buy or build?
07-03-07 | 01:38 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
buy or build?
Hello--
I'm new to the fixie world, but have gotten the bug and decided to get one. I'm wanting to pay around 300-500. I know a decent bit about bikes, but have never built one before and am not sure what the best way to get parts is.
Should I attempt building one on my own (& with the help of a couple friends) or just buy a whole bike new (the 2007 bianchi pistas are looking pretty nice..)? Could I build myself a decent bike for the same price or cheaper, or is an entry-line complete fixie such as the pista or IRO Mark V probably a better bet for a novice?
Any suggestions?
Thanks
I'm new to the fixie world, but have gotten the bug and decided to get one. I'm wanting to pay around 300-500. I know a decent bit about bikes, but have never built one before and am not sure what the best way to get parts is.
Should I attempt building one on my own (& with the help of a couple friends) or just buy a whole bike new (the 2007 bianchi pistas are looking pretty nice..)? Could I build myself a decent bike for the same price or cheaper, or is an entry-line complete fixie such as the pista or IRO Mark V probably a better bet for a novice?
Any suggestions?
Thanks
07-03-07 | 04:33 AM
#2
Thighmaster
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Buy complete. Then replace all the parts with NJS approved or vintage Campy or whatever else tempers your reynolds.
Then get a new frame. Now you have two fixies.
What colour is your new frame? Maybe you need another ride in metallic puce with flat bars for practicing your tricks?....
Honestly, this is a serious reply. Buy complete first up, especially if you are far from a city with any fixie scene. Ride now, hunt for bargain parts later, once you know what you neeed.
Then get a new frame. Now you have two fixies.
What colour is your new frame? Maybe you need another ride in metallic puce with flat bars for practicing your tricks?....
Honestly, this is a serious reply. Buy complete first up, especially if you are far from a city with any fixie scene. Ride now, hunt for bargain parts later, once you know what you neeed.
07-08-07 | 11:36 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by radical_edward
Buy complete. Then replace all the parts with NJS approved or vintage Campy or whatever else tempers your reynolds.
Then get a new frame. Now you have two fixies.
What colour is your new frame? Maybe you need another ride in metallic puce with flat bars for practicing your tricks?....
Honestly, this is a serious reply. Buy complete first up, especially if you are far from a city with any fixie scene. Ride now, hunt for bargain parts later, once you know what you neeed.
Then get a new frame. Now you have two fixies.
What colour is your new frame? Maybe you need another ride in metallic puce with flat bars for practicing your tricks?....
Honestly, this is a serious reply. Buy complete first up, especially if you are far from a city with any fixie scene. Ride now, hunt for bargain parts later, once you know what you neeed.
Thanks! That sounds like reasonable advice.
07-09-07 | 05:58 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 4
From: Davis CA
Bikes: Surly Cross-Check, '85 Giant road bike (unrecogizable fixed-gear conversion
It depends on what you're starting with. If you already have a good 80's vintage road bike with horizontal drops, then a conversion makes sense because the only investment should be a rear wheel and some cogs.
Or, as it is in my case, you have a lot of parts laying around and an old yard sale bike, it can also be possible to build a nice bike cheaper than buying new.
But if neither of those two scenarios are the case, then a new bike is the more sensible decision, although a lot less fun.
Or, as it is in my case, you have a lot of parts laying around and an old yard sale bike, it can also be possible to build a nice bike cheaper than buying new.
But if neither of those two scenarios are the case, then a new bike is the more sensible decision, although a lot less fun.
07-09-07 | 06:42 AM
#5
Run What 'Ya Brung
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,694
Likes: 5
Lots of people on here have had good look with the Mercier
Kilo TT, which is the $350 bikesdirect.com/eBay special.
Solid frame, and you can replace components as you go.
They have two other single speed/fixed gear frames for
under $400, all of which have been highly regarded by
budget bike enthusiasts.
Kilo TT, which is the $350 bikesdirect.com/eBay special.
Solid frame, and you can replace components as you go.
They have two other single speed/fixed gear frames for
under $400, all of which have been highly regarded by
budget bike enthusiasts.
07-09-07 | 06:51 AM
#6
Banned
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,317
Likes: 0
From: GA
Do you want a bike NOW?
If so buy.
Do you want to spend your weekends riding around to garage sales and your workday scouring ebay ad craigslist?
If not buy.
Do you want the best bike that $500 dollars can buy you?
If so convert.
Do you want something unique with loads of character?
If so convert.
If so buy.
Do you want to spend your weekends riding around to garage sales and your workday scouring ebay ad craigslist?
If not buy.
Do you want the best bike that $500 dollars can buy you?
If so convert.
Do you want something unique with loads of character?
If so convert.
