Need help picking out a fixed gear on Bikesdirect!
 

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

I would go with the Kilo TT 2011, but i'm not fond of the "custom chrome paint". The 2010 is sold out in my size. (55cm)

I'm still a big noob when it comes to bikes, so which one would be the best for just daily commuting/exercise?

The ones that got my attention were the 2010 Motobecane Track, and the 2010 Windsor Hour. Are any of those good? And if so, which is better?

Thanks!

both the motobecane track and windsor hour seem very similar, not sure if you'll notice any difference. both seem to be geared too high, especially if you get the 48-15 with the hour - you may want to replace the cogs for lower gearing. both come with rear brakes, which are not ideal for fixed - you'll want a front brake. both come with flip flop hub with fixed only, you'll need to buy a freewheel if you want to go SS. i personally like the clean / no decal motobecane.

i have a motobecane fantom cross uno, great bike that has 2 brakes, fixed and freewheel cog, and can fit really fat tires. downsides are the ugly decals, too-low gearing (38-16).

I think you should go with the one that fits your size and your budget. I bought a KHS from a bike shop on clioseout. It was my size. A little heavy perhaps, but a good solid bike. Five years and 22,000 miles later, I am still riding it. It fits. That is the important part. I have replaced the bottom bracket and the headset (both were garbage... and I assume you will have to change these within the first year on any entry-level bike). I also went from a 48x16 to a 48x17, which works really well for me. I also added 2 brakes, as it came without. I used just one (front) for a year an a half, and added the second for a trip to COlorado, where I figured I would be riding the brakes coming off the mountain passes. It has stayed on, even though I almost never use it.

Once you ride it and like it, then either go looking to upgrade what you have, or look at getting a better bike--however, if you want if for commutiong and exercise, better is hard to define.

Whichever you choose, enjoy it!

train safe-

There's an entire thread on how much people like their Windsor The Hour bikes. You might look through it.

Arg...wrong thread

The Track and Hour are pretty much the exact same bike. Get whatever one you think looks better if you want to go that direction.

The Kilo has "upgraded" Reynolds 520, which is shaped 4130. It also has a nicer crankset, but the difference may be marginal.

The Track has relaxed geometry, whereas the Kilo is fairly aggressive.

Clockwork.

Why not just get the 2011 Stripper then? The Kilo TT will feel better than the Hour and Track...

+1 then you can put some fat tires onto your bike :D

not ideal with a rear brake? are you serious?

front brake's better for fixed instead of rear. use your legs to stop the rear wheel

Stripper has been sold out in my size for six months. I'm thinking about going with the motobecane, it's a sexy looking stock bike.

I'm pretty sure he meant they only come with a rear brake (which is correct), NO front brake. This is bad, mmmkay?

For the record, the Clockwork cannot fit fat tires. The Timeline is what you want if you want to fit wide tires.

I dig the hour, i've ridden one for a bit, they're pretty nice for the price.

Yes, that's what I meant. Thx

HAve you looked at the Dawes SST AL? Pretty hard deal to beat. I have had one for a few months and I love it. The Carbon fork really dampens the ride, and it is pretty light (if you get some better wheels).

You can switch the rear brake on the Track to the front with a longer nut or bolt or whatever you call it. If you are going to ride in the rain, I'd recommend getting a bike with fender mounts. I had to get my fenders custom fitted to my Track. They work fine, it just would have been easier with mounts :)

The rear brake only argument is a bit of a red herring. As others have said, you can easily move the rear brake to the front by acquiring a longer recessed nut. Any LBS worth its salt should have plenty on hand.

I have a Windsor The Hour, and while I've enjoyed the hell out of it, I do regret that I didn't pick out a bike that could fit wider tires, fenders, and a rack. As a first fixed-gear, The Hour is a really inexpensive way to try it out, but as your needs change the bike may not stack up compared to something that costs just a little more.

If I could do it over again, I'd have spent the extra 20 bucks and bought a Timeline.