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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

New here and need some advice

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Old 01-05-11 | 05:32 AM
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New here and need some advice

Ok I have been looking into buying a fixed gear bicycle and have found a few that look good but I can't find any info on the quality, so anyone with any info please chime in...
I'm not looking for top of the line since I'm just starting out but I want a good quality bike but do t want to spend more than 700$

https://sgvbicycles.com/index.php?rou...roduct_id=1243

Also

https://www.republicbike.com/build.asp?builder=2D


I've also been looking locally on craigslist at some volume cutter fixies, the only problem I have with that is they're used and I want a bike that will last and the other problem is I'm 6"1 and it's hard to find a bike with a 59-60cm frame.

Any Info is greatly apreciated, I'm located I socal if that matters.

Cheers
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Old 01-05-11 | 05:46 AM
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If you know either type of bikes fit you well, go for it, but if you don't go to a local bike shop that either sells them or have bikes with geometry that closely matches those two bikes so you know what you are going to get fit wise which is the most important part of a bicycle. I wouldn't want to get the republic bike though 24lbs is heavy for a fixed gear bike. 20-21lbs is about average. A Kilo TT from bikesdirect would be a better choice. Lighter frame.
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Old 01-05-11 | 06:07 AM
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That bike was the Hi ten one- the Aristotle v1.7. Republic has a 4130 Cromoly edition which weighs 22 lbs and is more expensive by $60. It says it's a limited edition.
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Old 01-05-11 | 07:04 AM
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Once you figure out what size bike you need, check Craigslist for used bikes. A good quality used bike will last longer, ride better and have way more street cred than some shiny new Republic or BD bike. For $700, you can one heck of a nice ride.
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Old 01-05-11 | 08:12 AM
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For $700 there are a lot of choices.

It's at the top end of your price range but maybe look at the Wabi Classic?

https://www.wabicycles.com/

They are normally $695 but they have a special going on for the Sapphire Blue in size 61cm (probably around your size) for only $575.

https://www.wabicycles.com/classic_bi...apphire10.html

Nicer steel (Reynolds 725), a big upgrade from the hi-ten republics, and even better than the normal 4130/520 cro-moly on other entry level bikes. Plus you can customize it somewhat with the type of bars, stem, crank length and gearing. These sound like small things but once you buy a $400 BD bike you may end up spending another good chunk of money getting the fit/gearing dialed in to what you want. This way you spend the cash once and you're set.
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Old 01-05-11 | 08:25 AM
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avoid republic bikes like the plague. for 700 i'd get a kilo TT or an Iro and swap out the saddle, keep the extra. or you could possibly find a steamroller or something of that level. 6'1"? what is your cycling inseam (not your pants size, the actual measurement floor to crotch)? that measurement matters more than height when sizing a frame. i'd guess look at 57-58cm bikes rather than 59-61 but who knows you may have a large inseam
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Old 01-05-11 | 09:06 AM
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Originally Posted by jasonnc80
For $700 there are a lot of choices.

It's at the top end of your price range but maybe look at the Wabi Classic?

https://www.wabicycles.com/

They are normally $695 but they have a special going on for the Sapphire Blue in size 61cm (probably around your size) for only $575.

https://www.wabicycles.com/classic_bi...apphire10.html

Nicer steel (Reynolds 725), a big upgrade from the hi-ten republics, and even better than the normal 4130/520 cro-moly on other entry level bikes. Plus you can customize it somewhat with the type of bars, stem, crank length and gearing. These sound like small things but once you buy a $400 BD bike you may end up spending another good chunk of money getting the fit/gearing dialed in to what you want. This way you spend the cash once and you're set.
In that price range, this Wabi is a great deal. The bikes listed in the OP are all a lot less bike than you can get for $700.

However, more important than the "best" sub-$700 bike is what kind of bike you need. Where, when, and how will you be riding? A cheap bike with the right geometry is a better choice than a pricier bike that doesn't meet your needs.

Also, since you're presumably within striking range of plenty of shops, you should be taking a whole bunch of bikes for a spin. Looking around online is no substitute for seeing how the bikes ride in person. Even if you can't try a particular model in person (e.g. the Wabi if that's your thing), you can ride bikes with comparable geometry to zero in on what suits you.
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Old 01-05-11 | 09:22 AM
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Bikes: Surly Cross-Check, Torker U-District

Surly Steamroller dawg.

https://www.surlybikes.com/bikes/steamroller_complete/

Thats what Im riding and I couldnt be happier. If you go to a local bike shop (LBS) you can probably get a good deal on one especially if you get one of last year's models.

Speaking of LBS, ignore almost all the advice in this thread other than the "check out your LBS" stuff we're spouting off.

A bike isn't a toaster or a tv or a steel belted radial... its something you gotta fit and check out in person. Having a pro help you find the right fit will go a long way. Buying from that pro will also pay off in a big way because those pros are going to be building (or better yet helping you build) your bike for you. They'll also be showing you how to change tubes and tires, adjust chain tension, and very likely selling you the parts you'll be needing to keep your bike up and running for years to come. The best way to establish a solid relationship with your LBS is to buy your bike from them.

Buy from your LBS out of respect and reap the benefits of good karma. If that's not enough reason for you then maybe cheap/free maintainence and parts will help you justify spending a little more up front.
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Old 01-05-11 | 03:09 PM
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Wow that was fast, a lot of good Info here, I will definitely be going to a local bike shop bIkeshop before I make a purchase. I was looking into those surly steam rollers and the volume cutter v5 which is pricey bib if it lasts long I'll pay a little extra, it'll probably come down to what suits me better when I go check them out in person.

I will be using it for riding around my town (down town riverside ca) , going to the mountain roads for rides as well as the beach. If that helps out .

Thanks for all the helpful input
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Old 01-05-11 | 03:25 PM
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The Wabi is a great deal for $575.
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Old 01-05-11 | 03:31 PM
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I love how that first bike is showing that it has clearance for barspins, but yet it has a front brake. lol

Go with the Wabi. They are really nice bikes, and ride great.

Last edited by PeDDeR27; 01-05-11 at 03:46 PM.
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Old 02-18-12 | 09:36 AM
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It's been a bit but this is what I ended up getting, actually piecing together

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Old 02-18-12 | 01:50 PM
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Bikes: Surly CreamRoller. 98 Giant Rincon. SE UVT

Cool bike man have fun with it. Volume cutters are tough ass frames.
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Old 02-18-12 | 02:58 PM
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You know, I bet this guys' gonna get a lot of hate for that but if it wasn't overpriced it was a pretty good buy.
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Old 02-18-12 | 10:21 PM
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Bikes: good ones.

I'm not a fan of veeps, but your bike looks bulletproof and cool, in my opinion.
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