Help me choose a ss/fixed
01-29-09 | 09:58 PM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,174
Likes: 0
From: Brownsville, TX
Bikes: Surly CC
I think my point was taken wrong:
I meant that more from the point of view of someone who actually responds (and KNOWS) what they mean.
Me, personally, I know nothing. I just like the taste of the sauce used here for BBQing.
Sorry if you thought I was attacking you, personally.
I meant that more from the point of view of someone who actually responds (and KNOWS) what they mean.
Me, personally, I know nothing. I just like the taste of the sauce used here for BBQing.
Sorry if you thought I was attacking you, personally.
01-29-09 | 10:05 PM
#27
Real Men Ride Ordinaries
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,723
Likes: 3
Buy a nice used road bike off Craigslist, the kind with clearance for real tires and horizontal dropouts, then get a fixed gear rear wheel, and you have yourself a bike made for long distance comfort, with a nearly maintenance free drivetrain, incredible sensitivity to road conditions and it's a lot of fun to ride as well.
The reason I'm proselytizing, and no, it's not because I'm drunk.
The reason I'm proselytizing, and no, it's not because I'm drunk.
01-29-09 | 10:26 PM
#28
ECR
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 601
Likes: 1
From: Scranton, PA
Bikes: Bianchi Pista/Fuji Nevada/Windsor Clockwork
I think my point was taken wrong:
I meant that more from the point of view of someone who actually responds (and KNOWS) what they mean.
Me, personally, I know nothing. I just like the taste of the sauce used here for BBQing.
Sorry if you thought I was attacking you, personally.
I meant that more from the point of view of someone who actually responds (and KNOWS) what they mean.
Me, personally, I know nothing. I just like the taste of the sauce used here for BBQing.
Sorry if you thought I was attacking you, personally.
01-29-09 | 10:45 PM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 653
Likes: 267
From: Seattle, WA
Another bike I'd add to your list is the Bianchi San Jose. It's a great bike for long distance riding. Canti brakes, lot's of clearance for just about any tires with fenders if that's important.
I don't have a San Jose, but I do have a Volpe which is the same frame but with horizontal dropouts instead of track ends. I converted my Volpe to single speed a while back and I've since ridden many rides of 70+ miles and a couple centuries. I've never had a more comfortable bike.
I don't have a San Jose, but I do have a Volpe which is the same frame but with horizontal dropouts instead of track ends. I converted my Volpe to single speed a while back and I've since ridden many rides of 70+ miles and a couple centuries. I've never had a more comfortable bike.
01-30-09 | 07:37 AM
#31
.
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 12,769
Likes: 38
From: Rocket City, No'ala
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 5.2, 1985 Pinarello Treviso, 1990 Gardin Shred, 2006 Bianchi San Jose
Hi all...this is my first post, but i'd really appreciate some help. I look forward to joining in on the community. I was directed to this site from one of my friends that I ride fixie with. I'll try to keep this short.
I'm looking for a new bike but I'm not sure what would be best for me.
I do ride to the video store or the market or whatever, but most of our rides are in the 30-50 mile range. We are trying to work up to doing centuries. We do one big ride a week, and throughout the week I will ride another 10-15 miles. Basically, i need something I can be on for long periods of time comfortably.
We average about 13-14mph on our rides, with typical max speeds about 23-24mph. We're riding on streets (obviously) so we are doing a lot of stopping and starting at red lights. What i'm trying to get at is that I'm not looking for an absolutely FAST bike to maintain top speed, but acceleration is important. Though I want comfort, a beach cruiser is clearly not the right choice.
I've riden mountain bikes for a long time, but never road bikes. I dont quite understand the nuances of road bike geometry vs. track bike geometry, though I'm learning.
The bikes i've been looking at are:
Bianchi Pista
IRO Mark V
Raleigh Rush Hour
Scwhinn Madison
Masi Speciale Fixed
I ride with the same two guys and they have very differing opinions and I'm not sure what is best. One guy thinks the best choice is the Bianchi Pista...the other thinks that a vintage frame converted to ss is best.
To rank the importance for me:
1. Comfort for long rides
2. Efficency (my current bike feels like it saps the energy pedaled, rather than utilizing all of it)
3. Speed
4. Agility
5. Cosmetics
Thank you all so very much for your help.
I'm looking for a new bike but I'm not sure what would be best for me.
I do ride to the video store or the market or whatever, but most of our rides are in the 30-50 mile range. We are trying to work up to doing centuries. We do one big ride a week, and throughout the week I will ride another 10-15 miles. Basically, i need something I can be on for long periods of time comfortably.
We average about 13-14mph on our rides, with typical max speeds about 23-24mph. We're riding on streets (obviously) so we are doing a lot of stopping and starting at red lights. What i'm trying to get at is that I'm not looking for an absolutely FAST bike to maintain top speed, but acceleration is important. Though I want comfort, a beach cruiser is clearly not the right choice.
I've riden mountain bikes for a long time, but never road bikes. I dont quite understand the nuances of road bike geometry vs. track bike geometry, though I'm learning.
The bikes i've been looking at are:
Bianchi Pista
IRO Mark V
Raleigh Rush Hour
Scwhinn Madison
Masi Speciale Fixed
I ride with the same two guys and they have very differing opinions and I'm not sure what is best. One guy thinks the best choice is the Bianchi Pista...the other thinks that a vintage frame converted to ss is best.
To rank the importance for me:
1. Comfort for long rides
2. Efficency (my current bike feels like it saps the energy pedaled, rather than utilizing all of it)
3. Speed
4. Agility
5. Cosmetics
Thank you all so very much for your help.
I would stay away from the real aggressive geometry bikes like the Pista and instead go for the infinitely more versatile and just as fast Bianchi San Jose. It comes in two models, flat bar and drop bar. Get the drop bar. More comfortable because it has several hand positions. The stock gearing is good for long rides and low enough to get you up hills. You can always change the gearing with just a new rear cog. I run a 42-15 fixed and 42-16 freewheel.
You might think the stem is too high but ride it just like that for a few hundred miles before changing it. You'll probably decide to leave it just like it is. You can't see the stem rise from the saddle, only the side view.
You can put a rack on the back; I've got one along with two side "grocery store" pannier bags and a top bag as well. The San Jose will also take fenders and wide tires. I run 23's on it for speed.
I go on 30-40-50 mile rides in the country at around 15mph average for the entire ride. I ride this bike when I'm riding with my wife because it's much easier to modulate my speed to match hers as we tool around the city.
01-30-09 | 08:20 AM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: perth
Bikes: pake, surly pacer
okay, you want to ride longish rides. cross check, il pompino (both somewhat upright in geo), salsa casseroll (not a bike i would go for but has calipers of the long reach variety), a surly steamroller would be good, not too agressive, and you can fit a back braek too if you want ss. i will get crucified for this but for road style riding look at langster, pref not the current models, but one from a few years back with decent drop style brakes, or an older model cannondale capo, or even a redline 925. the masis will be great too.
01-30-09 | 01:22 PM
#33
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Thanks for the tips guys. My list of possible bikes has really expanded, and i've been able to ex off the bianchi pista.
I have to try to find places to ride these. One of the problems with a few of them is that the stores only sell the frames, not complete bikes. I couldn't try out a Mark V for instance.
I have to try to find places to ride these. One of the problems with a few of them is that the stores only sell the frames, not complete bikes. I couldn't try out a Mark V for instance.
01-30-09 | 03:27 PM
#35
Lifer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
The comment about brakes is right on.
I agree with others that for the mileage you are talking about a somewhat relaxed geo is a good idea. I don't think that this has come up yet, but I would steer away from bullhorns. I love the things for shorter rides, but I would want to be able to get into the drops for longer rides.
Lastly, don't forget how easily modifiable ss/fg bikes are. Geometry sort of a big deal, but you can more easily/cheeply screw around with a ss than you can a geared bike.
01-30-09 | 04:43 PM
#36
Live without dead time
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,136
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From: Toronto
02-01-09 | 12:59 AM
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 0
I can vouch for the steamroller as being a super nice frame to build on. The complete is one great deal as well although it only comes with a front brake but adding a second wouldn't be a big deal. Of all the bikes I've owned I like the steamroller best simply cause you can put on some fat tires and take that thing off road. The geometry is roughly the same as the MASI but the steamroller just seemed like a stronger frame.
02-01-09 | 01:01 AM
#39
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
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Yeah, those four all have very similar geometry.
In fact 3 of the four even use the same steel with the sputnik being the exception.
I have found the 09 steamroller for 720 but i think that is full list. i'd like to pay less than that.
In fact 3 of the four even use the same steel with the sputnik being the exception.
I have found the 09 steamroller for 720 but i think that is full list. i'd like to pay less than that.
02-01-09 | 01:30 AM
#40
Banned.
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
02-01-09 | 09:08 AM
#42
K2ProFlex baby!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 59
From: My response would have been something along the lines of: "Does your bike have computer controlled suspension? Then shut your piehole, this baby is from the future!"
Bikes: to many to list
I bought a Maddy, its my 4th FG/SS, I REALLY like it, and Ive ridden a lot of bikes (besides FG/SS) in my days.
So Madison gets my vote.
So Madison gets my vote.
__________________
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
Last edited by ilikebikes; 02-01-09 at 09:11 AM.
02-01-09 | 12:59 PM
#43
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, OR
Bikes: Jamis XLT 2.0, Kona Fire Mountain
I'm gonna vote for the Sputnik for 3 reasons.
1. It's a higher grade steel than the others. (Jamis is one of the best brands for steel MTBs out there FYI)
2. The dropouts are forged (see image: https://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/3...7b1304.jpg?v=0). That will make for a much nicer ride.
3. The Steamroller - which seems to be most peoples choice - is much more common; you'll see far fewer Sputniks out there.
EDIT: Here are a few more reasons:
The Jamis will be ligher - it has a carbon fork.
It comes with 2 brakes.
It comes with both a freewheel and a cog.
It comes with more practical handlebars with hoods - essentially giving you drop bars and bullhorns.
The seat also looks much nicer...
1. It's a higher grade steel than the others. (Jamis is one of the best brands for steel MTBs out there FYI)
2. The dropouts are forged (see image: https://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/3...7b1304.jpg?v=0). That will make for a much nicer ride.
3. The Steamroller - which seems to be most peoples choice - is much more common; you'll see far fewer Sputniks out there.
EDIT: Here are a few more reasons:
The Jamis will be ligher - it has a carbon fork.
It comes with 2 brakes.
It comes with both a freewheel and a cog.
It comes with more practical handlebars with hoods - essentially giving you drop bars and bullhorns.
The seat also looks much nicer...
Last edited by Scratcher33; 02-01-09 at 01:11 PM.
02-01-09 | 01:23 PM
#44
Elitist
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 15,966
Likes: 94
From: Atlanta, GA
I can vouch for the steamroller as being a super nice frame to build on. The complete is one great deal as well although it only comes with a front brake but adding a second wouldn't be a big deal. Of all the bikes I've owned I like the steamroller best simply cause you can put on some fat tires and take that thing off road. The geometry is roughly the same as the MASI but the steamroller just seemed like a stronger frame.
I've owned one.
You can put some fat, comfy tires on the steamroller. Comes with a water bottle boss. Not sure about the Sputnik, never seen one in person.
02-01-09 | 01:32 PM
#45
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, OR
Bikes: Jamis XLT 2.0, Kona Fire Mountain
02-01-09 | 03:14 PM
#46
K2ProFlex baby!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 59
From: My response would have been something along the lines of: "Does your bike have computer controlled suspension? Then shut your piehole, this baby is from the future!"
Bikes: to many to list
I'm gonna vote for the Sputnik for 3 reasons.
1. It's a higher grade steel than the others. (Jamis is one of the best brands for steel MTBs out there FYI)
2. The dropouts are forged (see image: https://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/3...7b1304.jpg?v=0). That will make for a much nicer ride.
3. The Steamroller - which seems to be most peoples choice - is much more common; you'll see far fewer Sputniks out there.
EDIT: Here are a few more reasons:
The Jamis will be ligher - it has a carbon fork.
It comes with 2 brakes.
It comes with both a freewheel and a cog.
It comes with more practical handlebars with hoods - essentially giving you drop bars and bullhorns.
The seat also looks much nicer...
1. It's a higher grade steel than the others. (Jamis is one of the best brands for steel MTBs out there FYI)
2. The dropouts are forged (see image: https://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/3...7b1304.jpg?v=0). That will make for a much nicer ride.
3. The Steamroller - which seems to be most peoples choice - is much more common; you'll see far fewer Sputniks out there.
EDIT: Here are a few more reasons:
The Jamis will be ligher - it has a carbon fork.
It comes with 2 brakes.
It comes with both a freewheel and a cog.
It comes with more practical handlebars with hoods - essentially giving you drop bars and bullhorns.
The seat also looks much nicer...
2. Forged fork ends? OK. Make for a much nicer ride. I dont know why? but they do look sharp!
3. You'll also see fewer Madisons.
4. carbon forks on a steel frame? not a good idea if you ask me BUT! it does make it lighter.
5. Madison comes with front and rear brakes.
6. Madison comes with fixed cog and freewheel.
7. Madison comes with more practical handlebars with hoods - essentially giving you drop bars and bullhorns.
8. I feel the seat on the Madison looks much nicer.
__________________
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
02-01-09 | 04:29 PM
#48
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 24
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Bikes: many
I share your interest in using a SS for road riding. I alternate SS riding into my road bike workouts and have 3 SS bikes: Schwinn Madison, converted Ti road bike to SS, and converted 1985 Team Fuji. These are pictured below. BTW, don't give me too hard a time over the Fuji. It was intended to be bling outrageous and I haven't finished it yet, i.e., removal of inner chainring.
Guidelines about frame geometry are just that. All of my bikes have actual or virtual seat tube angles of 74 degrees or higher because it fits me: long legs, short body. A sharper head tube angle gives you a twitchy, quick response, which can be fun. A softer HT angle can give you significantly better tracking. But with all of this discussion about angles, we are, realistically, only talking about a degree or two difference, i.e., ST -- 73-75, HT 72.5-74. So, again, you need to figure out what fits you.
Regarding the bikes below, the Madison fits me very well and is a delight to ride, but it weighs 22+ pounds, which, for most purposes, is not a bit deal. The Ti conversion is is on the small side of my comfort range, very quick and light (15 lbs). The Fuji is a recent conversion and I'm still figuring it out. It probably weighs 19 lbs.
I hope this helps. BTW, I've never ridden a San Jose, but have always thought it was an interesting bike.
Guidelines about frame geometry are just that. All of my bikes have actual or virtual seat tube angles of 74 degrees or higher because it fits me: long legs, short body. A sharper head tube angle gives you a twitchy, quick response, which can be fun. A softer HT angle can give you significantly better tracking. But with all of this discussion about angles, we are, realistically, only talking about a degree or two difference, i.e., ST -- 73-75, HT 72.5-74. So, again, you need to figure out what fits you.
Regarding the bikes below, the Madison fits me very well and is a delight to ride, but it weighs 22+ pounds, which, for most purposes, is not a bit deal. The Ti conversion is is on the small side of my comfort range, very quick and light (15 lbs). The Fuji is a recent conversion and I'm still figuring it out. It probably weighs 19 lbs.
I hope this helps. BTW, I've never ridden a San Jose, but have always thought it was an interesting bike.
02-01-09 | 07:27 PM
#49
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 589
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: Too many bikes, too little time to ride
i have the bianchi san jose and a kilo tt, and they complement each other nicely. however, nowadays i ride the kilo tt primarily and am thinking about selling the san jose. i prefer the kilo on rides (ranging from 15-40 miles) as well as commuting (unexpectedly). i like the more aggressive geometry of the kilo and don't find it uncomfortable at all (though i'm not doing centuries or anything). i love the san jose, but it's slower and less nimble than my kilo. since i'm only putting in 50 or so miles a week, most of them are spent on the kilo.
02-01-09 | 07:56 PM
#50
Live without dead time
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
1. What grade of steel is that?
2. Forged fork ends? OK. Make for a much nicer ride. I dont know why? but they do look sharp!
3. You'll also see fewer Madisons.
4. carbon forks on a steel frame? not a good idea if you ask me BUT! it does make it lighter.
5. Madison comes with front and rear brakes.
6. Madison comes with fixed cog and freewheel.
7. Madison comes with more practical handlebars with hoods - essentially giving you drop bars and bullhorns.
8. I feel the seat on the Madison looks much nicer.
2. Forged fork ends? OK. Make for a much nicer ride. I dont know why? but they do look sharp!
3. You'll also see fewer Madisons.
4. carbon forks on a steel frame? not a good idea if you ask me BUT! it does make it lighter.
5. Madison comes with front and rear brakes.
6. Madison comes with fixed cog and freewheel.
7. Madison comes with more practical handlebars with hoods - essentially giving you drop bars and bullhorns.
8. I feel the seat on the Madison looks much nicer.
The carbon fork also rides nice from what I've heard and the bike itself weighs alot less than the Madison (if you're into that kind of thing).