Fixed Gear eh?
 

First of all I am 100% new to the world of fixed geared bikes, but for some reason they intrigue me. I got on one the other day (friends bike) and the damn thing almost threw me over the handle bars when I tried to stop it :lol:

Maybe you could provide me with some helpful information. I am looking at getting a single speed/fixed gear bike and I don't want to spend more than $400.00. I absolutely have no idea what to look for so maybe you could guide me in the right direction.

I have my eye on the Dawes SST AL..I am just looking for the most bang for my bike to get me started. Any and all info welcome!!!

Thanks!!

My little brother has the SST Al. I haven't ridden it, but I did assemble it for him. Not that that helps at all. Seems like an alright bike.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm

the Kilo TT is an affordable popular model.

I was checking the TT out! Looks really cool. I was considering paying $20.00 more and getting the Aluminum frame/Carbon fork that the Dawes comes with..It looks like the Dawes has higher quality hubs also...I could be wrong tho.

Btw I am 6"2.5 Should I be looking at 58-59 cm or what??

A 59 might be a little too short for you, I would suggest bumping up to a 61 centimeter frame.

4psi,

For help with frame size please tell your inseam. Do the whole shove a book between your legs and up thing. Easy and accurate.

Check this regarding fit:

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO

When I buy jeans they are always 34 in length.

http://www.badskulls.com/store/image...ay_fast_eh.jpg

I personally think a 59 cm c-c would be perfect for you. I'm 6'1" with 32.5 inseam and the 57 cm c-c Kilo TT is perfect for me (I've heard they run a bit small though?).

Also this sticky could be a real helpful reference to you.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=510358

I am new on this forum and all, but GO RIDE ONE. They all fit differently.

I am 6'3" and 190 lbs, 34 in inseam. "Calculators" usually point me to the low 60's cm frames.

For instance, when I was shopping earlier this year for my first, I was riding 59-62 in Bianchi and Masi frames, but the KHS Flite 100 (disclaimer: I bought it) I rode fit me at a 57 cm. This is because the bottom bracket is of variable height on different bikes, the tube angles are all different, wheelbase, etc.

This isn't Tommy Boy . . . you have to get a good look at a steak by sticking your head up the butcher's . . . wait, I got that all wrong.

+1

dude really? Cause like I said I ride a kilo TT (same frame as KHS flite 100) 57 cm and I'm 6'1" with a 32 1/2 in inseam and I have a lot of seatpost showing. Not trying to arguing sizing, you know what works for you better than I do. Just saying. Also yea riding anything before you buy it is the best advice.

My only thought on this is that it might be better to buy from an LBS and maybe pay a bit more but be able to scope it out and return it if there are any problems. I would not buy online/mailorder unless you already know exactly what you are getting. I think the Dawes is strictly pre-paid mailorder; I'm not sure about the Kilo TT.

all bd bikes are strictly mailorder. Kilo is same frame as KHS flite 100, you can check sizing with that. Not sure what the sst-al frame is used any where else/

Yeah, I guess I prefer a pretty aggressive set-up, my bars are significantly lower than my seat. I like to be in the drops because I feel faster that way and I am young enough that my back can support me. I don't think I could ride the next biggest size, though. I would have lots of nad-on-top-tube contact, only about 1.5 inches ball swing as it is.

1.5" is quite a bit, honestly, how often are you standing over your tt? put that into consideration when buying a new frame/bike

http://i31.tinypic.com/2e240ol.jpg

Not to hijack this thread or anything, but does this look like too much drop? I know there's a lot of seatpost showing, but it's comfortable for me. I guess that's the bottom line. The caveat is that this is my first SS, although I did try about 8 frames and this was by far the most comfortable. Maybe the fact that I had extra handlebar risers put in makes the drop shorter even though I am a giant on a 57.

a Fistful of seatpost showing the rule of thumb. You have significantly more but it isn't ridiculous by any means, some people prefer smaller frames. Maybe you have a shorter torso than most? Whatever works for you.

Thanks for all the input guys!! I found a really cheap bike on Ebay that I am going to buy. Its probably a piece of junk but as I progress as a rider I will be able to upgrade it. I am going to get a 58 cm frame..
http://cgi.ebay.com/58cm-Track-Fixed...d=p3286.c0.m14

Let me know if I am making a horrible decision!!!

I'd say hold out on buying that generic ebay bike and get yourself a bike from bikesdirect or your lbs i think you will be happier in the long run