antonch

I am just trying to get into biking again. I used to have mnt. bike a long time ago. I want to go with a ss track bike this time though. Just seems more practical and I just love how simple/retro they look.

1. I am trying to decide between a Kilo TT or Kilo TT pro. This is my first track bike and I have no plans of doing further upgrades, I can't justifying spending extra $130 on a slightly nicer bike. I am sure the components in the Pro are still pretty marginal. Is this correct?

2. I tried riding some single speeds and I do not like the traditional handlebars. I want handlebars like these, not sure what they are called. Again, I come from a mtb. background so maybe that is why. Could someone provide a link to what I need to buy? I understand bikeisland is the place to buy all this stuff.


3. The bike does not come with brakes, I need front and rear brakes. Nothing too fancy just something that will work. Again, link please?

This is a tad overwhelming for me so I appreciate the responses.

j3ffr3y

1) wheelset, and brakes come with the pro. If you like the colors on the pro, get it, if not, its pretty marginal
2) they are called riser bars, you can get them at any bike shop/co-op for like $5
3) you need at least front, both are preferred https://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=1569 for front

tgscordv6

Keep in mind that the Kilo doesn't come with brake bosses. That is, if you don't mind zip-tying the rear brake cable to the top tube.

antonch

Will these brakes work with the riser bar?
https://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ils&ProdID=482

Running without a rear brake is not an option for me. I like the extra added level of safety for the street.

MJH100

no, you need either mountain bike levers, or cross levers. https://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=1067 cross levers are more versital then mtb levers, because they have a wider clamp. SO you can put them on any type of bar.

Do you know about www.bikesdirect.com yet?

Scrodzilla

BMX levers work too.

beeftech

Seriously?
Come on people...

robotkiller

cable stops

beeftech

Riser bars are a MTB standard, thus mountain levers work best.
Cross levers (aka inline levers) are a road standard, thus they work best on drop bars.

antonch

That is where I will be ordering my bike from!

It looks like a riser bar will be more comfortable. When I rode a few track bikes, I found myself using the straight part only.

I've seen people use electrical tape as well. Is there a cleaner solution?

OK so with a riser bar I would want a mountain bike\bmx lever?



I wish there was a place that I could order brakes and levers as a package.

DIRT BOY

Lets see, first you are getting some bad advice. Seems to be rampant here.

1. Get the Kilo TT. Similar can be had for $135. Bars are $5-25, Brake set $30 and Levers $30.
Now you have what you want.

2. The bars are MTB riders. They come in 25.4 size. You will need a new stem. Anywhere form $10-45.
You can find deals on MTB and here. Hell, I have bars and a stem to sell cheap as many others here could to. Or trade what comes standard with your Kilo.

3. NOW, The bike will need Road Brake calipers. MTB V-Brake levers will NOT work as the pull ration is different. BMX or Flat Bar Road brake levers (short Pull) are needed with the riser bars. Cross brake levrs might not fit the MTB bars and won't feel right Ergo wise.

Shimano® BL-R770 Flat Bar Road Brake Lever Set



So if you get the Kilo TT, you are looking at $250 Max for Wheels, Ste, Bars, brakes, cabling and levers. Could be done for under $200 if you do your homework and shop and trade.

You want some real help, feel free to PM me.

MJH100

Get cross levers, because when you want to swap bars, they will come off with out taking the grip off, and have a wider clamp. On riser bars you will have to make a make-shift shim, If you use a thin layer of tape, its hidden behind the clamp, so u won't see it. That MTB lever is so ugly.

Cross levers are more compact, so will compensate for a narrower bar. And like I said, the clamp opens up, so you don't have to undo any thing in front of it.

oldfolksmashers

WTF is up with people trying to push their opinions so hard on others?

Syncmaster

also if you plan to ride Single Speed you will need to buy a freewheel and install that on the other side of your hub.

antonch

Really? I need to buy a freewheel? Here is the description on their website:

FLIP FLOP rear hub. Fixed and freewheel sides. If you want to ride on the road, just flip the rear wheel around and add your own single speed freewheel and brakes to the frame. We highly recommend the installation of front and rear brakes if you decide to convert your track bike to street use.

DIRT BOY

Yes, you did not read well.

solbrothers

get a motobecane messenger. it comes with brakes

antonch

OK good to know

They don't sell that one anymore. At least its not on the site.

The other options would be Dawes SST or the Windsor Clockwork. Both come preconfigured with brakes single speed. But I like the frame on Kilo better.

PoN

Mercier Kilo TT Pro comes with brakes and some upgraded parts in a few areas. It appears all sealed bearings, also gives a more black look some may prefer... still fixed gear, and no freewheel, (have to buy one for the flipflop if you want single speed/coasting). It has steep geometry and some toe overlap.

The Dawes SST comes with brakes, relaxed geometry, and hence no toe overlap. It has the freewheel and no fixed cog on the flip flop (just the opposite), it has more sealed bearing parts then the regular Kilo TT (non Pro) and the other less expensive options at Bikesdirect.

I bought a Dawes SST, but hey they are cheap so maybe a Kilo TT Pro too is in my future. I can mix and match parts and upgrade as the want/need hits.

I could use the SST for townie/lockup/buming around low geared SS/FG and trick the TT Pro for longer taller geared FG fitness/training rides.

So I may have some extra parts soon... if i could get back a hundred or two from the takeoff stuff I want to upgrade, it would be nice. I'd also have one to ride when i'm playing with upgrades on the other...

Toys, gotta pay some to play I guess.

Bianchigirll 

I woud go for the Dawes SST it is the same price already has brakes and you might be able to swap the bars and brake levers with someone.

solbrothers

aah didnt know that. well, that said, i like my motomess frame more than the kilo. its seems way more solid in the headtube area

DIRT BOY

The KIlo comes with better paint than the Dawes. I had the Dawes SST and prefer the Geo if it to over my Kilo. But the paint can peel/chips easily. Nice bike though. It rode well.

MarkieMark

I would get the Kilo. Simple, clean, and tighter geometry!
**Slightly off topic but when are they restocking on glitter golds? I want one badddd.

antonch

Well I think I will be ordering the Kilo TT Pro. I like the frame a lil' better.
Currently the Pro comes with both front+rear brakes so all I will need is a FW cog which goes for ~$20.
After I priced everything out, I think I will be getting a better bang for your buck with the TT Pro.

Now the hard part is deciding on the color. I really like th yellow but I read that it's actually a bit more orange than the pictures show.

j3ffr3y

cream ftw looks so classy