A discussion of budget fixed-specific frames/complete bikes
05-17-08 | 10:11 AM
#301
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 92
From: SW Ohio
Bikes: Classic lugged-steel road, touring, gravel
I have a Penna which is probably about the same except geared. Very comfortable for aluminum, not at all the jarring, teeth-chattering ride I expected. Handling is great, compared to what I'm used to. Frame is integrated headtube and they don't offer a steel fork so I don't know if you want that or not.
05-24-08 | 09:12 PM
#302
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Looking to get a complete bike, but I need some help. It's mostly between the Pista and Angus
I'd probably choose the Pista, but I really dislike the way it looks. That and I see too many people riding them. How responsive is the Iro compared to it? I've gotten the impression that the Iro is much heavier and slower feeling.
That said, i'm also not looking for a bike thats too track-ish. Just something to get into fixed-gear riding that is quick and fun to ride. After that I plan on building a purely track bike from scratch.
I'd probably choose the Pista, but I really dislike the way it looks. That and I see too many people riding them. How responsive is the Iro compared to it? I've gotten the impression that the Iro is much heavier and slower feeling.
That said, i'm also not looking for a bike thats too track-ish. Just something to get into fixed-gear riding that is quick and fun to ride. After that I plan on building a purely track bike from scratch.
10-07-08 | 11:00 PM
#303
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
looking for some opinions on frames. anyone have experience with FBM, Spartan(lugged steel frame on ebay), or masi(not sure if it comes as a frameset or just complete bike). i'm also thinking seriously about surly, possibly the complete bike as i hear they will be in different colors soon.
10-08-08 | 01:30 PM
#304
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Do the BD bikes come with decent instructions on what to check when you get your bike?
I'm mechanically inclined, but have never wrenched on bikes, really.
I know everyone's saying to tighten the BB, lockring, etc... But I don't even know if I need any special tools to check some of this stuff, without having the bike right in front of me.
It would be awesome if someone uploaded a youtube video of everything to check when assembling a BD bike haha...
I'm pretty deadset on getting a Windsor Hour, as well as ordering it with a front brake and an 18t cog. I think I'd need some sort of chainwhip tool to change the cog?
Sorry, I'm clueless.
I'm mechanically inclined, but have never wrenched on bikes, really.
I know everyone's saying to tighten the BB, lockring, etc... But I don't even know if I need any special tools to check some of this stuff, without having the bike right in front of me.
It would be awesome if someone uploaded a youtube video of everything to check when assembling a BD bike haha...
I'm pretty deadset on getting a Windsor Hour, as well as ordering it with a front brake and an 18t cog. I think I'd need some sort of chainwhip tool to change the cog?
Sorry, I'm clueless.
10-08-08 | 01:49 PM
#305
Live without dead time
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
looking for some opinions on frames. anyone have experience with FBM, Spartan(lugged steel frame on ebay), or masi(not sure if it comes as a frameset or just complete bike). i'm also thinking seriously about surly, possibly the complete bike as i hear they will be in different colors soon.
Comes with pretty much the same components as any of the other entry level fixed frames, gearing is something atrocious like 48x15 which you'll have to change (I went to 48x18 immediately upon buying the bike), the seat is really good for a stock bike, paint and finish are also good and the welds are very clean.
Rides nice and I personally enjoy the "somewhere between road and track" geometry.
10-08-08 | 02:24 PM
#306
Don't Hate.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Do the BD bikes come with decent instructions on what to check when you get your bike?
I'm mechanically inclined, but have never wrenched on bikes, really.
I know everyone's saying to tighten the BB, lockring, etc... But I don't even know if I need any special tools to check some of this stuff, without having the bike right in front of me.
It would be awesome if someone uploaded a youtube video of everything to check when assembling a BD bike haha...
I'm pretty deadset on getting a Windsor Hour, as well as ordering it with a front brake and an 18t cog. I think I'd need some sort of chainwhip tool to change the cog?
Sorry, I'm clueless.
I'm mechanically inclined, but have never wrenched on bikes, really.
I know everyone's saying to tighten the BB, lockring, etc... But I don't even know if I need any special tools to check some of this stuff, without having the bike right in front of me.
It would be awesome if someone uploaded a youtube video of everything to check when assembling a BD bike haha...
I'm pretty deadset on getting a Windsor Hour, as well as ordering it with a front brake and an 18t cog. I think I'd need some sort of chainwhip tool to change the cog?
Sorry, I'm clueless.
i got one bikes direct bike in january. it was easy to assemble right out of the box. you just need to have basic knowledge on how to put your rear wheel on and keep the chain tight. the headset was fine. but if it wasn't and i didnt feel confident, i would just take it down to my local bike shop and ask them to tighten it (for like a $5 tip). there are videos on how to do anything on youtube, btw.
02-09-09 | 04:16 AM
#307
click. click click.
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
Bikes: Leader 725TR https://velospace.org/node/23532
I'll contribute something a little more meaningful than the snark i posted before:
IRO MarkV/Angus
This will undoubtedly be the most-recommended entry-level bike on here.
for $550ish you get:
- a solid DB steel frame with "track inspired" geometry (slightly steeper than "road"). for $100 more the Angus has a higher quality tubeset and no braze ons or holes.
- a good set of wheels BONUS: you can get fixed/fixed flipflop hubs for track/street gearing, or in case you ever do strip your threads.
- a decent drivetrain - no better or worse than any other stock entry level fix
- EXCELLENT customer service from Tony
- negatives? the MarkV has brake cable stops
Bianchi Pista
This will probably the second most recommended bike here
you get
- true "track" geometry
- a decent set of wheels, personally i think the IRO wheels have better rims.
- ho-hum drivetrain.
- fork drilled for a brake. rear is *not* drilled, making for a somewhat poor choice for a SS.
unfortunately everyone and their dog has a pista, and personally i think the chrome is fugly, not to mention the nasty unicrown fork that everyone swaps out.
Fuji Track/Windsor the Hour
These are the same bike. the Windsor is just the BikesDirect equivalent sold for $200 less. You decide if you're OK with that.
- Once again, you get a decent entry level frame with "track"-ish geometry
- however, the stock wheels are a step below the IRO/Pista level.
- same generic crank setup as every entry level fix.
- the hubs were recalled due to loose lockrings that stripped easily. Check this before you ride
- it has water bottle bosses
- the stock stem flops like a wet noodle
KHS Flite/Mercier KiloTT/Spicer generic Frame
I own a KHS Frame.
The KHS was a great value when it came with Sugino 75's. I think they stopped this ater the 2004 model year. if you can find an old one from back then, you can get a good deal.
- solid frame (reynolds cro-mo) with a couple interesting features - fender mounts and rack mounts. makes for a potential commuter frame. Drilled for brakes front and rear.
- crowned, round-blade fork. I'm not too crazy about the ride of this fork. I find it flexy, yet overly stiff, all at the same time.
- rounded out with a set of crappy components.
- the worst of the wheels i've listed so far. Quando/Sovos hubs on generic alloy rims.
- DA cog on an otherwise mediocre drivetrain
- same wet noodle stem as on the Fuji
- since you can get the complete bike on ebay for $350, shipped, it is an excellent base for upgrades. Replace the wheels *when* you destroy them with a set of IROs and you're still under the price of a stock Pista/Langster/IRO. (or sell the stock wheels and come out ahead)
My experience with the following bikes is limited to fondling them at the LBS
Redline 925
a very interesting commuter-style fix.
- steel frame with fender mounts and STOCK FENDERS!
Raleigh Rush Hour
i think this is getting discontinued and getting replaced with the One Way, which is similar to the 925.
- the decals are over the clearcoat, making them super-easy to remove
- drilled for brakes front and rear, but the brake cable stops are removable.
Surly Steamroller
solid Cro-Mo frame + crowned fork.
- clearance for super-wide tires (35mm i think) which is why i'm looking for one to replace my KHS
Specialized Langster
it's aluminum.
people here hate aluminum
and "compact" geometry
frankly i don't care
but either way IMHO it's overpriced for the component spec.
IRO MarkV/Angus
This will undoubtedly be the most-recommended entry-level bike on here.
for $550ish you get:
- a solid DB steel frame with "track inspired" geometry (slightly steeper than "road"). for $100 more the Angus has a higher quality tubeset and no braze ons or holes.
- a good set of wheels BONUS: you can get fixed/fixed flipflop hubs for track/street gearing, or in case you ever do strip your threads.
- a decent drivetrain - no better or worse than any other stock entry level fix
- EXCELLENT customer service from Tony
- negatives? the MarkV has brake cable stops
Bianchi Pista
This will probably the second most recommended bike here
you get
- true "track" geometry
- a decent set of wheels, personally i think the IRO wheels have better rims.
- ho-hum drivetrain.
- fork drilled for a brake. rear is *not* drilled, making for a somewhat poor choice for a SS.
unfortunately everyone and their dog has a pista, and personally i think the chrome is fugly, not to mention the nasty unicrown fork that everyone swaps out.
Fuji Track/Windsor the Hour
These are the same bike. the Windsor is just the BikesDirect equivalent sold for $200 less. You decide if you're OK with that.
- Once again, you get a decent entry level frame with "track"-ish geometry
- however, the stock wheels are a step below the IRO/Pista level.
- same generic crank setup as every entry level fix.
- the hubs were recalled due to loose lockrings that stripped easily. Check this before you ride
- it has water bottle bosses
- the stock stem flops like a wet noodle
KHS Flite/Mercier KiloTT/Spicer generic Frame
I own a KHS Frame.
The KHS was a great value when it came with Sugino 75's. I think they stopped this ater the 2004 model year. if you can find an old one from back then, you can get a good deal.
- solid frame (reynolds cro-mo) with a couple interesting features - fender mounts and rack mounts. makes for a potential commuter frame. Drilled for brakes front and rear.
- crowned, round-blade fork. I'm not too crazy about the ride of this fork. I find it flexy, yet overly stiff, all at the same time.
- rounded out with a set of crappy components.
- the worst of the wheels i've listed so far. Quando/Sovos hubs on generic alloy rims.
- DA cog on an otherwise mediocre drivetrain
- same wet noodle stem as on the Fuji
- since you can get the complete bike on ebay for $350, shipped, it is an excellent base for upgrades. Replace the wheels *when* you destroy them with a set of IROs and you're still under the price of a stock Pista/Langster/IRO. (or sell the stock wheels and come out ahead)
My experience with the following bikes is limited to fondling them at the LBS
Redline 925
a very interesting commuter-style fix.
- steel frame with fender mounts and STOCK FENDERS!
Raleigh Rush Hour
i think this is getting discontinued and getting replaced with the One Way, which is similar to the 925.
- the decals are over the clearcoat, making them super-easy to remove
- drilled for brakes front and rear, but the brake cable stops are removable.
Surly Steamroller
solid Cro-Mo frame + crowned fork.
- clearance for super-wide tires (35mm i think) which is why i'm looking for one to replace my KHS
Specialized Langster
it's aluminum.
people here hate aluminum
and "compact" geometry
frankly i don't care
but either way IMHO it's overpriced for the component spec.
03-29-09 | 11:53 PM
#308
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
04-12-09 | 04:41 PM
#310
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
so i am planning to build my own first fixed gear bike but i don't exactly know where to start, i had done some research, what size i need and also the brands that is recommended. What frame should i start with that is not that expensive and has good quality for a noobie like me? Thanks
04-18-09 | 11:47 PM
#311
junior member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
very well could have been mentioned but what do people think about the
2009 Tommaso Augusta https://www.rscycle.com/2009-Tommaso-...category=18697 Either you buy a mint one for 480+ or you settle for one with "blemishes" for 400. from what i hear its a good deal. i mean for people on a budget, for the price it sure seems like a deal.
2009 Tommaso Augusta https://www.rscycle.com/2009-Tommaso-...category=18697 Either you buy a mint one for 480+ or you settle for one with "blemishes" for 400. from what i hear its a good deal. i mean for people on a budget, for the price it sure seems like a deal.
05-11-09 | 02:01 AM
#313
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
how often does BD restock on their Mercier Kilo TT with sizes and colors? Looking to purchase a purple or green bike, also does anyone else sell this bike?
very well could have been mentioned but what do people think about the
2009 Tommaso Augusta https://www.rscycle.com/2009-Tommaso-...category=18697 Either you buy a mint one for 480+ or you settle for one with "blemishes" for 400. from what i hear its a good deal. i mean for people on a budget, for the price it sure seems like a deal.
2009 Tommaso Augusta https://www.rscycle.com/2009-Tommaso-...category=18697 Either you buy a mint one for 480+ or you settle for one with "blemishes" for 400. from what i hear its a good deal. i mean for people on a budget, for the price it sure seems like a deal.
05-15-09 | 10:29 PM
#314
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Hi all. I'm a complete beginner when it comes to fixed gear bicycles. I'm going to college next year and I want to buy a new bike. I think I want to go fixed gear because I want something lightweight and simple. What would be a good option for a complete bike? I'd buy used or new depending on availability. I live in Lexington, KY currently and am going to Chicago if that means anything. Something that pops up fairly frequently on craigslist would be cool. Thanks.
edit: how does this look? https://lexington.craigslist.org/bik/1161652357.html
edit: how does this look? https://lexington.craigslist.org/bik/1161652357.html
06-22-09 | 09:01 PM
#315
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Does anyone have any recommendations on bike that can take a beating? Like can the Kilo TT be ridden on streets and have no problem with curbs, potholes, and stuff like that once the wheels are swapped out or should I look for something else? Looking for bike to take downtown Chicago and just be able to go everywhere and not have to worry.
08-30-09 | 05:23 PM
#317
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
OK, I've spent the last 3 days reading as much as I can in these forums, checking out some of the LBS, and generally trying to get my head around what I want in a single speed. To narrow it down a little, I've decided I want to spend less than $400 (ruling out the IRO), and I need brakes. I'd prefer bullhorn/upright bars, and I'd prefer the ability to flip flop the rear wheel as I get more comfortable riding single. Based on these needs and wants, I've narrowed it down to the following options, but I still have some questions:
Redline 925 (there's one on ebay right now for $350ish).
Windsor Clockwork (BikesDirect).
Dawes SST (BikesDirect).
Motobecane Messenger (BikesDirect).
Seems like the last 3 are roughly the same quality. In fact, it seems like the Clockwork and the SST are the same bike, except the SSThas bullhorns. Is that true?
From reading the posts, it seems like the Windsor the Hour is highly recommended, but there aren't a lot of comments on the Clockwork - what are the major differences/pros/cons?
Thanks in advance.
Redline 925 (there's one on ebay right now for $350ish).
Windsor Clockwork (BikesDirect).
Dawes SST (BikesDirect).
Motobecane Messenger (BikesDirect).
Seems like the last 3 are roughly the same quality. In fact, it seems like the Clockwork and the SST are the same bike, except the SSThas bullhorns. Is that true?
From reading the posts, it seems like the Windsor the Hour is highly recommended, but there aren't a lot of comments on the Clockwork - what are the major differences/pros/cons?
Thanks in advance.
08-30-09 | 10:03 PM
#319
The Left Coast, USA
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,757
Likes: 25
Bikes: Bulls, Bianchi, Koga, Trek, Miyata
I got one of those cr-mo box bikes from that Crosslake? seller on eBay, flip flop. I have a dozen nice bikes, and an expensive pista; cost wasn't the issue. At under $300 it seemed a steal and a decent platform to play with; upgrading with parts I chose is the issue. It's been a year or two, I've doen upgrades along the way, ...but it's been a nice bike all around, still looks brand new. Did 40 miles on it today, bombproof.. A little heavy as new ss' go, but I like the bigger tubing. Frankly, for any distance ride I'd take this bike over many listed above - you'll be buying a name put on a bike made in Tiawan anyway, with fairly cheap parts.
09-28-09 | 04:41 PM
#321
Pedantic Antics
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA, USA
Bikes: 1 30-speed Ultegra Road, 1 43/16 Fixed, 1 47/15 Fixed, 1 Converted Beach Cruiser to Pennyfakething
The Kilo TT Pro and WT are quite a nice upgrade from the standard TT. I have the WT so that I can throw on studded tires in the winter and ride it around, saving the salty crud from getting on my road bike. I'd recommend the Pro or WT over the standard TT due to the better cranks (Sugino Track) and wheels (Alex SUB 30mm V-Aero section wheelset).
The first thing I see a lot of people mention changing on the standard TT is the wheelset. They ship with really crappy wheels, as mentioned by this guy:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...91#post3008691
That same guy mentions how the Kilo TT is a good deal when it shipped with the Sugino cranks. Well, the standard doesn't ship with those anymore, but the Pro and WT do.
As for Pro vs WT, that's pretty personal. The Pro has a 1" headset, the WT has a 1 1/8". The former is more popular these days, the latter is more traditional. The former is more compact, the latter allows for fat tires when you want them. That's really the only notable difference, so you have to decide whether you want the sleek compact 1" headset on the Pro or the more versatile 1 1/8" headset on the WT. That, and the 2009 Pro costs about $40 more, but I wouldn't count that as much of a deciding factor. You shouldn't let two Jacksons come between you and the bike that suits you better, whether it's saving the cash or spending that tiny bit more.
As for the IRO Mark V, it is a wonderful bike. It has more aggressive frame geometry, so it's meant for riding fast, on track or off. That can make it a bit less comfortable, but you often sacrifice a bit (or a lot, but only a bit in this case) of comfort for speed. It's definitely worth the extra money. It was my first choice over the Kilo TT WT, but I passed it by wanting to be able to mount racks and snag groceries. A lot of people prefer frames without bosses for racks and fenders, but I wanted a more versatile frame. If you want to go to the track, though, definitely go with the IRO Mark V, it is hands down the better bike. Not to mention the care and service you get from Tony at IRO. You just can't beat that, the extra money doesn't feel extra anymore. It feels necessary and understandable if it is the right bike for you.
The first thing I see a lot of people mention changing on the standard TT is the wheelset. They ship with really crappy wheels, as mentioned by this guy:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...91#post3008691
That same guy mentions how the Kilo TT is a good deal when it shipped with the Sugino cranks. Well, the standard doesn't ship with those anymore, but the Pro and WT do.
As for Pro vs WT, that's pretty personal. The Pro has a 1" headset, the WT has a 1 1/8". The former is more popular these days, the latter is more traditional. The former is more compact, the latter allows for fat tires when you want them. That's really the only notable difference, so you have to decide whether you want the sleek compact 1" headset on the Pro or the more versatile 1 1/8" headset on the WT. That, and the 2009 Pro costs about $40 more, but I wouldn't count that as much of a deciding factor. You shouldn't let two Jacksons come between you and the bike that suits you better, whether it's saving the cash or spending that tiny bit more.
As for the IRO Mark V, it is a wonderful bike. It has more aggressive frame geometry, so it's meant for riding fast, on track or off. That can make it a bit less comfortable, but you often sacrifice a bit (or a lot, but only a bit in this case) of comfort for speed. It's definitely worth the extra money. It was my first choice over the Kilo TT WT, but I passed it by wanting to be able to mount racks and snag groceries. A lot of people prefer frames without bosses for racks and fenders, but I wanted a more versatile frame. If you want to go to the track, though, definitely go with the IRO Mark V, it is hands down the better bike. Not to mention the care and service you get from Tony at IRO. You just can't beat that, the extra money doesn't feel extra anymore. It feels necessary and understandable if it is the right bike for you.
Last edited by antiaverage; 09-28-09 at 05:29 PM.
09-28-09 | 05:41 PM
#322
manonthemoon
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Bikes: Current custom builds: FG=KHS Flite 100 DH=Transition Blindside FR=Transition Bottlerocket
The new Motobecane Track (not team track) for $279 shipped changes the game. That puts it at right about the same price as the hi-ten Schwinn Cutter and SE Draft, but you get a lighter frame and a great bike to start with and build up or customize.
12-17-09 | 07:12 PM
#323
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
Bikes: 2013 Specialized Allez, Iro Mark V
Are there any reccomendations for a frame with aero tubing (drilled for both front and rear brakes) similar in construction to the Leader 735TR?
I find frames that are constructed similarly, but most of the time they are triathalon/TT bikes that do not have the horizontal dropouts, and if they have the dropouts, they are usually track specific and are not drilled for brakes.
Btw- under $300.
I find frames that are constructed similarly, but most of the time they are triathalon/TT bikes that do not have the horizontal dropouts, and if they have the dropouts, they are usually track specific and are not drilled for brakes.
Btw- under $300.
03-10-10 | 01:15 AM
#324
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: san jo
Bikes: 1970's raleigh
I hate that this bike is sold out already (was looking to get the white in a 52cm). I'm riding a vintage raleigh right now but I definitely need to upgrade.
03-10-10 | 12:06 PM
#325
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
I'm thinking about getting either:
an Origin 8 Uno https://www.origin-8.com/product_deta...o&cl1=BICYCLES
or
a Mercier kilo tt
My only problem is I live in Monroe, LA. I have no way of test riding either of these bikes.
There is a plethora of info about the mercier, but I can't find hardly anything on the Origin 8 Uno.
I'm leaning more towards the Uno because it looks like it comes with slightly better components and I like the bullhorn handlebars. It also "looks" like I'll be less likely to fall over because of toe overlap.
Does anyone out there have the Origin 8 Uno?
For the past 2 years I've been commuting to work on a Trek 7100 and I've been waiting for the funds to get a fixed gear. With the help of my tax refund I'll be able to afford a $500 bike. The Origin 8 is just that $500. I'm definitely going to buy a bike (even though my wife insists we put that money towards a car. She has a car and I have my bike. I'm more than happy with the bike.) I just need to decide which one is best for me.
Any advice would be a big help.
p.s. This will be my first fixed gear in about 20 years. The last time I had one I was in 1st grade.
an Origin 8 Uno https://www.origin-8.com/product_deta...o&cl1=BICYCLES
or
a Mercier kilo tt
My only problem is I live in Monroe, LA. I have no way of test riding either of these bikes.
There is a plethora of info about the mercier, but I can't find hardly anything on the Origin 8 Uno.
I'm leaning more towards the Uno because it looks like it comes with slightly better components and I like the bullhorn handlebars. It also "looks" like I'll be less likely to fall over because of toe overlap.
Does anyone out there have the Origin 8 Uno?
For the past 2 years I've been commuting to work on a Trek 7100 and I've been waiting for the funds to get a fixed gear. With the help of my tax refund I'll be able to afford a $500 bike. The Origin 8 is just that $500. I'm definitely going to buy a bike (even though my wife insists we put that money towards a car. She has a car and I have my bike. I'm more than happy with the bike.) I just need to decide which one is best for me.
Any advice would be a big help.
p.s. This will be my first fixed gear in about 20 years. The last time I had one I was in 1st grade.