A discussion of budget fixed-specific frames/complete bikes
05-13-07, 08:02 PM
#251
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Originally Posted by ericdw
KHS Flite 100 vs. IRO Angus
i thought i'd post my question here instead of making another "versus" thread and hopefully i'll get some help. i've been looking into buying a complete bike and have it narrowed down to the KHS Flite 100 or the IRO Angus... Used just for city commuting, probably never make it onto a track
Here's my noobie understanding of the comparison:
-Angus has more of a road geometry which will make riding more comfortable
-Angus is lighter than the Flite b/c it's made of reynolds 631 and the Flite is made of 520
-Flite comes with better quality components (or so says my LBS)
-Flite's wheels aren't good quality
It seems like the IRO is a better choice for my purposes, but I like the look of the KHS more, and it's the only one i'm able to test drive. I'm also just as concerned with quality and price as I am with geometry. So my main question is whether the IRO's geometry and weight should prevent me from getting it. Is the "road geomtery" that much more comforatble? Thanks!
i thought i'd post my question here instead of making another "versus" thread and hopefully i'll get some help. i've been looking into buying a complete bike and have it narrowed down to the KHS Flite 100 or the IRO Angus... Used just for city commuting, probably never make it onto a track
Here's my noobie understanding of the comparison:
-Angus has more of a road geometry which will make riding more comfortable
-Angus is lighter than the Flite b/c it's made of reynolds 631 and the Flite is made of 520
-Flite comes with better quality components (or so says my LBS)
-Flite's wheels aren't good quality
It seems like the IRO is a better choice for my purposes, but I like the look of the KHS more, and it's the only one i'm able to test drive. I'm also just as concerned with quality and price as I am with geometry. So my main question is whether the IRO's geometry and weight should prevent me from getting it. Is the "road geomtery" that much more comforatble? Thanks!
05-13-07, 08:07 PM
#252
Full Member
Originally Posted by delete_radio
anyone here have an opinion on the new schwinn madison's?
https://bicyclesource.us/itemdetails.cfm?ID=13974
they look really nice and as a complete bike goes, it looks really nice (comparable to the track or pista).
https://bicyclesource.us/itemdetails.cfm?ID=13974
they look really nice and as a complete bike goes, it looks really nice (comparable to the track or pista).
05-29-07, 09:39 PM
#258
o harro buttercup
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So I currently have a RL925 and although I love it and it's unique, I sorta want something more aggressive in the handling. I'm thinking either a Pake or an IRO Mark V.
I bought a 56cm RL and I think it's too big. I didn't get to try the fit out and just went off S.O. height as my main judge on size. I shorted the 110mm stem to something like 75mm so I'm thinking a 53cm IRO would fit me a bit better. I'm 5'9" but I've got a 30" inseam.
thoughts???
I bought a 56cm RL and I think it's too big. I didn't get to try the fit out and just went off S.O. height as my main judge on size. I shorted the 110mm stem to something like 75mm so I'm thinking a 53cm IRO would fit me a bit better. I'm 5'9" but I've got a 30" inseam.
thoughts???
05-29-07, 10:06 PM
#259
some new kind of kick
Originally Posted by vinnydelnegro
Hey, I just noticed that Soma is putting out a lugged single speed/fixed gear frame. Anyone had a chance to check it out?
https://somafab.com/delancey.html
https://somafab.com/delancey.html
05-29-07, 10:08 PM
#260
partly metal, partly real
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Originally Posted by bonechilling
Your link is broken. There's no real reason why a track
bike couldn't be ridden on the street, except that there
are not typically brake holes on a track frame.
bike couldn't be ridden on the street, except that there
are not typically brake holes on a track frame.
Running a straight (or low rake, for that matter) fork with anything steeper than like 73° steertube is kinda playing russian roulette anytime you ride in traffic...
It's do-able, and lots of people work their way around it, but getting your toeclip wedged against your front wheel trying to edge between cars is a pain.
Lots of riders say they like twitchy geometry, but when going <10 surrounded by fatso hummers and taxicabs, twitchy can eat a d*ck. There's nothing worse than getting your toe stuck right before trackstanding between some prick in a Lexus SUV and a convertable full of college girls from New Jersey...
(imo)
Last edited by sp00ki; 05-30-07 at 08:16 AM.
05-30-07, 04:27 PM
#261
crotchety young dude
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Does anyone know anything about IRO not selling frames anymore? Friend of mine pointed out that they're not on the site, only completes.
06-01-07, 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by el twe
Does anyone know anything about IRO not selling frames anymore? Friend of mine pointed out that they're not on the site, only completes.
06-02-07, 06:00 PM
#263
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Originally Posted by ratheride1
I heard he's not updating the site so often. Saw an Angus frame getting built up in lbs today, so perhaps yes. I've called the numbers on the website and emailed this past week. No answer nor reply. On vacation?
I went to buy the one I saw on eBay today and it was gone.
06-04-07, 10:43 AM
#264
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I was interested in checking out the fixed gear experience but didn't want to order something off the internet. One of the LBS in town had a Pista somebody ordered but never picked up so I test rode that. It was okay but the track bars were not to my liking and the gearing would've been too high for my terrain. LBS suggested the Bianchi San Jose. They also carry the Redline bikes but recommend the San Jose over the 925. I test rode the Bianchi and really liked it so my wife got it for me for Christmas. (yes, she is awesome)
Mine came with the Alex Solo wheelset and the fixed/free hub. I've only used the fixed side. It has been a lot of fun to ride and I think it has done some good for my road bike riding, too.
Things I like:
The steel frame is light, the geometry is good for long comfortable rides, and the washed blue paint is nice. The road drop bars are comfortable and I have lots of hand positions. The 42 x 17 gearing is fast enough yet I can get up all but the steepest hills around here. I really like the way the drivetrain is so direct; I can poke along at a very slow speed so as to stay with my wife while she's chugging up a hill or even ride alongside somebody that's walking. The Cane Creek brakes work well though some people have said when it's time to get new pads to go with the Kool Stop Salmons. No complaints with the wheels or the hubs but I've only put 300 or so miles on the bike.
Things I'll change:
The cyclocross tires are a bit noisy compared to my road tires so they'll get changed to narrower road tires but probably not before they need replacing.
The saddle is okay but on longer rides(over 10 miles) I'm wishing I had my road bike saddle which is firmer.
The wheel decals looked cheesy but they came off very easily as did the reflectors. Since I took this picture I've added a rear rack and fenders; there's plenty of clearance with the 77 x 32c tires. This has made toe overlap a bit worse but I've figured out how to handle that.
When I ride, it's usually for 20 miles or more; I've done one ride that was over 40 miles. No way would I want to do that on a track bike but on the San Jose I was comfortable for the most part. Although I haven't flipped the hub to the free side yet, I like having the option should I get too far away from home and need a breather getting back.
I still can't trackstand or skid worth a flip but that's okay. I'm no hipster or hipster-wanna be, just somebody that likes to ride bikes.
Mine came with the Alex Solo wheelset and the fixed/free hub. I've only used the fixed side. It has been a lot of fun to ride and I think it has done some good for my road bike riding, too.
Things I like:
The steel frame is light, the geometry is good for long comfortable rides, and the washed blue paint is nice. The road drop bars are comfortable and I have lots of hand positions. The 42 x 17 gearing is fast enough yet I can get up all but the steepest hills around here. I really like the way the drivetrain is so direct; I can poke along at a very slow speed so as to stay with my wife while she's chugging up a hill or even ride alongside somebody that's walking. The Cane Creek brakes work well though some people have said when it's time to get new pads to go with the Kool Stop Salmons. No complaints with the wheels or the hubs but I've only put 300 or so miles on the bike.
Things I'll change:
The cyclocross tires are a bit noisy compared to my road tires so they'll get changed to narrower road tires but probably not before they need replacing.
The saddle is okay but on longer rides(over 10 miles) I'm wishing I had my road bike saddle which is firmer.
The wheel decals looked cheesy but they came off very easily as did the reflectors. Since I took this picture I've added a rear rack and fenders; there's plenty of clearance with the 77 x 32c tires. This has made toe overlap a bit worse but I've figured out how to handle that.
When I ride, it's usually for 20 miles or more; I've done one ride that was over 40 miles. No way would I want to do that on a track bike but on the San Jose I was comfortable for the most part. Although I haven't flipped the hub to the free side yet, I like having the option should I get too far away from home and need a breather getting back.
I still can't trackstand or skid worth a flip but that's okay. I'm no hipster or hipster-wanna be, just somebody that likes to ride bikes.
06-08-07, 10:58 AM
#265
Senior Member
Just found this site and thread...
A couple years ago, I bought a Windsor "The Hour" off ebay from bikesdirect. I liked the bike a lot and thought it rode very much like an older Trek 510 that I'd built up as a fixed conversion. The steering was a lot more responsive. Nice bike, held up for the couple months I had it before I sold it due to finances. I converted it to freewheel, added a flat bar and brakes. Nice, light, comfy bike.
About a year ago, I bought a previously owned IRO Mark V. I liked it a lot, but was surprised by the heft of it. Heavier than the Windsor, it felt more planted, but somehow "duller," with less of the springiness of the Windsor. It was, however, much stiffer.
Both were done up with absolute budget parts. I'd recommend the IRO for heavier riders or them what beat on their bikes. The Windsor was fine as an intro to single/fixed riding, and a fun bike to dart around on. Both were used on a regular basis, commuting 7 mi one way. If finances allowed, I'd still have one or the other...
A couple years ago, I bought a Windsor "The Hour" off ebay from bikesdirect. I liked the bike a lot and thought it rode very much like an older Trek 510 that I'd built up as a fixed conversion. The steering was a lot more responsive. Nice bike, held up for the couple months I had it before I sold it due to finances. I converted it to freewheel, added a flat bar and brakes. Nice, light, comfy bike.
About a year ago, I bought a previously owned IRO Mark V. I liked it a lot, but was surprised by the heft of it. Heavier than the Windsor, it felt more planted, but somehow "duller," with less of the springiness of the Windsor. It was, however, much stiffer.
Both were done up with absolute budget parts. I'd recommend the IRO for heavier riders or them what beat on their bikes. The Windsor was fine as an intro to single/fixed riding, and a fun bike to dart around on. Both were used on a regular basis, commuting 7 mi one way. If finances allowed, I'd still have one or the other...
06-14-07, 09:29 AM
#266
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I'm also trying to find the ULTIMATE single speed and at first I thought this thread would be the answer to my prayers, but after reading the whole thing I am more confused than ever!
I am planning to build up a bike from scratch. I am not going to by a complete then fix it up as I don't have interest in offloading the old parts. Plus, I like to build and customize things. I built my car from scratch. I build my rooms from scratch. You get the idea.
As far as I can tell, people generally think the Bare Knuckle by EAI is the best thing around that isn't high end, but at $589 it's still on the steep side for me.
I was going to grab an IRO Mark V from around the corner for $250, but I hear they are heavy and I have a 5 flight stair hike on both ends of my commute.
The IRO Angus sounds good, too, but I am afraid of not having a rear break. This is my first bike since I was a teenager and bones don't heal like they once did. Plus the fork looks straight and I don't want to lock up on my toes.
The Raleigh Rush Hour sounds good, and I like the fact that the decals are on the varnish rather than under it, but I hate that gray paint!
NYC Bikes I have heard bad things about so I won't patronize them.
Fuji, Mercier, Bianchi, and Windsor I am less than interested in, either because everyone in Brooklyn has one, i find them aesthetically unappealing, or some other personality quirk of mine.
In other words, HELP!
Thanks in advance.
I am planning to build up a bike from scratch. I am not going to by a complete then fix it up as I don't have interest in offloading the old parts. Plus, I like to build and customize things. I built my car from scratch. I build my rooms from scratch. You get the idea.
As far as I can tell, people generally think the Bare Knuckle by EAI is the best thing around that isn't high end, but at $589 it's still on the steep side for me.
I was going to grab an IRO Mark V from around the corner for $250, but I hear they are heavy and I have a 5 flight stair hike on both ends of my commute.
The IRO Angus sounds good, too, but I am afraid of not having a rear break. This is my first bike since I was a teenager and bones don't heal like they once did. Plus the fork looks straight and I don't want to lock up on my toes.
The Raleigh Rush Hour sounds good, and I like the fact that the decals are on the varnish rather than under it, but I hate that gray paint!
NYC Bikes I have heard bad things about so I won't patronize them.
Fuji, Mercier, Bianchi, and Windsor I am less than interested in, either because everyone in Brooklyn has one, i find them aesthetically unappealing, or some other personality quirk of mine.
In other words, HELP!
Thanks in advance.
06-14-07, 09:41 AM
#267
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I know two guys who ride Alpha Mercury's ($250-300)
Light but routed for rear brake, and one of the guys is trying to break his, and the other won't ride his.
You get what you pay for.
Light but routed for rear brake, and one of the guys is trying to break his, and the other won't ride his.
You get what you pay for.
06-29-07, 12:11 AM
#268
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I don't understand, people have listed builds of leader frames (3.96 lb frame) being built to around 15-16 pounds. while the angus (3.9 lb frame) is listed as 18.25 pounds. What components are really adding to the weight? I would love to buy an angus and get it in the 15-16 pound range.
06-29-07, 02:06 PM
#269
crotchety young dude
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You can do it, you just need to spend money on lighter components. Carbon fork will save about a pound, but you have to find a 1".
07-15-07, 02:11 AM
#271
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Originally Posted by GadFly23
Does anybody know when the IRO Angus will be available in a 53 or 56 again?
07-15-07, 03:20 AM
#272
bomb hills not countries
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Originally Posted by etham
I'm also trying to find the ULTIMATE single speed and at first I thought this thread would be the answer to my prayers, but after reading the whole thing I am more confused than ever!
I am planning to build up a bike from scratch. I am not going to by a complete then fix it up as I don't have interest in offloading the old parts. Plus, I like to build and customize things. I built my car from scratch. I build my rooms from scratch. You get the idea.
As far as I can tell, people generally think the Bare Knuckle by EAI is the best thing around that isn't high end, but at $589 it's still on the steep side for me.
I was going to grab an IRO Mark V from around the corner for $250, but I hear they are heavy and I have a 5 flight stair hike on both ends of my commute.
The IRO Angus sounds good, too, but I am afraid of not having a rear break. This is my first bike since I was a teenager and bones don't heal like they once did. Plus the fork looks straight and I don't want to lock up on my toes.
The Raleigh Rush Hour sounds good, and I like the fact that the decals are on the varnish rather than under it, but I hate that gray paint!
NYC Bikes I have heard bad things about so I won't patronize them.
Fuji, Mercier, Bianchi, and Windsor I am less than interested in, either because everyone in Brooklyn has one, i find them aesthetically unappealing, or some other personality quirk of mine.
In other words, HELP!
Thanks in advance.
I am planning to build up a bike from scratch. I am not going to by a complete then fix it up as I don't have interest in offloading the old parts. Plus, I like to build and customize things. I built my car from scratch. I build my rooms from scratch. You get the idea.
As far as I can tell, people generally think the Bare Knuckle by EAI is the best thing around that isn't high end, but at $589 it's still on the steep side for me.
I was going to grab an IRO Mark V from around the corner for $250, but I hear they are heavy and I have a 5 flight stair hike on both ends of my commute.
The IRO Angus sounds good, too, but I am afraid of not having a rear break. This is my first bike since I was a teenager and bones don't heal like they once did. Plus the fork looks straight and I don't want to lock up on my toes.
The Raleigh Rush Hour sounds good, and I like the fact that the decals are on the varnish rather than under it, but I hate that gray paint!
NYC Bikes I have heard bad things about so I won't patronize them.
Fuji, Mercier, Bianchi, and Windsor I am less than interested in, either because everyone in Brooklyn has one, i find them aesthetically unappealing, or some other personality quirk of mine.
In other words, HELP!
Thanks in advance.
07-15-07, 05:02 AM
#273
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Originally Posted by Fig335
It doesnt look like the KHS has any substantially better components. Looking at the picture of the KHS on their website, it seems to have a really agressive position, which would be pretty uncomfortable for commuting. I think if you got a different stem you could get a more relaxed postion.
I have one check the mercier kilo tt pics thread
07-24-07, 12:17 AM
#274
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Don't blow off road frames for a budget fixed. For road use, which I expect is what we're talking about here, they can be just as good if not better than track specific frames/bikes. Track frames are pricey cos everybody wants one, they have toe overlap and are twitchy if you're not used to them. You can pick up a quality road bike for cheap (we're talking one with horizontal dropouts), strip the gearing off, swap out the wheelset and you have a cheap fixed. You can always upgrade some of the parts later. But they make a good place to start. 
07-24-07, 07:07 AM
#275
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I'm picking my Kona Paddywagon probably this wednesday. This bike will be a replacment for my stolen Norco Monteray conversion that I built, so I guess I'm moving up in the fixed gear world. I'm pretty excited. Its my first foray into clipless pedals. I'm also getting a Kona Stuff to replace my '01 Roast that was stolen at the same time. X-mas in July for me this year.