Getting into SS for cheap?
07-08-07 | 05:09 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 510
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From: Pasadena CA
Bikes: A loaner for now
Getting into SS for cheap?
I've just bought my first serious bike (a Marin Kentfield) about 3 months ago and it got me back into biking/commuting. I commute 4mi a day on suburban roads.
My interest in SS was first sparked by a test-ride on a Mongoose Sabrosa 1x1. At the time, I couldn't afford the Sabrosa with the situation I was in. I'm now considering saving up up to $650 for my next bike.
I'm thinking I've got several choices: Kona Paddywagon, Bianchi San Jose, Specialized Langster/Gangster OR I could go with a lower end bike such as one of those bikesdirect bikes just in case I don't like commuting on an SS and decide it's only good for occasional light use instead of daily commuting.
Suggestions?
My interest in SS was first sparked by a test-ride on a Mongoose Sabrosa 1x1. At the time, I couldn't afford the Sabrosa with the situation I was in. I'm now considering saving up up to $650 for my next bike.
I'm thinking I've got several choices: Kona Paddywagon, Bianchi San Jose, Specialized Langster/Gangster OR I could go with a lower end bike such as one of those bikesdirect bikes just in case I don't like commuting on an SS and decide it's only good for occasional light use instead of daily commuting.
Suggestions?
07-08-07 | 05:17 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,959
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From: Davis CA
Bikes: Surly Cross-Check, '85 Giant road bike (unrecogizable fixed-gear conversion
Get the Paddywagon. I've looked at them, they seem to have pretty nice parts. You can also put fenders and a rack on it, unlike most SSFG bikes.
I've also see, however, that Bianchi has started putting flip flop hubs on the San Jose.
I've also see, however, that Bianchi has started putting flip flop hubs on the San Jose.
07-08-07 | 05:32 PM
#4
:jarckass:
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,562
Likes: 1
From: Nashville
https://www.irofixedgear.com/ is also a good place to look.
also, fwiw, the bikes you named are really no better than the "low end" stuff on bikesdirect.com
also, fwiw, the bikes you named are really no better than the "low end" stuff on bikesdirect.com
07-08-07 | 08:02 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 510
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From: Pasadena CA
Bikes: A loaner for now
In that case...in terms of bikes that get shipped, are they hard to put together? I mean I'm not a complete moron when it comes to putting things together but I've never put a bike together.
07-10-07 | 01:19 AM
#6
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 510
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From: Pasadena CA
Bikes: A loaner for now
Ah I stopped by the LBS this morning before work. Took down a paddywagon for a test ride...absolutely loved. It's a 46/16 on freewheel mode and it felt perfect. The only thing that felt odd was the strapped pedals that went over my steel-toe work shoes and the drop bars are a first in my history of riding. Nonetheless, love it.
The guy said he'd let me have it for 650 but we'd talk more when I got the cash. Any bargaining tactics? What should I reasonably expect to pay?
Note - MSRP is 650
------------------------------------
Edit
I've done some searching around on the boards and this is what it comes down to...
The Kona Paddy Wagon (test rode and loved it)
The Redline 925 (more affordable) or
The Bianchi San Jose (Heard lots of good things but the name "bianchi" will attract a lot of "undesirables" in my neighborhood)
The guy said he'd let me have it for 650 but we'd talk more when I got the cash. Any bargaining tactics? What should I reasonably expect to pay?
Note - MSRP is 650
------------------------------------
Edit
I've done some searching around on the boards and this is what it comes down to...
The Kona Paddy Wagon (test rode and loved it)
The Redline 925 (more affordable) or
The Bianchi San Jose (Heard lots of good things but the name "bianchi" will attract a lot of "undesirables" in my neighborhood)
Last edited by furiousbob; 07-10-07 at 02:04 AM.
