Steezie

I am starting to look into buying a fixed gear since most people I know have one, and I've ridden them and are now used to them. I still consider myself a beginner because I don't know a lot about fixed gears, but I am wondering if anyone knows a good fixed gear to start out with. People told me to get one off of republic bikes or big shot bikes but i've heard mixed reviews about them. I do like the fact that they have sweet colors and all and I dig that but I really want to get a good fixed gear that has good parts and all. Any recommendations? Im 5'7 so just post whatever you think is best and thanks.

Squirrelli

Have you checked out BikesDirect yet?

Steezie

Yeah , but I have no clue on which to get. I was wondering if you knew specific bikes you could recommend

CharneK

kilott is probably a good option...

Squirrelli

It really depends your riding style (commuting, FGFS, road-oriented, track-oriented, off road, etc) and the prefer aesthetics.

As CharneK said, Kilo TT is always a popular choice, as are the Hour, TimeLine, Clockwork and Kilo WT.

Again, it really depends on what you're going to do with the bike.

pylea

Do not get one from Big Shot Bikes or Republic. Those are poop.

Steezie

Well I'm not like those really hardcore bikers , its just I want one so I can get from place to place , such as school and uhmm yeah just to ride it around.
And I've heard of the kilo tt and I may think about getting it but the only one that I've seen is the all black one. Is there any other one with like different colors or do i have to customize it myself?
I really want like colors because I see people riding super cool fixies around here and I want one of my own with my style to it
Cause i was liking the colors on the sites i was talking about but I'm gonna stay away from the bikes themselves.

Squirrelli

The reason we don't recommend Big Shot, Republic, State Bicycle, it's because you could end up with a better equipped bike than the companies I mentioned with the same or less amount of money. However, if you don't mind getting subpar bike parts and frame at that price then I think they're okay...if only the aesthetic of the bike encourages you to ride more.

pylea

They have Kilos in lots of different colors. If you want a bike with crazy colors and decent components though you'd have to build one yourself.

OR... the EighthInch Scrambler is a decent bike and might be just the thing for you. Kind of pricey for what it is, but you are also paying for the color customization. I think you'd end up paying around the same price if you were to build one up with similar-quality components.

Squirrelli

The Scrambler would be a better choice than the off the shelf Republic/State/Christ/Big Shot and other cookie cutter sites.

rustybrown

I'm going out on a limb here, I want to know what's up with Big Shot.

Have no idea what their bikes are all about, but would like to see an honest review.

It's plastered up there, and I've never clicked. Think I know what to expect, but have no actual validation.

Would recommend Kilo. Stripper edition if you can swang it.

Gotti

Steezie

I might actually go with the scrambler because it looks pretty sick haha.
But how far does it go with riding and like parts that set it apart from the kilo tt?

pylea

Some of the Scrambler parts are probably better than the stock Kilo ones, although I think a lot of people would prefer the Kilo frame. Either way they are pretty much of similar quality and if looking sick is important to you then you should totally go for the Scrambler. It's a perfectly fine bike. Post pics after you get it, and let us know how you like it!

Squirrelli

^ dat

Steezie

Alright my parents will probably get me it if I ask because it would save them gas and all , now I just need to know where to get one.
The link that you posted for the scrambler above , is that the best site there is to get the scrambler or are there any other sites that sell them.
Its confusing with all the different parts to it and I guess I should look around fixie stores near me and see if they carry it.
And btw on the site do they come with brakes? my parents most likely want me to have brakes

Squirrelli

The site pylea posted is the official site to buy the bike and I don't think you could get them elsewhere.

Yes, brakes and levers are included.

What parts are you confused about? Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Steezie

Alright , here are some things I'm not sure about
Since I am 5'7 , a 53cm frame?
What crankset length should i get?
Whats a Straight/Riser Oury Grip?
Whats a freewheel?
What fixed cog size?
Then any "upgrades" you would prefer or recommend to get with the bike?
And the brakes and levers just come with it right? It's not under any category?
Oh , and also whats the difference between a machined and non-machined sidewall wheel

pylea

That site I linked is the best (and only?) place to get a Scrambler. I don't think stores will carry it; EighthInch is the fixed gear brand of a Wisconsin bike store called Wheel & Sprocket.

And yes, you can add brakes. I will try to explain the parts to you...


Frame Color / Size: You need to figure out what size frame you should get.
Wheel Color / Style: You would get machined sidewalls cause you are getting brakes.
Bar Style / Color / Size: Do you know the difference between bullhorns/drops/risers? 40 or 42 cm refers to the bar width.
- Alloy Bar-End Upgrade: You don't need this.
Seatpost Color: Self-explanatory.
Crankset Color/Length: You also need to figure out crankset length... bah idk how to explain this...
Pedal Style/Color: "Track" pedals or plastic BMX style pedals I'm guessing.
Chain Color: Self-explanatory.
- Half-Link Chain Upgrade: You don't need this.
Saddle Color: Self-explanatory.
Tire Color: Self-explanatory.
Track/Bullhorn Bar Grip : What color tape do you want on your bars?
Straight/Riser Oury Grip: If you get riser bars, what color grips do you want?
Freewheel: Choose this if you want to ride single speed (you can coast).
Fixed Cog Size: Choose this if you want to ride fixed; would also need to figure out an ideal gear ratio.
- Julian Wheel Upgrade: Basically if you want really deep rims... to look cooler...?
- Fyxation Session Tire Upgrade: Intense colorful tires... not necessary either but if you want to look cool.
- Freestyle Bar Upgrade (must be paired with freestyle stem): For doing tricks, i.e. unnecessary.
- Freestyle Stem Upgrade (must be paired with freestyle bar): For doing tricks, i.e. unnecessary.
- Freestyle Cranks Upgrade: For doing tricks, i.e. unnecessary.
- Splined Chainring Choice for Crank Upgrade: Unnecessary.
- Double Toe Clips and Straps Upgrade: Only need these if you are riding fixed, and unnecessary for single speed.
- Headtube Extender Upgrade : Unnecessary.
- KNOG Beetle Lightset Upgrade: These are little blinky lights, might as well add them if you are going to buy them eventually anyway.
- Bolt-On Bash Guard $10 (must be paired with splined chainring): Unnecessary.
- Sealed Headset Upgrade $50: Unnecessary.
- 15mm Socket / Bottle Opener Tool $10: Unnecessary.

I don't even know if that will help. But anyway the most important things you need to figure out are...

1. Are you going to ride single speed or fixed?
2. Crank length?
3. If fixed, what sized cog?

I think everything else is just a matter of picking colors.

pylea

Okay let's see. I'm 5'8" and I ride a 53cm frame just fine but I have long legs so who knows. Are you young? You seem young. I'm not sure how much room you are supposed to leave to grow into a bike, lol.

Crank length probably 170? Someone else can chime in, I don't really know.

Risers. Oury grips.

Freewheel is what you use when you ride single speed, which allows you to coast (continue to bike without pedaling) and you won't be able to stop by backpedaling or skidding. A fixed cog is what you use when you ride fixed (no coasting); there will be pedal resistance so you can stop, ride backwards, etc. The size matters because it will determine your gear ratio... and how much you have to pedal, how easily you can climb hills, etc.

No upgrades would be necessary, unless you want the extra deep rims or fancy tires.

Yes brakes/levers come with it.

Machined sidewalls have a braking surface, non-machined sidewalls do not. You'll want machined.

Steezie

I'm 14 and I guess a 53cm will do? Don't really know
I think I'm all set with everything else I just need to know what cog size and crank length to get.
And yeah I'm gunna be riding fixed so no freewheel

Squirrelli

pylea did a great job explaining the parts to you.

1. It's tough to tell what size frame you need size your torso might be shorter/longer and your legs/arms might be shorter/longer than another 5'7" person.
2. Crank length is a personal choice. 165mm seems to be the norm for fixed gear riders as you are less likely to strike your pedal when you're cornering. For what it's worth, I'm 5'11ish and have 170mm and fellow member is 6'6" and have 165mm.
3. Straight/flat is a set of bars with no rise or back sweep, basically like a baton. Risers is the opposite of straight.
4.Freewheel is for singlespeed. Like a track cog, but you can coast with it.
5. Cog size is dependant as to what ratio you want to use, generally, 70-72 gear inches is a good ratio. The stock crankset comes with a 46t chainring and if you want 70-72 gear inches, a 17t cog would be perfect.

As for upgrades, you will most likely switch out the saddle if you find it uncomfortable. Otherwise, upgrade is not need unless you break a part.

It is under "Stock Build Choices" in the description box.

If you have brakes, it is "recommended" to get wheels with machined side walls as they provide a better braking platform than non-machined.

pylea

Omg you're a BABY!!!!!!!! *pinches cheeks*

Yeah go for a 53cm. But if I recall the boys during the summer between ninth and tenth grade correctly, you might have a ridiculous growth spurt and then need a new frame...

Okay I guess now you just need to know what cog size. Your ratio will be 46:something. I feel inadequate giving advice about this. It would depending what kind of riding you do, and where.

Oh yeah and like Squirrelypoo said, 46:17 is typical and would prob work for you.

Squirrelli

It's not like he's 6 and has chubby cheeks.

LupinIII

so i haven't read any of this, but on big shot bikes:

one came into the shop needing an overhaul. headset was shot, about on par with walmart bikes, bb was pretty bad as well. mostly looked at the wheels though as the customer wanted them tensioned and trued.

first up, the wheelset was about 4kg, or almost 9lbs. now to be fair the tires and tubes were still installed, but even with those off the wheelset would still be around 2800g, well over 6lbs. they were built with quando hubs, which i haven't seen in forever due to their low quality and relative cheap price nowadays of sealed bearing formulas. wheels were all sorts of out of true and impossible to get perfectly straight. the owner hadn't put many miles on the bike (maybe a couple hundred)

i'd stay far, far away. somehow i think even a republic bike would be better (though don't read into that as a recommendation for a republic, but rather a reason to not consider a big shot at all)

If you have a decent lbs around you, i'd go in and talk to them about your budget. you'll spend more up front, but they should be able to set you up with something for $450-500 out the door (check out the smaller guys, the one i go to usually orders redline or torkers for budget-minded shoppers. the torker u-district is around $350-400+tax). figure that if you get a bike online, you risk getting the wrong size, damage in shipping, and improper assembly that may lead to broken parts. if you're mechanically inclined assembling a bike is super simple, especially a single speed. if you're not then you'll be paying an extra $75 to have a local shop assemble it for you.