Opinions/Recommendations?
 

I use to ride bmx, but gave it up to focus on school. In the process I've also become SUPER lazy.

I'm looking into buying a single speed or fixed gear bike just to stay active. I'm not necessarily looking for top of the line, I just want something reliable to ride around town, bike paths, etc to try to get back in shape/stay active. And I want to stay under $400 preferably. Only thing is, I know virtually nothing about them as far as makes/models go.

I've heard good things about Mercier and Windsor, but that's about it.

First off, I like both of these. Any feedback/opinions on these would be appreciated.

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

http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott_pro.htm

I'm leaning towards the Dawes SST since it's a bit cheaper and says something about the wheel being flippable to ride in either single speed or fixed gear?

Also, any other recommendations are welcomed.

And lastly, for someone looking to ride regularly to get back in shape and stay active, will it make a whole lot of a difference if I go with single speed or fixed gear? I understand fixed gears don't coast, but wasn't sure if that'd be much more beneficial as far as fitness goes.

I have the steel dawes and it works fine for me though if you are looking for the best bargain get the Kilo its a better bike. I pedal'd Fixed from day one and pulled the freewheel after a few months...personal opinion/experience is that fixed will improve your conditioning faster than SS but you probably won't ride as fast in the begining

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...e/bikeasis.jpg

Kilo.

By the way, the Kilo also comes with a flippy floppy wheel.

Mighty fine lookin' bike you got there.

Xgecko's Dawes is super nice!

All 3 come with fixed/free flip-flop hub, though. The Dawes is set up with a freewheel cog, and the Kilo and Hour with a fixed.

I'd get the Kilo, in 520 steel, or the triple-butted 4130 Windsor, and install a drive-side front brake, take away the rear, and pick up pedal straps. The Windsor will definitely stay under your $400 cap, even after the new brake and cog.

There's a Kilo love-thread in this sub-forum, and here's a recent one for the Hour: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...y-Windsor-Hour!

Ride often, and you'll go fixed in no time! Also, steel will withstand the curb jumps when you need to. :thumb:

Nice khiro bushings headbadge :thumb::lol:

"Go play on the Street" is a longboarding sticker that is apt...that bike was my recovery from hardware installed in my ankle. For the record I like to Downhill skateboard on the weekends, nothing like hitting 55mph on plank to get your adrenalin going

I love bombing hills too! What's your downhill setup?

The Sodafactory is about 45 minutes away so
DH = Clutch hemp Lambchop, 15ºCindy's, Divine Touch
Freeride = Clutch DoubleTap, 215Hybrid Indy's, Hesher Showballs

Alright, so it seems people like the Kilo as a top choice. Now, I'm looking at bikesdirect.com and there's the 2010 Kilo TT for $359, and then there's a 2011 Kilo TT Pro for $399.

If I were to get a Kilo, should I just get the basic Kilo TT or since it's only $40 more, pick up the TT Pro?

the TTPro has better cranks and a brake which more than makes up for the $40 IMO

I figured I might as well, especially since it's only a $40 difference. Just wasn't sure how much of a difference the parts really have. I'm still clueless to who makes good parts, what kind of parts you want to look for, etc. Sadly almost nothing from bmx knowledge can be applied to these kinds of bikes, so I feel like I have to relearn everything.

Actually a lot from BMX applies just that the brands are different, the brake goes on a different wheel and you can't stop pedaling but other than that much is the same. You can still spend an obscene about of money on a bike that is functionally little different than a bike at 1/4-1/3 the cost (says he who has raced a $300 cruiser and a $1300 cruiser with the same results).

Well I guess I mean more so like... I don't know much in terms of what I'm looking for, if that makes seense. Like in a bmx frame you want specific materials, different geometry in the build, types of welds, specific drop outs are better than other styles, etc. Or in terms of weight, in bmx you normally want the lightest parts you can find, but I don't know if it matters all that much for a road bike/single speed/fixed gear. Or in forks what kind of angles you want and things like that, where as in these bikes I have no idea what frame materials are better, I don't know if I should be more interested in tighter angles or a longer top tube, etc etc. I knew what kind of things to look for in bmx frames parts, but don't know what to look for in the same kinds of parts for these styles of bikes.

But, I guess in time I'll learn whats good and of course what I prefer compared to what people recommend or what's considered best.

Back to the original topic, can anyone give me like a "pros and cons" of the Dawes SST-AL vs the Mercier Kilo TT Pro? I really like the looks of the Dawes, but everyone else seems to point to the Kilo.

the general consensus Aluminum is disposable....I know I ripped the rear triangle off my first and only AL bike in a sprint. The Kilo uses name brand steel tubing, the SST generic AL tubes....then there is the street cred thing "steel is real"

Alright thanks gecko. Thanks everyone else for your input too. I think I'm going to go with the Kilo TT Pro. Ill take quality over appearance any day.

On a side note, do you know if all the lettering is painted on or are they decals that can be removed?

The decals are under the clear coat, which means it is not removable.

They are under the clear coat. BD also offers the Stripper version of the Kilo, which is decal-less.

Edit: Vixtor is lightning fast!

Zoooooooooooooooooooooooooooom!

http://larryfire.files.wordpress.com...mythology1.jpg

hype, you should also put the IRO into consideration if it is your size. They have been clearing the overstock bikes for quite some time now but sizes are very limited.

Not to sound ignorant or rude, but what's special about the IRO? I know nothing about brands still since I'm new to the game. Do you think its a better buy for the money?

Might I also suggest a Schwinn Madison? http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/st...1_10000_202259

Hard to beat at $299.

avoid republic bikes. other than that, at this price point it's all pretty much a wash, just go with whatever you like best IMHO. buy one and ride it. most common frame at this pricepoint for a complete bike is probably the kilo TT.

Vixtor's right, of course! :)

The Angus' Reynolds 631 steel tubing is higher grade than 520 chromoly, or 4130; and the greatest bang for the bucks.

The IROs are set up with fixed only, and I think you'll be wanting to add a flip-flop hub, along with front break, and pedals. If the Mark V Pro or Angus were available in my size I'd get either one!

You have some nice set ups then; I've seen soda factory's thread on silverfish
Maybe I should get a sodafactory next time, maybe support a littler guy this time; I bought a new loaded dervish just 2 months ago.
Anyways for DH I have a landyatchz evo, bear smokeys, otang in heats and a bustin strike, RII's, otang inheats; bones ceramic on both

Quiver's are good

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../backcover.jpg