Good single speed on a budget? Recommendations welcome.
 

As some of you might know, I've been using this bike for a while now:

http://i57.tinypic.com/23w4jue.jpg
Forum link: http://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...l#post16350299

However, I'm looking to upgrade to a different bike, and I've been thinking about getting a fixie/single speed bike. I am not looking to spend very much money on it because I have no need for a high-end model etc.

Do any of you have experience with this bike for instance?
Amazon Link: TRACK FIXED GEAR BIKE FIXIE SINGLE SPEED ROAD BIKE

Or others similar to this one. I will probably get a bullhorn style handlebar and brake levers closer to the neutral hand position down the road etc. Perhaps even a rack mounted on the back to have the option to carry things here and there.

This is the same bike as the above with some modifications that really caught my eye:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kvLMZO-vL.jpg
(Picture from the Amazon ad (user images)).

If any of you have other recommendations too, I'd be glad to hear some of them as well. Links and pictures are welcome.

Thank you,
- SpotOn

IMHO, the Scattante Americano Single Speed would be a less risky purchase, given that you would expected to actually pick the bike up at a brick & mortar bike shop. There you will test ride the bike and if not completely satisfied, you'd be entitled to a 100% complete refund. Otherwise, you could just ride away into the sunset! :)

Get the Scattante Americano at www.performancebike.com @ $230


* The Schwinn Racer Single Speed is available at www.nashbar.com for only $200 today, due to their "Special Sunday Sale". However, it does have coaster brakes...

Wally* World's 'Thrusters' are a fixy, made to sell cheap. use a freewheel instead of the fixed gear cog and lockring.

I wouldnt use a fixie for urban commuting unless you are into self-flagellation. The freewheel version of the Schwinn Racer can be had for 125.00 at some place I just saw but cant remember. I have the coaster Racer Version that I paid 180.00 for, I like it, but sadly I would caution against it because on mine, the BB has proven to be quite problematic, requiring constant readjustment. I would look for a cheapo single speed, but one with a sealed bottom bracket. If you have a another BB lying around and wouldnt mind pressing it in, I would opine you would have a nice beater commuter for no money at all. :)

I got a converted Bianchi Trofeo fixie off the Bay for the same price as the Schwinn Racer. The difference is the Bianchi has a cromoly steel frame and the Schwinn has hi ten.... if you learn to buy used, you can actually get more bang for your cycling bucks.

If you can make it work, used bikes are usually a much better value. You can get a higher end bike for the same money, and it might have some worthwhile upgrades on it which might not increase its street value.

Quality of the bike? Do you have any experience with it?

Do these ones have the wheel you can flip, in order to choose between fixed gear or freewheel? Is this Wally bike any good at all?

How do you like it? Is it a good bike? I think I'm more interested in the SS than the Coaster aspect if anything. What is a BB, and how much are they? Easy to replace yourself?

I don't know if I have the right touch yet for buying used, and changing out parts etc... This will probably be a good option later, when I have more experience within this field.

Any other bikes you guys can recommend? Or tips on what to look for in the used section?

If you are riding on the road, you will need a rim brake. Info in the fixed gear forum as well.

All I know, is that I'd trust Performance over Amazon any day. My trust is in the Scattante brand owned by "Performance", as opposed to some no name brand being sold by Amazon. Amazon would sell one's mother, if they could get away with it!

Otherwise, no, I don't have any previous experience with the Americano single speed...

Since no one has mentioned them yet (at least not that I've seen), Bikes Direct sells a number of different Fixed Gear/Single speed bikes at different price points. My son got a Windsor Clockwork Plus from them. It's a good value for the money but like anything else you get online there's no "try before you buy" option.

I would agree with this too . . .
My Son got a S.S. Motobecane Cross bike that was a real deal for what he paid. I would have no problem recommending them to someone, with the caveat that the stock tires are worthless for commuting. I got one of those Mercier Fixies from them that was a very nice bike. It is really a KHS Flite 100, so it was a very nice bike, a deal for the price. On mine however, it must have been a long rocky ride up to Vermont because the frame was damaged. So, if you go that route, check it closely, pull all the cardboard wrapping from the frame and inspect it. For commuting, S.S.'s are great, because like your Moms mini-van, they are just a solid workhorse you never have to do anything to. That means a lot in some situations :)

Happy hunting :beer:

Opinions on these bikes? And how do they compare to each other as well?

Windsor The Hour: Track Bkes | SingleSpeed Bikes | Fixie | Windsor Bikes - The Hour | Save up to 60% off Fixed gear and singlespeed bicycles
Windsor Timeline: Save Up to 60% Off Fixie | Hipster | Single Speed | Track Bikes | Road Bikes | Windsor Bikes - TimeLine | Fixed gear bikes that fit wide tires | Save up to 60% off new singlespeed bikes
Motobecane Track: Save Up to 60% Off Motobecane Singlespeed Bikes - 2012 Track Bicycles by Motobecane USA up to 60% Off
Motobecane Messenger: Save Up to 60% Off Motobecane Track Bikes | SingleSpeed | Fixed Gear - Messenger Track
Mercier Kilo WT: Save up to 60% off new Mercier Singlespeed Track Bikes - Kilo WT - Save Up To 60% Off Brand new Bicycles
Mercier Kilo TT: Save Up to 60% Off Kilo TT Fixie and Track Bikes | Single Speed Bikes | Mercier Bikes - Kilo TT Fixed Gear Singlespeed Fixie

...or others.

Also, what is the typical gear ratio most people use? 16/48?

http://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...term-test.html

similar to those offered on BD.