Evaluate my first fixed-gear set-up please...
 

I'm having a local shop in my college town (Davis, CA) build me my first fixed-gear bike. I started road cycling over the summer and want to use the fixed-gear to stay active in cycling during the winter. I'll also use it to commute short distances around Davis and Sacramento. I'm trying to put together a bike on a budget.

This is what the shop and I went over for the build:

1. Bass Boat Green Pake frame set
2. Cane Creek C4 Sealed Cartridge H/S
3. Sugino Sealed BB
4. Sugino Messenger Crankset BLK
5. MKS Sylvan Track Pedals
6. MKS Steel Cages
7. Nylon Straps
8. Alloy Riser Bars BLK
9. Alloy Stem BLK
10. Alloy Seatpost BLK
11. WTB Speed V Saddle BLK
12. KMC 1spd Chain
13. Alex R450 rims w/ Formula Sealed Hubs
14. CST Tires

The price came out to be $648 after tax. I was wondering if you guys could give me any recommendations, advice, or opinions on this set-up. I've read mixed reviews about the Pake frame, but I feel like it'd suit me best based on my needs. Thanks.

Looks like this will suit you best based on your needs.

solid, inexpensive build. id switch to clipless for winter training, its much better than clips and straps. brakes would be good too, as you are new to fixed gear, and if youre using it in the winter, youre gonna encounter some wet conditions.

sounds solid. price is higher than you would find on the internet, but you're getting a new bike w/ parts better than you would find on most stock setups. plus, it's built professionally, should come with some sort of warranty, and you're supporting a local builder. so, sounds good.

Yeah, sounds good

Sounds like a good deal to me..

I would only say upgrade to leather straps... I can not deal with a Nylon strap. I feel like my feet are going to pull through them and flipping the pedal up to slide into my cages seems to work easier with a leather strap.

I second the suggestion to put a front brake on there. Looks like a great build. Aaron is a wealth of knowledge, so if he's helping you put this together, you're in good hands.

missing ourys

Ditch the flat bar..drops, bullhorns,or mustache bars are all great, but flat bars have no place on a road bike unless your doing epic bar spinzzzzzzzz

i like MKS GR9s more than Sylvan Tracks, in terms of pedals, but people seem to like the tracks in general though.

Great call on the cranks/BB.

That is for sure a really good first bike. think about a brake for a bit though?

That's actually a great deal and a great setup.

That is a good choice of parts, stuff that will perform and last.

since you're gonna be riding in davis and sac this winter, you're probably gonna need some fenders front and back as well as something other than riser bars (need something more aero for the long open stretches especially if it's windy- as it sometimes can be).

eh. this is a personal preference. My road bike and track bike run drops, but for the street, risers all the way.

I'm from Davis too. Your set up looks solid. I'd for the front brake too and gr-9's. Get some fenders for the winter cuz it's gonna rain!

Oh come on, this storm that's passing through right now is going to be one of maybe three significant sources of precipitation all winter.

Werd. I get good vibes from him when I ask him noob questions about bike stuff; he's so patient and genuinely happy to help.



To everyone else, thanks for the help... and I do plan on coppin a front brake :thumb:

Just pulled the trigger. Should be up and running by Friday. I'm stoked.

I like the look of risers over drops for the street.

But nothing gets me than a chrome drop bar on a track bike.

I am in Sacramento and hope we get enough rain to warrant a fender purchase. We need the H2O.

As long as you're happy with your ride, that's all that matters. Post pics please.