Fixie with Rack/Fenders?
 

So I need a new bike (for general "I don't have a car" transportation"), and I rode the Specialized/Globe Roll 1 today and fell in love with it. (When I ride geared bikes, I never shift, so it seems like a lot of dead weight to be carrying around/potentially damaging for almost no utility).

The problem is I really need some sort of rack on any bike I have. I'm willing to carry a messenger bag, but the bag I have is as heavy as I can carry at capacity, and sometimes I have more stuff. The guy at my LBS told me there's basically no way I can put a rack on the Roll 1. Is this true? I've seen some seatpost racks, but I don't know how well they work. I'm open to any kind of rack that I can put on the bike without modifying it too much.

I also hear that fenders are the right thing to do. I'm not sure I agree with this or not, but if I wanted to do fenders, would it be possible.

There are racks that mount to a seat post or use p-clips to attach to the seat stays, but they're not made to carry a very heavy load. Since you're shopping for a new bike now, I'd get one that's properly equipped. You've also got to consider clearance; if you're planning to use panniers then the short chainstays will virtually guarantee you end up kicking the bags while spinning.

If you're looking to go with a Specialized bike, consider the Langster instead. The chainstays are a bit longer and the frame has mounting holes for a rack. You probably won't be able to go much bigger than 25mm tires if you want fenders, but you will have the option. There are a lot of great single-speed commuters out there, but if you don't have much experience as a bike owner then it's probably best that you stick with your LBS' recommendations.

If your frame has rear-facing dropouts, full fenders make removing the wheel a PITA. If it's a road frame conversion, with forward facing dropouts -- no problem.

Go over to the touring subforum and look for my recent post on this question. There are lots of options.

OP - This is the type of bike you want. I'm assuming that you really want a single speed freewheel rather than a "fixie". This bike is a Salsa Casseroll, which has horizontal dropouts, threaded mounts for both fenders and a rack, and plently of clearance for both wide tires and fenders. Also, the chainstays are plenty long, such that you won't have a heel strike problem with panniers. This model is no longer made, however, there are similar models made by other manufacturers.

"I'm assuming that you really want a single speed freewheel rather than a "fixie"."

No, I specifically don't want a single speed freewhell, I want a fixie.

Redline 925

Pake C'Mute?

Yeah, if you read the thread I pointed you to you would see I got similar responses. I want what I want so answer the question I asked and don't tell me what you think I should do or what I want, right.

@TejanoTrackie: why are all of your bikes so ugly?

Casserolls are not ugly :(

Pretty much any bike can be made ugly.

This forum is testament to that for sure.

Yeah, I can't figure out why people say some of the bikes on here are "hot".

Because at his age eyesight ain't what it used to be :P :p j/k <3 TT.

probably because they're built to be used, not looked at.

Nice try, you know most of these people aren't actually riding.