Need help with first fixed gear!
 

Hi!

After saving up for quite a while I've finally gathered about 950 euros to build my first fixed gear!
The thing is that I don't know much (just about anything would be more accurate) about parts, so I could use some help.

First of, the frame.
I really like the look of a pursuit frame (if that's what it's called?) like the aventon mataro low. Are these any decent or are there better alternatives around that price?

I've been looking around for the other parts and this is what I've come up with:

Fork: BLB AF01
Wheels: Pure Fix 60mm wheelset, black
Tubes: Bontrager 700x23C
Tires: WTB Thickslick 700x28B
Stem: BLB A-Head stem black, 80mm
Handlebars: Pure Fix riser bar
Seatpost: BLB CNC
Saddle: BLB Aero saddle Cro-Mo
Bottom Bracket: Tange 68/107
Cranks: Pure Fix Crankset black
Chain: DID Standard Silver track chain

I guess I just need brakes (madatory in Belgium and since I'm not experienced these might be usefull), pedals and straps.

I can get all these components for about 925 euros. (Bear in mind that parts around europe seem to be quite more expensive than the US.)
Are there any improvents you guys would make?

Cheers!

I wouldn't buy parts from Purefix.

He may have to pay VAT; but if Americans order from Wiggle or Ribble, they don't.


Potatofarmer, have you looked at used bicycles? Must be lots to choose from in Belgium. It could save you a bit of money.

Buying a fully built bicycle is cheaper than buying the parts and putting together yourself.

For my first bicycle, I would buy a used one, ride it often. You will learn what parts you want to upgrade, what parts are fine. You can then either upgrade that bicycle or sell it for another. But you will have experience and will know what you really want or need.

Regarding your parts list, it looks fine to me. I think you could pay less and get more if you shop for a used bicycle.

I've been looking around for a used bike for on just about every second hand website for Belgium and Holland. Fixed gears are relatively unknown around here though, so all I found were old crappy bikes with a ****ty neon painjob and rust holes.
That's why I decided to build my own.

Thanks for the advice though!

Is there a reasoning behind this?
What would you recommend instead?

The mataro low frames are okay, i have a state black label as well, and both seem fine to me. Nothing amazing, but nothing bad enough that I wouldn't say not to buy one.

Basically all the alum flashy track style frames are going to be about the same quality, just find one in whatever frame style and color you like within your budget and go for it.

You're also going to need a headset.

Aventon frames include a headset.

They just don't make very good products. Or rather, they don't actually make anything, they just sell cheap generic parts in flashy colors. I don't know enough about your budget or access to retailers in Europe to give alternatives, but I just feel like you could do better for your money.

How does the mataro low compare to a BLB lo pro frameset?
Cause I read alot of anti-aluminium frame propaganda skimming through this forum! :D
For the difference in price I could probably upgrade the pure fix parts.

i would not cheap out on the wheels. The quick glance i made at your list, everything else seems decent quality. I would not buy wheels that are less than $150. But i feel a wheel set is one of the best investments that can be made on a fixed gear. Plus if you make the investment you can transfer the wheels to other frames/bikes.

I don't know if I'm allowed to post links to shops, but here goes nothing.
H+Son SL42 wielset | Urbanridez.com Fixedgear parts, frames and wheels
How do these look? I've heard/read good things about h+ son.

Why not order a Dolan Pre Cursa from UK.
Dolan Bikes - Track Bikes

You can build a good bike for 900 Euro

They're actually good track bikes too...one of the most popular UK starter track bikes that are actually raced on the velodromes.

I just tried building the TC1 version. Dolan Bikes - Dolan TC1 Aluminium Track Bike
-Alpina carbon fiber fork
-Sugino RD2 cranks
-Deda handlebar/stem
-Selle Italia seat
-Miche Pistard track wheels

For around 875 Euro

Similar...

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/2015-dolan-tc1-22883_1.jpg[

Hoy

Track - HOY Bikes | Developed by Sir Chris Hoy

635euro

http://www.lockedcog.com/uploads/201...8812.55.52.png

Ok change of plans.
Apparently getting hold of a mataro low in any of the 2015 colours is a nightmare. And I can't stand the sight of the new colours. So I guess we'll have to look for another solution.
I'm not a huge fan of the dolan and HOY frames either..

Are Colossi frames any good? They seem to be farely cheap and custom built if I'm not mistaken.
Colossi ??*Frames - Standertshop

Wow. Nice. Although that price is GBP not Euro.