIeBxBH6dXI/S5...rldsport02.jpg

Before I bought any of these bikes except for the Schwinn, I would just go to Walmart and get a bike there. That Columbia is a real junker.

Nashbar Hounder Single Speed Road Bike (on sale for $199 new from $450). Am I missing something here? Better to buy used from a "Kitten Killer" than brand new from Nashbar?


http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/st..._10000__201814

New for 2010, the Hounder Single Speed Road Bike builds on the success of our Single Speed Road Bike with style. The Hounder provides solid, dependable, no-frills transportation and does it while looking good! It's flat bar provides a more upright and comfortable position. It comes with a 16t freewheel and fixed cog to allow you to choose your riding style. Great for college students, commuters, early season training, and anyone who wants to experience cycling in its simplest, purist form. Color: Black. 27lbs.
Frame Urban Single Speed Design, Cro Mo, Water Bottle & fender Mounts
Fork: Triple Butted Cro Mo w/ Fender Mounts
Headset: Tange 1-1/8" Threadless
Handlebars: 1.5" Riser Bar
Stem: 10 Degree Drop
Grips: Velo Diamond Cross
Brake Levers: Tektro, F & R
Brake(s): Tektro Alloy Caliper F & R
Seat: Velo Black
Seat Post: Straight Post 27.2, 250mm length
Crankset: 3-pc Euro Steel, 42T
Chain: KMC Z410
Pedal: Wellgo Platform
Rim: Alex DC19, 32H, Stainless Spokes
Front Hub: Formula 32H, Nutted
Rear Hub: Formula Single Speed 32H, Nutted, w/ 16T Freewheel, 16T Fixed Cog
Tires: 700c X 28

I agree about the Hounder. I have a similar bike, also from Nashbar. It's excellent, for the money.

Of course, some things are cheap. I had to replace the plastic pedals immediately.

I recommend you buy this bike and bring it to a bike shop to have it reassembled. I'm a bike mechanic. There were a lot of things wrong with the bike when I received it from UPS. We could help you by walking through the procedures. Or you could spend $75 getting them fixed, and you'd still be ahead. You'd have a decent bike, with a warranty, and it would be new.

Alternatively, you could come over to my basement and pick through my heaps of bikes and parts, and we can build a fixie out of one. I'm a short train ride out of Penn Station, NYC.