My son is currently going to school in Chicago and would like to get a SS. You know the reasons: simple, easy to maintain, and who needs gears when you live in a flat level city. He is a good off-road cyclist but has never been much for road cycling.

My first impulse was to get him the Walmart bike. After all, no one would weep if it got ripped off. Frankly you probably wouldn't even have to lock the thing. But I've read enough reviews to realize that buying him that bike would be tantamount to child-abuse.

Today I test-rode a Lemond Fillmore. Lovely bike, SS with a flip-flop hub, and vintage steel. It runs around 600-700 USD. Now I would be crushed if someone stole the bike. I'm half-tempted to buy it for myself but my knees are aching even after a brief ride.

So I've looked at the SSs on BikesDirect. They cost around $300 and seemed to be decently made. In other words, good enough so I won't feel like I'm getting him crap, but not so good that I'd be crushed if it got ripped off.

Any thoughts?

Get him an old road bike and let him convert it. Then it will be his, rather than some box-o-crap that gets delivered.

If you have any idea about BFSSFG, you will know that we all worship bikesdirect.
Hell, the guy in charge of its distribution is a member here.

That said, they are very solid, dependable bikes with the most bang for your buck. It's $300 complete, just buy it.

Bike theft is rampant on school campuses, and if it were me I'd find a functional beater at a coop, C-list or used bike store. The only time I've had bikes stolen was when I was going to college, and it happened not once, but 3 times.

Actually I have an old Nishiki that hangs form the ceiling of my garage, an old 2X6 speed with I believe Suntour rear ders. I've heard it was sacrilege to convert them to a SS, and I suspect it's not such a great bike that you wouldn't be better off buying a modern one. Anyway, I might convert it anyway, but if I do I'll keep it for myself and use it for training and self-abuse.

Also, my son is 5' 11" with a 30" inseam. I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam. I thought the Fillmore, which was 54 cm. fit me pretty well. I wonder how well that would translate to my son.

If fact, fit would be a bit of a concern for an internets order, as we have short legs and long trucks compared to the rest of the mutant population.

And remember, this is Chicago, where everyone form the drug-dealers to the mayor and alderman alumni are crooked as hell and would steal something even if it were bolted down, given enough time to pass a law or raise a VAT for SS.

But the more I think about that Lemond Fillmore, I like it. First modern steel frame I'd ever ridden, and it was real for shouw.

There is really nothing wrong with a Mercier or Windsor from Bikes Direct. They are inexpensive, decent and you don't have to spend a lot of time building them up yourself. Lots of people here in Brooklyn are riding them, including me. I suspect our bike theft problem (major) is as bad as yours. The thing is, they're cheap enough that you don't cry about scratches and dings, too, since you WILL be chaining it up.

Speak for yourself. The frames are nice enough and the overall price is tough to beat, but I wouldn't throw around the word 'worship'.

As for that Lemond- I'm sure its fine, but most of the big manufacturers have a 'track' bike at that price point. Most are aluminum, some are steel.

Have you considered taking him shopping with you?

2009 Scwhinn Cutter. Comfortable, Bomb Proof, Cheap, Fast (for what it is).

If we order online we can do it virtually. I photograph bikes I see locally and text it up to him. He'll have the final say. But he's too busy studying and he's happy for me to research the forums on the interwebs.

..

I don't see why not. Depending on his age, and use for the bike, its more than enough. Is he 11 years old? Or a 20 year old pro mountain biker? Its a huge step up from a department store bike. I suppose we need to know more info on the OP's son.

No harm meant (and I'm really not trying to start an internet bickering match here) - I'm just saying that as someone who was unable to buy the correct bike for yourself, you probably shouldn't be advising others of what bike to purchase.

Quick! Someone call the burn victim's unit.

Jerk.

*Crawls Back Into Cave*

It could be worse.

Agreed.

In this case it might be what the doctor ordered. You at least know everything is new and should function as stated.

I would vote for a conversion, but then there are always issues to shake out. Although if it gets stolen no big deal. This route does give you a chance to make it your own though and also not worry so much when it gets beat up.
No matter what way you guys go, I hope your son appreciates what his dad does for him.

Sorry. I was pre-coffee.

I hope your apology gets acknowledged.

If your son knew he almost had a lemond but was talked into a BD bike he would cry.

+1 this.

Lol... ouch.

To OP. Buy him a BD bike, and some GOOD locks. Teach him to lock both wheels, and the saddle. Problem solved!

I know, I know!

BikesDirect? Never heard of it.