Newbie needs some help
 

Hey guys brand new to this forum,
Wanted some advice from the seasoned professionals. I have no idea where to begin, i am in the market for a fixed gear road bike, for commuting to and from work and to get around town. Is there a certain size bike that i need to get, i am 6 ft. 1 and weigh around 190. I am looking to spend around 250 dollars to start, a bike i can work on and upgrade as i go along. Any advice would be much appreciated. Mike

www.bikesdirect.com

I think a 58 CM should fit you

I would actually take fit a little more seriously that that. Try to find a copy of Lennard Zinn's "Zinn and the art of Road Bike Maintenence". Get it from a library if you can. I'm not a big fan of most of this book, but dude is, well, a zen master of bike fit. He has a section on bike fit that can save you a ton of knee, back, elbow and neck pain.

The book will guide you through a few measurements of your body and give you a good place to start. If a length is a little off here and there, you can still fix it by switching out parts, but it's best to get a frame that will start you in the right direction.

I'm the same height as you and my shop fitted me for a 56cm Cross Check.

Same height here too, and I also ride a 56 comfortably.

Do you have an LBS (local bike store) you could go to? They would be a valuable resource, both for sizing and for figuring out what your bike options are (they should be able to order Surly, Salsa, Soma, Pake and whatever brands they stock on the floor). Good luck!

same height same weight, 56

what would be a basic budget i would start with i live in west los angeles, does anyone know of a bike shop around this area they could recommend.

i think you need to up the budget to at least $350. that will get you the most basic entry level bike new. as for bike shops, i've had good experiences with the performance in santa monica and palms bicycle in palms.

I'm 5'10" and I ride a 56 comfortably, I have no idea how you bigger guys do it.

What are some reliable bikes in specific that are in the 350 price range.

bikesdirect has a couple offerings in that range.

there's also c-list (go to LA craigslist and search these numbers):
1021457242
1020495855

btw you should fit a 56-60 depending on your arm/torso length.