I know this really has to be my decision, but I'm looking to see what everybody else would do in my shoes.

I'm moving to DC in a week for grad school, and had been planning on having my road bike (only bike I have) shipped there. All in all, it will cost me about $130-$140 to get it packed up, shipped, and re-assembled/tuned up. However, I don't like the idea of spending that much money and having nothing to show for it except for something I already own.

BUT!

For the last few months I've really wanted to get a fixed gear. So I've been thinking about not shipping my bike and purchasing a fixed gear once I get out there. Craigslist DC hasn't had much going on lately, so I'm considering getting a new Pista, mainly because it's a quality bike for a decent price.

OR, I could ship my bike, and wait for a decent fixie conversion or something to show up on craigslist and probably snag one and have my road bike and a fixie for about the same price as a Pista.

One final dilemma, if I buy a new bike out there, if I come back to San Diego for the summer, I'll probably have to have it shipped home anyways, or sell it for a loss before I leave.

I just don't know what to do, but after writing this thread, the best idea seems to ship my bike and buy a conversion or something out there.

Your thoughts? TIA

grammatical edit: advice.

....not sure what to tell you. But your thread does beg the question: What ever happened to DC Emily?

op, welcome to our nation's crapital. if you're looking for a fixed gear, there are several of us around who might be able to help you do it on the cheap, plus maybe learn a thing or two about building bikes in the process (not to assume you dont already know a thing or two). next summer's a ways away, but with a little planning you could probably store it/find it a good home for a couple months.

regardless of which you decide, i recommend introducing yourself in the thread entitled DC Pirates Pillages and Plunders. we're a pretty welcoming bunch.

she's still around. she's a racer and this is race season, so she's probably been too busy to post a lot. she did wish me well when i got hit by a taxi, which i appreciated, as we've only really met once.

Indeed we are Dirty, in fact I'll go so far as to say if you want to save money on re-assembly/tune up there's probably a pirate or 2 that'd do it cheap or free. And if ya do go the fixed route, keep looking before you jump on a pista. I don't want to bash them, in fact I think they are pretty nice bikes, but there are a bunch of other fixies in that price range.

Thanks for the replies.

I'd love to build one up with the Pirates. I could certainly learn a bit from you guys and will be needing to get out and meet people once I get there.

How's the Critical Mass seen and do the Pirats participate?

baldy, what other bikes would you recommend in that price range?

you should be able to scrounge a bike box from a local bike shop and pack the bike yourself. It's easy and you only need a few tools to do it.

kalani, there were quite a few pirates at CM last night, not all of us participate. i'd advise you bring/buy a pair of pedals and cleats and build something up when you get here.
Serendipper, DC Emily is still around i saw her last night, shes busy moving/working/racing/getting ready for law school, shes doing well.

Would any DC pirates (or other DCers) be willing to help me rebuild my bike? I have no tools except for a basic multi-tool and really no experience working on bikes. What's worse, I'll be living in the graduate dorms at GWU across from the Watergate, and really won't have the means to get a bike in a box very far. I bet we could manage some sort of space to work on it at the dorms, and I could provide the beer.

I'd like to ride with the pirates, and building up a fixie once I get there sounds like an awesome plan. On that note, any pirates willing to help me do so on the cheap? I'd love to learn about bike mechanics and do my own work, but I need help from people who know what they're doing. I'll be in DC beginning August 15th and have a few weeks before classes start, anybody willing to help me get the ball rolling?

Also, what would be the best way to go about packing my bike myself?

Yeah, I could probably help ya, pm me when you get here. As far as packing your bike I'd say go to your lbs and ask for a box, take off your handlebars, wheels and pedals. I would wrap the frame in bubble wrap or at least an old blanket or something, Put the frame and handlebars in the box,(handlebars the long way), put one wheel in front and one wheel in back on opposite sides. Tape. Also, I prefer FedEx but that's just me. Good luck.

pack it yourself shipping is about 40-50 bucks. and there are plenty of us here to rebuild it once you get here. You will very likely "need" another bike for city riding once you get here, there are many options.

DCEM is doing very well, a bunch of us were hanging out and grilling stuff the other night after CM

I get back the 17th and can help build in the mornings that weekend.

Buy a bike when you get there, then sell it with "NJS fixie hipster teh jam" in the title line for max profit$$$

take the bike on the plane, ship other stuff, say the bike is "business related materiels" so that they do not charge you the unnecessary fity bucks.