iliketoridebike

I am actually buying my first fixed gear bike this Friday...well, hopefully, but I joined this forum for assistance in deciding whether or not I should.
This is the bike I would like to purchase, but as I am not an expert, I'd like some of you to look at it and tell me what you think!
this is the address:
https://gainesville.craigslist.org/bik/1703727043.html

thank you so much!

by the way, i'm 5'3 so looking for a smaller bike,
i'm not really used to fixed yet, so i want to start off with brakes
and, it is my first bike, so i don't want to spend a ton,
but i would like to have a pretty legit bike

thanks again folks!

TheBikeRollsOn 

That actually doesn't look like a bad deal at all. Go give it a test ride, if it fits well, you like it, and have the $ I'd say do it. I'd be interested in finding out what type of frame it is though.

wroomwroomoops

That bike uses a 51 cm frame, so it's probably a bit too big? I'd suggest you try to get a 49 cm frame.
I have other issues with that CL-listed bicycle, but will leave that for another time.

iliketoridebike

thank you!
I also was curious if the seat post would be a problem with the height..what say you?

TejanoTrackie 

Don't buy it, it's too big for you. I'm also 5'-3" and ride a 49cm frame, that's 51cm.

TheBikeRollsOn 

Well since all these other 5'3ers are saying it's too big before even knowing your proportions then I guess you shouldn't get it. Or... you could go test ride it, if you can stand over the frame flat footed without crushing your testicles then it will probably be fine. But idk, maybe you shouldn't even try?

TejanoTrackie 

Uh, look at the OP's avatar. Wadayathink?

TheBikeRollsOn 

lol, I don't think that was there just a second ago...

Whatever, that means it's even less of a problem. Also, from what I understand females usually have longer legs and shorter torsos than men of the same height. This means a 51cm may fit her perfectly. I'd go try it out if it isn't a huge hassle.

TejanoTrackie 

Wrong. More important than standover / seat tube length is top tube + stem length, which will be way too long for a female with long legs / short arms and torso. Bigger frames have proportionately longer top tubes and stems, which is why women must get smaller size frames so the reach is acceptable.

TheBikeRollsOn 

Would a short stem with a big positive rise fix this problem? It seems like I see a lot of female bikes set up this way.

Scrodzilla

TejanoTrackie 

The OP doesn't want to spend a lot of money changing bars and stem to attempt to compensate for a frame that is much too large. Just because people set up wrong sized bikes this way doesn't make it right. She should be able to find the correct size frame with properly proportioned stem so she sits properly on the bike and with the proper weight distribution.

TheBikeRollsOn 

Haha, I didn't mean to make it seem as though I were arguing really. Seeing as Tejano has a far, far, superior knowledge of all things bike related I wouldn't really try to argue with him. However, I still hold that if the OP like's the bike it seems like a decent build for a good price and considering it's only 2 cm off, there is a strong chance it might fit. If it could work then it would be a smart buy, at least that's how it seems?

And unless she buys a custom made bike ($$$$) she will most likely have to change the stem to get a correct fit anyways right? If that's the case why not buy a bike with high quality components for the same price as a BD bike with not as nice components.

iliketoridebike

you guys are awesome, thank you so much!

i'm going to check the bike out on friday, because it's only about an hour from my house,
and i've also found another bike that is actually 49cm and if you all would like to see it;

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...d=539806456011

it's actually at a lbs and i intend to check it out in person as well, what do you think?

iliketoridebike

oh and thanks for noting my lack of testes haha

TheBikeRollsOn 

That link doesn't work.

I don't know if I'd make an hour long trip to test ride that bike. If you have something else to do there then make a trip of it, but I wouldn't travel that far. At least try whatever bike that is at the LBS first, also buying from the lbs will be very much in your interest because you can try out different stems at no additional cost and might be able to switch out the saddle for something that fits you. Plus, the mechanics will be less likely to rip you off in the future and might throw you some deals....ANDDDD if something fails you can bring it back and get it fixed for free (maybe).

Also, again the link is broken so it might be worth posting some info about it.

iliketoridebike

you can also view it here:

https://zencoggallery.blogspot.com/20...9cm-26000.html

TejanoTrackie 

OK, I see it. It's a Windsor Hour with the drops replaced by bull horns, and nice low 42 x 17 gearing. It's a good solid bike that you should enjoy riding. The one thing I would add would be toe clips and straps so you can pull up on the pedals. Note that the asking price is only $20 less than the new price from BikeDirect, so maybe you can either negotiate a lower price or get them to throw in the clips/straps free and change the saddle for a woman's model.

iliketoridebike

yes!! that was my intention! awesome, i've actually already secured this bike, i'm so excited!! thanks guys so so much!

iliketoridebike

like i said: beginner, so, what is the difference between men and women's model saddle?

TejanoTrackie 

Women have their pelvic bones spaced farther apart than men, so women's saddles are wider at the rear. They also are typically shorter. Most saddle manufacturers make both men's and women's models.

iliketoridebike

wow, very interesting thanks! I've learned so much today!
I emailed the folks at the shop about the bike, and I checked out that one on bikesdirect, I'm kind of stuck on this one since no shipping is necessary, your advice has been very helpful.

TheBikeRollsOn 

Yeah, I'd go for the one at the shop just because of the fact that you will be in with your LBS and have at least a 30 warranty. However, like Tejano said, change out for a saddle that is comfortable for you, get some toe clips, and make sure the bike fits you correctly. However, BD does have free shipping, so that would be an option. However, it looks like they may have upgraded the drivetrain (crank/rear cog). Also, it seems that the bars are wrapped with innertubes, if it isn't comfortable I'd get some real bar tape, there's a current thread about good bar tape going right now.

Watch this, it will help you figure out how well the bike fits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAl_5...os=fzHL_E8x4TU

iliketoridebike

thanks man that video was awesome, so much stuff i didn't even consider!

the_don

hmmmmm. Innertube grip tape. So your hands smell like condoms all day long....