Looking for my first fixed gear
 

This year I've decided to dedicate my MB to single track and buy a fixie as my commuter. I went to 3 bike stores in the area and was most impressed with the Masi Speciale Fixed LTD. I like the fact that it's a steel frame and that it's built in the US (or at least that's what the sales guy said). Does anyone else have one of these bikes? Comments good or bad??? Is it worth the extra bucks for the LTD?

Iro's are good starter bikes. I'm looking to build my first fixie. Right now I'm riding an vintage italian road bike but plan to build up an alien frame.

OK, I'm going to ask a dumb question, what's an IRO?

Thanks for the link. However I'm hoping to buy locally, which means no IRO. My choices are pretty limited.

I've got a Speciale Fixed, which is basically the same bike with different bars and a less-trick finish. I really like it, it's a great commuter. If I recall correctly, the LTD comes brakeless with track drops. I'd definitely prefer the run-of-the-mill Speciale's hooded road drops for commuting, but that may not be your thing. They're still awesome bikes though, lots of fun to ride.

As far as the whole "built in the US" thing goes, I'm not sure to what extent that is true as I believe the frames are made in Taiwan. They may be assembled here, but that's probably about it.

IRO definitely has a solid reputation too, so I wouldn't discount them entirely. They were the other main source I was looking at while shopping, but I decided on the Masi to support my LBS and because I could actually test ride it.


EDIT: Just doublechecked on the LTD and saw it's not brakeless, it's got a front brake and cross lever. Better, but I'd still miss riding on the hoods pretty badly.

Thanks for the review. For the price difference I have a feeling the LTD isn't worth it. Plus I like the green color the Speciale Fixed comes in. I'm going to have to do some more research into the place of manufacture. Not a big fan of buying outside of North America if I don't have to. That was one of the appealing things about the Masi.

What are your choices? you've only mentioned 1 bike...

Is fixed gearing popular where you are. (wait. where isnt it?) check craigslist? good deals on there from time to time.

How much are you willing to spend? If you want built in North America, you'll need to look at custom builders. Heron bikes are made at the Waterford plant in Wisconsin but the frames alone will run you a grand U.S. Sure to be a number of custom builders in your area; give them a call and maybe you can work a deal.

If you want a commuter, I'd pick the Masi Speciale Commuter or the Bianchi San Jose. The Masi has the better dropouts if you plan to use fenders, which is probably a good idea for Ontario. Both framesets are manufactured in Taiwan to their own specifications and are high quality bikes.

Of course, the tires may come from the U.S. or they may come from France. Or China. The tubing from Japan, Taiwan, England or Italy. The rims could be from Japan. The spokes from Belgium. The bartape from Korea. Saddle from Mexico. Crankset from BFE, etc. Most of the so-called Japanese cars sold in America actually have more American built and assembled parts than those made by GM or Ford. And when you go to the plant, the workers are from 20 different countries. And while the assembly plant sits in Alabama, it was financed through a Swiss company that got the funds from a group of Indonesian investors that closed the deal on their cellphones made in Finland by guest workers from Latvia.

I thought the MASI was a taiwanese built frame. If you want USA built, seems like you will have to sink a lot of cash and/or get a custom frame.

Then don't buy Masi, or hell almost 99% of the bikes in shops in Ontario.

What do you suggest? I am only willing to spend $1500 CDN max. We have an excellent steel frame builder in Guelph, however I doubt I can afford their custom bikes with my budget.

In case I've given the wrong impression, I think the quality of bikes from most other countries is excellent. I will be the first to admit I own a Trek 6700 made offshore as well as an Orbea Onix made offshore. Both are excellent bikes. However, if I can help our struggling manufacturing sectors in North America, I will ... as long as the quality is there.

Fine, just be prepared to pay through every orifice you have.

Fixed Gear Bikes that were in-stock at my LBS's:

Raleigh one-way ($900 Cdn)
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/one-way/


MASI Speciale Commuter ($950 Cdn)
MASI Speciale Fixed ($950 Cdn)
MASI Speciale Fixed LTD ($1100 Cdn)
http://www.masibikes.com/tab4_subNav2.php


Trek SOHO S ($700ish - can't remember the exact price at the store)
http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes...hos,soho,empty

Brands available to order in from my LBS's:
Trek, MASI, Raleigh, KHS, Surly, Devinci

Although I understand the sentiment - you aren't going to get a completely made in Canada/U.S bike for that money. Frame only you can probably do for $1.5k. Cyclops frames comes to mind. But you'll have to get those NOS as they don't make them anymore. If you can track down a gardin, that will also do for Canadian. Another option is Marinoni (Quebec). This marinoni *may* be around your proposed budget http://www.marinoni.qc.ca/Images/Bikes/Pista.jpg

Thanks for the Marinoni suggestion. Never heard of them before. Apparently there's a dealer in Guelph, Ontario which is just a 15 minute drive from my place. I'll check them out sometime this week.

My buddy has one. Its a really smooth bike and feels very solid under my 170lb ass. However, its hella heavy in comparison to my 57cm Pake. (his is a 50-53 tops) so take that how you please.