Newbie Needs Advice
 

Hey guys,

I'm looking for some advice on how to get started in SS/fixies. My biggest problem is trying to decide whether or not to build or buy.

I do have a 'bike' that my roommate has given me. However, this 'bike' has been sitting outside chained to a dozen other bikes all winter and most of the components are ruined. So its more of a frame with bike-like accessories rusted onto all of it's various openings. It's also an old Schwinn.

On the other hand I have some money to spend just not that much. I mean I can afford to spend as much as $500 but I prefer to spend no more than half of that. I do realize this is something of an unreasonable expectation.

Anyway, I just wanted to know if it would be cheaper/better to build a bike off of the frame that I have or to just buy a bike (and have it shipped, none of my local LBS even know what a fixie is).

Here are a few of the models that I've found (<$500):
Windsor - The Hour $299.95 @ Bikes Direct
Motobecane - Messenger $379.95 @ Bikes Direct
SE - Draft $250 @ SEBMX.com

I would say if you want to save money to search around at garage sales for old road bikes. Spring cleaning time is approaching so you should have some good luck. Find a bike with workable parts and you can get a decent fixed rear wheel for ~$80 or a pretty good wheelset for ~$140. Better idea than converting a probably-rusted-on-the-inside-too frame, and will have more character (and leave you with more money to perfect it) than one of those off the rack ones.

are you experienced at working with bikes? Then build one. If you're completely new to the subject just buy.

go with the windsor or a cayne uno.

I guess I didn't mention that I have no experience building bikes.

I took apart one of my bikes once - to clean it. I managed to get it back together... It's just that I had a few parts left over. :/

I'm definately mechanically capable - runs in the blood - I just have no experience with bikes.

I don't necessarily agree. Building one is the best way to learn about bikes; how to maintain them specifically. Not to mention it's fun:) Though I just spent spent part of my night regreasing various parts of my bike.

windsor

If you can save up a bit to stretch your budget to - say - $600 you can buy your way to IRO owners club. A proper fixie, nothing fancy, but not a hi-ten monster frame either

Buy a new bike such as the ones above. Then you can ride it right away. If you are so inclined you will learn about bike mechanics and maintenance from that, and be able to build up an old conversion once you have some experience. If you try to cobble one together yourself you may get frustrated if things don't work right, and you won't be riding.

for me I learned maintenance since my bike was a craigslist special and EVERYTHING broke. I guess it all depends on what resources are available, if there are helpful shops that'll let you use their tools building isn't too bad of a choice.

but people with absolutely no clue how to do anything besides changing a tube may get more enjoyment out of a brand new bike that's able to ride from the start. Since you don't have to struggle to figure out how to y'know... build it.

You can build your own for cheap with a used bike, an IRO rear hub (make sure it takes the same number of spokes), A spoke wrench, and a chain tool.

FYI- work on the rear wheel before removing the rear brake. You can use the brake pads to help you true the wheel.

if you can't find something used and cheap with 80% of the non-wheelset componentry intact, i'd suggest doing this.

while you can theoretically build up the schwinn for less than 250, you'll be left with a frame that's not something you specifically ordered and it will have road geometry.

you can build it and learn about it, or you can spend a very small amount more and get the windsor(360 shipped) in the color and size you want.

i found a bike already converted and ready to go for best offer... 75 bucks later i had a fixed gear- if you don't think you'll get that lucky i would suggest you think about what you want.

if you want a bike that's old and problematic, be cheap about it. if you want a bike that's old and has good components, you'll probably spend about as much as you would on the brand new windsor.

in the end it's your decision, don't let anyone else make it for you.

Is the Windsor actually more track than road geometry? (I have no idea. I just assumed it was road)

it's pretty close to road but it's a lot more track than a schwinn...

But if a person has never tinkered with a bike before or not a tinkerer by nature, I think it's a bad idea to build one from the frame up. Conversions are easy, but not to someone who's never tinkered before.

The Windsor.

The Motobecane is your second choice.

The Draft? We just got a bunch of these at my shop and they've been flying off the shelves. They're "sturdy" but otherwise basically un-special.

My suggestion: Bianchi Pista.

does the draft really have a 1pc crank?!???Q i thought those things were outlawed years ago.

mercier kilo tt is a good bike quandofied like the se but a good bike

Yup! One-piece crank all the way!

Doesn't stop the kids however.

We've been dressing them up with moustache bars and chopped handles and they seem pretty popular.

Found a couple more, a bit more expensive though.

http://www.brauns.com/gc/gc_item.exe...ADBIKE&A=10100
http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/...ail.php?id=724

Here's another stumper: are there any complete budget bikes out there that have a frame worth keeping and upgrading as I learn how to build a bike? Or are most budget bikes inately disposable and designed such?

Those drafts are crap...imo...the "lager" sort of sucks also...i'm sure they are selling well though.

AGAIN: Bianchi Pista

(see the second velospace link on my signature)

And it's actually a track frame.

I know... :/

Hrm, is there anywhere I can get older model Pista's?

Try the ebays or the craigslists. They're a fairly popular bike.

Agreed and agreed!