Best Bang for $700?
 

I posted a little while ago, but my plans have changed a lot, so here's a new thread:

So I currently use a vintage 10 speed for everyday biking in very flat Indianapolis, and a nice new Trek for long rides. What I'm looking for is a nicer way to ride my normal <10 miles everyday, and more specifically I would like it to be fixed gear.

I have a local shop that's pretty helpful with all things fixed gear, but I'm a bit too busy to be test riding at the shop for now, so I though I'd get as much prior knowledge and advice as possible. I have $600-$700 to spend (And I really don't want to go over $700), so I want the everyone's opinion on what the best value would be in that price range (and it doesn't have to be a complete bike; if LBS labor is factored in for the difficult steps, I'm fine with building one right off the bat). So no racing, not much hauling, just casual ~1 hour a day riding around a flat city.
So far I've been eyeing an Iro Mark V, Bianchi Pista, Jamis Sputnik, and Kil WT.
So your thoughts? Thanks in advance.

This has all those you listed beat by a country mile >>> http://www.wabicycles.com/classic_bi...c_cream10.html Reynolds 725 baby!

too bad the wabi is only available in such awful colors.

the white/cream looks fine to me.

I kinda really dig that "Desert Turquoise".

he does custom paint colors too

How much extra? Depends on the color choice?

I absolutely positively agree with TT. on every single point.

email richard

he'll probably email you back right this second...
the guy is on the ball.

wabi
iro
kilo + upgrades
sputnik
all city
surly

Thanks for the replies everyone! The Wabi looks like a great option. Does anyone know if it's only available online? I'm also looking at the option of maybe a cheaper bike (like a Kilo WT or TT) with some upgrades, because it'd be nice to be able to spread the payments out.

So if I was going for ~400-500 bike with another $200 in upgrades, other recommendations? What are usually the worst quality parts on average bikes like the TT?

if you're going for a $400 bike almost everyone is going to recommend the Kilo based on 500 similar threads I've read.

All City, Surly and Jamis are (not sure of All City) having closeouts on old good bikes as well, not quite $700, not quite $400. check out the last few pages of the great deals thread

I still don't get it. why not just duct tape your shift levers?

Well, for sure the pedals, saddle and tires need to be replaced. The wheels and cranks on the Kilo TT Pro and WT are decent quality and other components like the seatpost and stem are crude, but will get the job done. Some components such as the brakes are the same as those found on the higher priced brands. The problem for me is that you are still left with a lower quality frame. The dropouts on the Kilos are cheap stamped steel pieces instead of proper castings as found on better frames such as the Wabi. The frame is the core of any bike and IMO should be the best quality possible for a given price. The only reason I don't own a Wabi is that I'm vertically challenged, and Wabis are not made in small enough sizes to fit me. :(

Oh god, I guess I'm getting a Wabi when I upgrade, then. Sad that the only sticking point for me was the paint job...

exactly what I was thinking. those colors were always a big turnoff. I never liked the red or the champagne on the special

I really love my Iro that i bought for 680, still riding great after a year. I do wish that I would've looked into the wabi more looks like a sweet ride

+1 on the Wabi. When I was looking into them, I received prompt informative replies. Kinda wish I knew what I know now because I would have bought one, especially knowing he does custom paint jobs :(

also, motobecane team track.

Have you checked out the Trek Earl? At first i wasn't too sure about them until i actually rode one around. The steel feels great, they are not that heavy at all, and are pretty neat little frames. A U Lock fits great into the separated top tube. A really awesome bike for rolling around the city in like you want to do. Plus, you should be able to find them for around $450.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...rban/earl/earl


.Chris

So I just went down to my LBS and they helped me decide on a new Pista. I realize there might be a few slightly better options out there, but it's the best option for me that they're going to stock this season, and I want to support them. But thanks for all the input guys; I'll keep it in mind next time I start shopping around again!

Last thing: Does anyone know much about the stock Pista? Any faults I should look into when I get it?

Well, you're certainly not getting the most bang for the buck by going with the Pista, which is somewhat overpriced IMO. However, it's nice that you're supporting your lbs, so I'm not going to criticize your decision. AFAIK, there are no serious problems with the current Pistas, although years ago they had problems with bad welding where the chainstays are attached to the seatube.

I feel like there's better ways to support your LBS

Save up and get a wabi lightning? Darn, I was too late. Props to Richard at wabi, he is great!