rondz

So two days ago my older brother and my cousin were switching off riding my bro's brand new Bianchi Pista. At first, I didn't know what the fuss was all about and took a chance to ride it. Not knowing what a fixed gear was, I started riding it and figured out there was no brakes, this was totally awkward for me. Later they showed me how braking was suppose to be done but it was still too difficult for me, I didn't get the concept at all. Not thinking much of it after riding it the first time for about 5 minutes max I came back the next day to my bro's house and they're watching some videos on youtube and I finally started to realize what I was missing out on. This could be a pretty damn fun sport, my first impression of it all was just riding the bikes on streets and that's it, nope, I didn't know you can take it to the next level with these things, doing tricks and living life on the edge in the fast lane, which made me want to learn even more. That same day I asked if I can ride the bike and he said sure thing, so I go outside in the front of the house and start riding it trying to find my balance point for those track stands and figuring out how to skid, I spent about a good 3-4 hours out in front of the house forcing myself to learn how to track stand and skid fairly well, apart of me wanted to quit but the stronger side of me said I can accomplish by that night. It's amazing how you can change from having no interest then converting into an addict over 24 hours, this is a perfect activity for me because I use to skateboard and mountain bike until the weather got nasty but after riding the fixie I had that refreshing feeling of having that work out and challenge, something I miss greatly! From the day that I had no interest in fixies up to today, all I can think about is improving my skills on a fixie and that's why I'm here today seeking for some help from you amateurs and veterans of this sport.

A few questions I are:

1. What's the best affordable fixie to get for a starter? (Kinda on a budget here, so hoping something within $300-$350, if it's even possible? No brakes please, but one front if that's my only choice)

2. I'm 5'9 and my bro said a 55cm bike would be good for me, does that sound about right?

3. What the heck is a "hipster?" Is that term equivalent to calling a person who doesn't know how to ride a skateboard that claims they know how to ride a "poser?"

gargiulo.mike

mercier kilo tt will be right up your alley.

wroomwroomoops

That didn't take long, at all.

Also, we like the word "fixie" around here. The more you say "fixie", the more we applaud you. Please, more fixie.

rondz

Alright, I'll be sure to use that word more often. By the way thanks gargiulo.mike for telling me about the Mercier Kilo TT, it looks like that's the first fixie I'm going to buy. I just need to know which size to get. Doesn't look like they make a 55cm in that, so I'm thinking of using a 53cm, my bro's was a 52cm Bianchi Pista.

wroomwroomoops

Be careful with frame geometries and sizes. An ill-fitting bike will be the bane of your existence. A well-fitting one will be a blessing. Try out a few models at the local bike shop. Frame size is NOT everything.

kidtwisty

you are a dick.

hahahahhaa

odie91

that size should suit you well, since you're into tricks and stuff. the 57cm (next size up) has a pretty long top tube.

spacehippo

bahaha, I hope this is a troll.

start with a front brake... atleast START with one if not ride with one all the time.

milfordcubicle

Yes, it is. Ha!

roadfix

Hey, wait a minute. I'm a poser but I also ride.

dwainedibbly

No brakes? Not for me. Why? See here:

https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/386865-official-bfssfgiro-crash-thread.html

rondz

Haha, now out of respect of all the responses. I've got a few more questions to add now.

Is "fixie" actually a word that I want to use around here or is there a more respectful more simple term than that? (according to a member, the other member called them a "dick" almost because it seemed like it was a sarcastic response and a bad thing to say "fixie")

In skateboarding, if you know how to ollie and ride the board you're safe from being called a "poser," but in riding a fixed gear bicycle who has the right to call who a "hipster," I mean how do you make yourself safe from being called a "hipster," what are the most basic tricks you can at least try to learn to set a foundation for learning the more advanced tricks? Just like how skateboarding's ollie is a crucial element. I just want to know because I've seen this term used in many comments of youtube videos.

Last but not least, since I'm into doing tricks what kinda frame size am I looking at getting, a smaller sized one or a bigger one? (according to one of the members above, a size smaller in this case the 53cm instead of a 55cm would be good cause I like tricks? Then another member said, get the right size or else my exercise is going to be useless, but get the perfect size and it'll be a blessing.) Hmmmm, bit confused still.

Landgolier

Wait, there's somewhere in America where people don't know what hipsters are? Where is this? How soon can I move there?

The term "hipster" evades precise definition, but it's basically anyone who's uncomfortable appearing in public not wearing a subculture costume. Many have become so paranoid that they grow mustaches or get bad haircuts, making it physically impossible to forget one's flair.

rondz

HOLY MOLY, alright, I'll take that back, front brakes would be nice! Especially since I'm a newb. But damn, glad that guy survived! That's an intense crash, traumatic for sure!

wroomwroomoops

No, fixie is entirely acceptable and in fact desirable. And we're proud of being called "dick" around here. I am now particularly honoured and grateful.


As for frame size: really, you must try it, you'll never be able to do a good guess. A size x model y will not be ok, but a size x model z might be perfect.

Landgolier

Generally you want something smaller for bike tricks. 'bout like this:

spacehippo

fixie = term for a bike that most avid fixed gear riders hate. Cutsie term that most people don't take kindly to.

hipster= person who takes the fashion of his/her bike before the actual performance of it. Out to impress with their bike rather then just ride it. Matching clothes to bike, oversized messenger bag, super bright colors, spoke cards, etc. The hipster hate is rather hilarious to me. who cares what other people do, just go and do what you want to do.

trick bikes= another trend that people don't take so kindly to around here. A smaller frame is always better for tricks if that is your goal. But once again, if you are out to ride your bike instead of doing tricks on a bike that wasn't made for tricks, you'll want the size that fits you, not a smaller one.

I'm guilty of the above though, I ride a smaller frame just because I like the feel of a smaller bike versus a bigger one. It's perfect comfortable as my current daily ride. I also have a messenger bag and I have deep v's. OH CRAP HIPSTER!

kjohnnytarr

rondz, be advised that brakes are the fastest way to stop your bike without running it into the back of a car.

rondz

Alright, this is going to suck because I called all the bike shops within the radius of my neighborhood and none of them carry the Mercier Kilo TT. I'm so fixed on buying that one because that's affordable to me right now and the shops are selling Surly's and IRO's for a bit much. I was riding my brothers 52cm Bianchi Pista and I can stand flat on my feet when my crotch is barely hitting the top of the frame. When i'm on the seat I could get about my toes and ballpoints of my toes on the cement. Is their a certain clearance I'm looking for? I wish someone who owned a Bianchi Pista + Mercier Kilo TT would jump in here to give me their feedback on comparing the sizes of the two so I get a better idea of which size to get. If anything, can someone else think of another brand fixie I can get, like a more common one here in the USA? Like a Surly or IRO, or whatever other brand is comparable to this Mercier Kilo TT? That'd be the best, thanks.

wroomwroomoops

First of all, nobody was ever wrong for buying a Surly or a IRO - both are very excellent choices.

Then regarding standover height: it is always a good idea to have some distance between your crotch and the toptube while you're standing. Sooner or later you'll appreciate it.

As for the other questions you asked about comparing frame geometries and sizes: I can see you are on the right path. Always take into consideration that geometries of frames are different, and if frame size fits, doesn't mean that the other one will.

And by "fit", I mean "it feels good to ride it". Simple as that.

rondz

LMAO, well of course. But doing tricks isn't my main goal of getting a fixie. Although I may have made it sound like that, I am still in it for the exercise because I've been a homebody for awhile now, this is a good opportunity for me to build my stamina and get my health up to par with my age, I don't want to just goto the gym, that's boring, I'd like to have some fun while I go on long rides around the city, at the same time do tricks while I'm just hanging around waiting or killing time. I know people here might not like the fact that tricks are meeting roadbikes but evolution of sports is always going to be a reality.

Sixty Fiver

Whatever you buy...

I would give serious consideration to running a front brake.

This comes from someone who is older, more experienced, and knows that having a brake on his fixie has saved me on countless occasions.

The only folks who should run brake-less are those who ride on the track.

rondz

Alright, sweet, so far so good, looks like I've got some good information here thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread, more suggestions and info are welcome. I'm going to have to goto the local bike shop and try some out. Convinced that front brakes save lives, I'm all for that, I'm still young. I'm leaning towards a smaller frame maybe 53cm. We'll see how these bikes fit and when I buy one, you'll be the first to see it. It'll be right here in this thread updated with pics.

beethaniel

Im 5'9" and I ride a 52cm Bareknuckle. I ride a 54cm road bike, so seems about the same as you. Do some searching on 'track' bike sizing, there are a number of threads on this. You want to be able to stand over the bike and have a little clearance, but that is just one of the ways to fit a bike. You will need to be able to reach the bars and still be comfortable as well.

Valencia Cyclery sells the Kilo's, at least Im pretty sure they have one in the front window.

odie91

none of the shops carry the Kilo b/c it's only available online (or on craigslist). it's essentially the same as the KHS Flite 100, so if any shops carry that, test ride the different sizes.