First Fixie
 

I was browsing Craig's List because I was bored and about to go to bed. I ended up finding a practically new and correctly sized one of these: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...cane/track.htm Is it a nice bike as a first fixie? I noticed that it has a flip flop hub, so I figure I'd add a freewheel.

Yeah, its a decent bike for decent price. The parts arent top of the line, but for the price, you can't really complain. They wont break like those repubelick bikes.

love it

Nothing like a fresh spin on an infamous name

Cheers

It's going for 200, is that a fair price?

The question is whats the condition its in and non - stock upgrades it has?

Pretty sure it's all stock. As for condition, seems pretty much like new. Here's the ad: http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/1829556702.html

Offer him $180....

Another question: Since it has a flip flop hub, what size freewheel could I use without running into chain tension issues?

It depends on the size of the cog and the length of the chain. If the cog is a 16, you could get away with a 17t freewheel, maybe even a 18t.

The site says the stock cog is a 15t.

If that's what he has, try a 16t or 17t.

I'll check it out if I end up getting the bike. I'll probably take it to the LBS to ask for their opinion. Would it be bad to try and ride in traffic if I'm just starting out with a fixie?

I know alot of people say that its hard to get used to on your first time, but for me, it felt like any other bike. Just wear a helmet, and try to avoid quick turns at slow speed. Also try to avoid staying so close to the sidewalk because if your pedal hits the curbs, you will probably get thrown off the bike.

Just to be on the safe side, just ride on residential road without many cars for few thousand feets so you get the hang of it.

"Mashing" is suicide for beginners.... Just stick to a bike lane or the right side of the road but watch out for cars aswell.

Car doors are your worst enemies...well, more like the drivers who aren't paying attention when they open their doors. Just be cautious, if you are "forced" to ride in traffic.

I don't ride directly in traffic, just to the side of the road or a bike lane if there is one.

EDIT: I'd like to thank everyone for their advice. It's been quite helpful in getting me up to speed.

Lol I thought you meant literally with the cars which is overly in the hype...

It does feel great when you are squeezing inbetween cars in traffic.

I almost couldnt get through between two cars because my bullhorns were too wide. 40cm is too wide?!...

... Time to get 20cm flatbars.

I'm not crazy =P

Would this be better than the bike in the OP? Is it at a fair price?

/Barf

No.

Care to explain your reasoning?

Also, I'm talking about quality here, not looks. They both look fine to me, and I don't really prefer one over the other for looks. Which one is higher quality and be a more enjoyable experience without replacing/repairing as many parts?