Originally Posted by ctfinnigan (Post 7508635)

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

Originally Posted by cavit8 (Post 7510039)

If Fridays work better for folks, let me know although I'd need to postpone it at least a week if we change the day.

Originally Posted by kergin (Post 7509852)

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?

Originally Posted by jet sanchEz (Post 7512577)

I saw that the regular ol' Fuji Track bikes are only $450 at the bike shop in Kensingon that I can never remember the name of. It is on Augusta close to College. I realize your budget is much higher than that but with the winter coming, you might want a workhorse-type bike PLUS it has fender holes PLUS the bike market slows down a lot in the winter and you might find a nice deal on eBay or in a shop.

Originally Posted by ctfinnigan (Post 7512297)

I'm not sure what "stiff" means. I always think of BikeSnobNYC's dig at bikes being "stiff yet compliant". Is it the stressing of the frame?
As far as uses, I'll be riding this bike everyday for about forty minutes to get to work. Sun, rain, snow, doesn't matter. The bike I have now has holes drilled for fenders and they come in handy, so that would be something I would like to see on a bike.
I took at look at Cycle Solutions site, saw the Felt Curbside, and the Sputnik and Capo you mentioned. All look great. I guess I won't know until I take a few rides around the block.
Thanks for the suggestions and advice!

Originally Posted by ~Stuart~ (Post 7516126)

when is critical mass?


now... time to go to bed before the week of overtime... uuugh

Originally Posted by tuz (Post 7513598)

Hey ctfinnigan, if you're likely to commute on your new fixed I'd stay away from frames with track ends: they make the wheel kinda messy to remove when you have a flat, especially if you have fenders.
The Surly cross-check also is a good bike for versatility.

Originally Posted by kergin (Post 7513384)

To me, its how the bike feels when you sprint out of saddle. The steel bikes I've had tend to feel flexy in the BB area when I need to grind up a hill or really push hard. Neither of my Cannondale's exhibit this feeling.

I should add: there is no vertical compliance with the Capo. All the road feel is transfered directly into your ass and arms. The best you can do with that kind of frame is pick the tires, saddle, and tape carefully.

Originally Posted by jet sanchEz (Post 7512577)

I saw that the regular ol' Fuji Track bikes are only $450 at the bike shop in Kensingon that I can never remember the name of. It is on Augusta close to College. I realize your budget is much higher than that but with the winter coming, you might want a workhorse-type bike PLUS it has fender holes PLUS the bike market slows down a lot in the winter and you might find a nice deal on eBay or in a shop.

Originally Posted by 2wheelsgood (Post 7517179)

by the way, it's world car free day today so everybody try to resist the urge to waste your time and money by driving. looks like you'll have to suffer all the way to wherever it is your going on a bicycle. i know it's hard but you can do it!

Originally Posted by 2wheelsgood (Post 7517179)

by the way, it's world car free day today so everybody try to resist the urge to waste your time and money by driving. looks like you'll have to suffer all the way to wherever it is your going on a bicycle. i know it's hard but you can do it!

Originally Posted by 2wheelsgood (Post 7518096)

dang

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/849754589.html