so i live in racine wisconsin not a big busy cityand is fairly flat and i want a bike that has great handling but will also be comfy for longer rides,I want either the IRO Mark V or the Jamie Roy,which do you think would be a better choice and also what would be a good begginer cog setup?

ratio: 48-18 is more or less standard; frame set up: your choice, the choosing is the fun part...love every second of it (btw, there is no wrong answer...). Go for some test rides if you know anyone with the set up you are considering and pick the one you like. instinct is wonderful stuff...

if you are not sure about fixed vs free, look into an affordable flip-flop hub...nice to have the choice.

good luck and have fun!

Mark V. The Jamie Roy is AL. Unless you dig the tin can effect.

hey mikeman715 im from Racine, but i currently live in milwaukee. I suggest the V only becuase im not a huge fan of AL. Oh and just a heads up people in Racine dont give a F@#$ about you on you bike and im sure you have seen the lack of bike lanes so becareful out there maybe ill bring my bikes home and ride with you some day.

Get a fixed-fixed flip flop. You can still run a freewheel on a fixed side, and you aren't screwed if you strip one of the fixed sides.

Ok man thanks,since you are familiar with the city,what do you think would be a good beginer cog set up?

well it depends on what you are going to use for your crank. If you are just going to get the IRO crank (46 tooth i beleive) then i think you could go with a 15 or 16. Theres really no hills in racine so you can ride track gearing and really go fast. and you probably need to ride fast through some parts of Racilla

Check your PM, mikeman.

Hey werent the girls from A League Of Our Own from Racine?

Its familiar.

you are correct my friend they were called the Racine Bells