Fixed Gear Suggestion Needed
 

I was at a local bike shop today checking out fixed gear bikes. I looked at the GT Gutterball and it really caught my eye. I have also looked at the Trek Soho online.

Basically, I ride my beach cruiser 99%+ of the time. (I live at the beach, after all) BUT, I would love to have something that is similar to a beach cruiser, but rides faster and is a little better for a longer distance ride (on pavement only).

So ideally, I'd like a fixed gear that has an aluminum frame and maybe even a somewhat upright riding posture. I'm trying to find the middleground between a super intense road bike and a super laid back beach cruiser. I'm thinking there is a fixie out there that would be perfect for this...I hope? I'm hoping to stay under/around about $500. Suggestions?? Thanks!

it might be tough if you are looking for aluminum, there are some pretty chillaxed fixed frames (steamroller) but they are steel. I really don't know TOO much about all of the different frames, though, maybe someone else can show you one that's perfect for this. Dolans and Leaders are aluminum, but I think they have steeper geometry.

I suppose it doesn't need to be aluminum, but I just want a lightweight bike. I'm not looking for bells and whistles (and weight) just something that is quick, nimble, and relatively comfortable with 1 speed.

people in here seem to be fond of the Soma Rush...that could be cool, especially if you throw a CF fork on it...

Steamrollers are definitely nice, relaxed, strong, customizable frames. IROs are nice. Pake is really cheap. KHS Flite 100 is really cheap and probably better than the Pake.

thanks for the suggestions. i'm looking for a complete bike, not a frame. i don't want to build-a-bike, i would just like to find something cool that is ready to ride (i hope). since this will be just a fun/leisure bike for me, it does not need to be top of the line...but i don't want a cheapy either. so i figure something about $500 should get me something good. keep the great suggestions coming! thanx :)

Marin makes the Hamilton which is a really nice semi upright fixed gear... a friend bought one last year and he just loves it.

They list for about $400.00 U.S. which is a good deal considering they come with some really nice wheels and a fixed / free hub with a cassette body instead of a thread on.

Marin makes the Hamilton which is a really nice semi upright fixed gear... a friend bought one last year and he just loves it.

They list for about $400.00 U.S. which is a good deal considering they come with some really nice wheels and a fixed / free hub with a cassette body instead of a thread on.

I would just get a decent relaxed geometry steel bike, and put a mustache bar on it with a stem with alot of rise and call it good.

On the Hamilton... the stock setup has a really low gear (32:20 methinks) so one would need to install a different chain ring to make it a street worthy bike.

i would best describe the soho s as a hybrid of a beach cruiser and a track bike. like, if you literally morphed from one to the other, the midpoint would be a soho s.

that is exactly what i'm looking for i think! I want a hybrid between a beach cruiser and a track bike. Although I would prefer hand brakes as opposed to no-brakes or coaster brakes.

That Marin Hamilton looks interesting and a little better price point than the Trek Soho S. The Trek District looks pretty sexy with that color scheme too.

My friend is an expert class mtb racer and it really hard on his bikes as he is massively strong and his Hamilton has stood up to nealry a year's worth of him riding the ever loving hell out of it with nary a whimper.

It speaks well to the build quality and the shop here that carries them brought them in because they are such a good deal... they were selling out at $450.00 Cdn.

Like I said, you would have to factor in the cost of a new chain ring and chain or a different cog set up in the rear to make it a street worthy bike.

So a bike arrived via UPS today for me from BikesDirect (good experience with them by the way)

I ended up getting the Dawes SST AL. For the money, this bike is fantastic. I have it set-up with the freewheel and it is awesome. It's just what I was looking for...almost.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...sst_al_600.jpg

I really like it, but want to change-up the stem/handlebars so I'm a little more upright. Suggestions? I would prefer just some straight or riser handlebars...and would like to keep it on a budget. I saw some interesting stuff on eBay but not really sure what to get...?