Bike Forums - Help me choose a ss/fixed

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A couple guys did RAAM on Salsa Casserolls last year:

http://kaisercycling.com/2008granfondofixies.html

I have one and it's a nice ride. If I ever wanted to I could convert it to a nice geared touring bike since it has all the do-dads to just bolt things on. (They offer the same frame in a triple set up.)

I know a guy who just finished a 200k on a Masi. He's a roadie and bought the Pista first, but the geometry was not good for him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilikebikes (Post 8286993)

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! :love:

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. :thumb:

I wasn't trying to put down the Madison. I've never ridden one, but they do seem like really nice bikes. As for your questions:

1. Reynolds 631 over regular 4130 chromoly (which is not a bad steel).
2. Forging will make the fork ends harder, more malleable and less brittle.
3. Probably true, I've only seen one Madison around here.
4. I'm not really sure why it's not a good idea, but it does make it lighter and provides a smoother ride.
5-7. Good call. I was thinking of the Steamroller (also a really good bike), mostly.
8. To some, I like how both look.

I have a Sputnik, and I like certain aspects of the Steamroller quite a bit, but I would get a Salsa Casseroll Single, as long as it fits well. It can take wide tires (roughly the same as the Steamroller) and fenders, the paint job and matching stem look great, quality parts are standard, and it has two (this should be a requirement if you are doing longer rides) water bottle mounts. It is the best off-the-shelf, single speed, road bike under $1000 right now. You can also make it geared if you ever feel like it.