So im looking to buy my first fixed bike. It will mostly be used as a commute bike. My budget is $550. Keep in mind that I live in Canada meaning that there will be shipping and customs tax charges which may increase the total expenses by an additional ~$150, so buying a bike from a Canadian store would be ideal. Thanks for the help

#kiloTT

I'd look on craigslist or whatever the canadian equivalent is.

Origin8

They have CL in Canada.....


look for for a vintage track frame. Or a newer one. But 2nd hand as previously mentioned.

Also kilo tt is good for the money if buying new. Go for the pro, better wheelset.

I have this bike and it's a nice ride at a low price. In the link there are 96 reviews
https://www.amazon.ca/Critical-Cycle...rds=fixie+bike

I ordered the largest one and all I have done is change the pedals.

First to advise against that Critical Cycle. Check Craigslist, or #kiloTT if possible.

Langster!

I will second that! If your bike comes from Amazon I would steer clear. Go to a shop and get fitted and test ride some bikes. There is probably a shop that sells at least a few fixed gears if not specializes in it or has employees who are into it who can help guide you.

Op, where do you live? There are some deals to be had on craigslist or kijiji.

I picked up my 6ku Track from CityGrounds. It was cheap and does it's job quite well. Going to change some things so it fits me a little better. It's on sale right now for $250. Not a bad deal for a decent starting point.
6KU Track Fixed Gear Bike | City Grounds

#kilott

I also recommend a used Steamroller if tire clearance will be a future consideration.

Have you ridden a Critical Cycle fixie. It is just what a fixie is supposed to be. Inexpensive and simple. A wonderful bike.

Have not and would not. Been spoiled by my current bike. Already had a BigShot which is on the same level of that Critical. No thanks.

Two comments on the Critical, one not a big deal, the other is although easily corrected.

1) It's a track style frame with rear track ends, not drop outs. Horizontal dropouts open to the front are far more user friendly although you cannot put chain tensioners on.

2) It comes with only a rear brake. Rear brakes are more hassle and have 1/3 the stopping power of any decent front brakes. All the parts are there to convert it to a front brake except a longer bolt or nut to go through the fork crown. Riding a rear brake only bike in the city is like driving Germany's autobahns fast with cable operated drum brakes from the '40s.

I know nothing more about this bike. Maybe the Amazon ad is a lie. (Hopefully)

Ben

I have had the unfortunate "pleasure" of working on them in the shop they are just garbage bikes. A fixed gear (not fixie) can be inexpensive and simple without being total crap. Critical is the Jeff Bezos answer to Kent or Huffy.

You can put tensioner on horizontal dropouts opened to the front, either one specifically made for them like Drivetrain | Parts and Accessories | Surly Bikes or even regular surly tensioner can be persuaded to work on them