nwfrider

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and was looking for some good advice. I am looking to do my first build for my fiance, its going to be my wedding present for her. I have done some looking online for single speed framesets, im not looking to buy anything fancy just simple and reliable. I have seen a couple frames around $100(Pure Fixed Cycles) and have heard mixed reviews about them, some people love them and some people detest them. I was wondering if yall had any experience with these framesets or if you have any recommendations on good framesets? Also any experienced builders with some advice for a novice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone!

Leukybear 

If you want affordable, buying an economical complete bike is the way to go. Costs add up very quickly if you decide to build up a frameset from scratch.

Brands are able to use their economies of scale to get a better price to outfit their bikes and in turn pass on the savings to the consumer.

A good place to start is bikesdirect.

TenSpeedV2

One thing I have learned in life, if you are buying a bike for a girlfriend, fiance, wife/husband, in other words, someone you have the sexy time with, don't chintz out on a piece of crap Pure Fix. If you are going to surprise her with it, that is one thing. If she knows about it, ask her what she wants, not what you think she wants.

nwfrider

Fair enough TenSpeedV2, do you have any recommendations on single speed framesets?

nwfrider

I know that buying a complete bike is considerably cheaper, but its more about the learning experience and challenge of building the bike that interests me, im just trying to do it without breaking the bank.

Regulatori

How many bike specific tools do you own? You do understand that the amount of proper tools you need to build a bicycle isn't cheap....just a proper repair stand can cost $100+ Take a bare frame and a box of components to a bike shop can easily exceed your $100 just for labor.

Building a bike from a frame isn't as easy as most people think.

If you want to learn to build/assemble a bike, it's better to start off with something cheap/used to mess around. That way when you screw it up, it's not a huge deal. Plus you can focus on one area at a time and aren't forced to assemble a complete bike at once. It also makes it easier on your wallet to buy the bike specific tools for each area of the bike...instead of buying them all at once.

If you had decent money to play with, I would say go ahead, build the bike. But building a bike on a budget is similar to people that try to start car projects on a budget...it always costs twice as much as intended because trying to save money results in cutting corners/not installing the parts correctly (and at the end, you end up paying a professional $$$ to do finish it/repair your screw-ups).

For $300 you can pick up a Windsor which isn't a bad first bike. There is minor assembly but if you search this forum, you'll find many "new bicycle mechanics" screw that stuff up too.
Save Up to 60% Off Track Bikes | SingleSpeed Bikes | Fixie | Windsor Bikes - The Hour | Save up to 60% off Fixed gear and singlespeed bicycles

nwfrider

Thank you for the reply, I have actually done exactly what you described. I was given an old fixie that sat outside behind a shed for two years and have slowly replaced every component of the bike. That was definitely a learning experience and through that I started to accrue the tools needed to do basic repairs/replacements. I know the work that lies ahead and have the confidence that I can handle it.

Regulatori

If you feel comfortable, go for it.

It would just make sense to buy something a bit nicer if you're going to take all that time to hand assemble the bike. It's like building a project 90's Toyota Camry but using all original parts.

There are some frames on this page that are inexpensive but actually decent..
frames & forks | Retrogression

Leukybear 

Here's some noteworthy frames and framesets within your budget:

https://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ramesets-Track

TenSpeedV2

What is the budget, and does she want this bike?

jlafitte 

Also can't overstate the importance of getting colorway right, or at least acceptable.

Phil_gretz

Married 32 years here. Only you really know the girl, but...a gift of this type needs to have high sentimental and lasting value. Is this what she'd really want? If so, okay.

But please don't make the mistake of not understanding her, or giving a gift that reflects more on your desires than on hers. Do you have a backup plan?

Are there things about which she's really sentimental? A particular piece of furniture from a great grand parent that might be restored, or a piece of jewelry that has great meaning to her or to your family? Just offering you an alternative perspective...

TejanoTrackie 

Give her a toaster. Women love toasters.

nwfrider

She definitely wants the bike, I originally came up with the idea on my own just day dreaming one day but a few days ago we stumbled into a bike shop and she started expressing how much she wanted a bike. I told her about my idea of building her one and she loved it, she told me what colors she wanted it to be and picked out some bikes that she liked so I could get an idea. I know this project will be a large financial and time commitment, and I wouldnt do something like this if I wasnt 100% sure that she wanted it. Thank you for all the advice not only on the bike but on life itself. If you have any more input or advice, fire away.

TenSpeedV2

Large financial commitment, and you are going to start this whole thing out on a $100 absolute pos Pure Fix frame? Buy once, cry once. Do it right the first time. I have learned this the hard way. Nail down the budget first off. Decide what it is that SHE wants, fixed, single, coaster brake, whatever. Then go from there. What size will she need? What type of riding will the intended purpose be with the bike?

nwfrider

That was another thing I was hoping yall could help me with. I have looked online at sizing charts but nothing seems to be too consistent. She is 5'7" and has an average inseam for a girl of her height. I know she doesnt want anything too intense, just something she can get on, ride around town, and enjoy being outside.

jlafitte 

Granite countertops.

Phil_gretz

My wife and oldest daughter are both 5' 8". Wife has longer legs, and daughter has longer torso (like Dad). They both fit (more or less) on a traditional 53-54 cm frame. My wife rides a 53cm Trek with a shorter, more upright stem, and my daughter rides a 52 cm Bianchi Volpe that has a somewhat long top tube. She has a longer stem.

Long way of saying...it depends. Your girl might do well on a 52-53 cm modern frame with some fiddling with the stem reach. You could take her measurements and use a fit calculator to get a sense of the top tube that you need to begin.

prooftheory

Who doesn't like toasters?

SquidPuppet

If she just wants to putt around, I'd build her a Mixte or a Oma.

Cyril 

Ok...it seem to me there must be something you liked about the Pure Fix
besides the price.
If that's the case, get a Wabi frame set, or a Soma Rush, or a Cinelli Gazzetta, or something else of that caliber.
The frame set alone will run you between $600 and $1000.
Then build it up with good components.
The bike will last for decades.

magomaev

i think you can not beat this price and bike Aventon Mataro complete bike | Retrogression $499 complete build. pick a color that she would like..free shipping...everything else is more expensive. This will also last

TenSpeedV2

Unless an aero track bike is the last thing that she wants. Doesn't matter how good of a deal it is, if she doesn't want that bike, she won't be happy with it.

3speedslow

With experience.

Kindaslow

Or, a new vacuum. That will get you laid!