mcpowley

Hey all! So I have a slight dilemma. I just recently got into cycling about a month and a half ago(I purchased a Giant OCR2 and have been riding it every other day.) The problem is, I need a bike for school and I don't think it's a good idea for my to bring my Giant to school. I'm interested in getting a fixed gear for transportation on campus and for a nice break from the road bike. I have heard some super things about the Kilo TT but it seems like it's sold out everywhere. I would love to just buy a frame and build it up myself but I honestly have NO knowledge whatsoever regarding building bikes. I'm afraid I would destroy the bike. Does anyone know a guide for building a bike from the frame and fork? Or could anyone recommend a book? Right now I am looking at a $400 limit on my fixed gear.

I saw the Windsor on Bikes Direct, but building it at home makes me a little weary. I would love to go for a pake frame and build up something myself but like I said, I honestly have no clue what I am doing. Could someone recommend a website or a bike for me to look at within the 400 range? Thanks much!

Daft Monk

Where are you going to school at? There might be a bike coop near by that can help you build up your bike.

drolldurham

https://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

mcpowley

Hey guys, thanks for the responses. I was originally going to buy the pake track frame and fork, and build up around it. But after reading some stuff, it looks like you need a lot of special tools, and I could probably screw up the frame by accident if I mess something up. My nearest bicycle coop is in LA at the Bicycle Kitchen...Looks like great place but it's super far from me. I live in Riverside, CA. So does anyone have any suggestions for an under $400 fixie that I can buy...I know I probably will have to upgrade...but I just need something for now to get around. Thanks!

Daft Monk

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm

Popozao

the windsor "the hour" is a nice start up fixie bike, or check out mr shelton brown guide on how to build up and convert into fixie bikes. GOOD LUCK

mcpowley

Great, Yeah I think I'm going to go for the Windsor The Hour, Is there anything I should go ahead and upgrade immediately on the bike? Also, I'm 5'11 and I ride the L Giant OCR2, would I get the 56 or 58? One last question! How are is setting up the bike out of box, I don't want to mess anything up. Thanks much!

novacane

sheldon brown's guide is an awesome resource

mcpowley

Hmm, would it be better for me to wait for the 56 Mercier Kilo TT to come in or should I just pull the trigger on the 56 Windsor?

novacane

well i'd go test ride some road bikes with 56-58 frames just to make sure which one fits better before you commit to buying a bike

daybreak

can't go wrong with any of these bikes. they are your best bet and they are the best deal.

ZiP0082

i agree.

mcpowley

Okay, I'm about the bite the bullet and buy the Windsor the Hour...but I just thought about something...Is it really difficult to use a fixie on school campuses(Crowds of people, etc.)? That is my main purpose for this bike + just some cruising. My campus is a pretty crowded campus, so I will probably put on a brake(I will post again when I need help with that) but for on campus...would a fixed gear be a good idea, or would something else be better for under 400?

sential

add a freewheel cog to the other side of the hub, and you can flip between the two. Add a front brake as well, until you get comfortable with fixed. Once you get comfortable with fixed, take the brake off and be hardcore like the rest of us.

mcpowley

Would this be the right freewheel cog? I should get the 16 tooth right?
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...slisearch=true

I'm getting the Windsor hour btw.

Also for the brakes I was looking at this. Would this suffice?
https://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=1085
Also...how hard would it be to install both of these? Thanksmuch!

mcpowley

I guess I could go the other route and purchase the Dawes SST since it has freewheel and brakes already. What do you guys think of the Dawes?