So, the blackjack tables were kind to me this last weekend in Tahoe and I now have $700 to spend on a second bike (for which I've been in the market for a while). I'm definitely going with a fixed gear and want something pretty nondiscript looking since it will be my commuter/city bike so I want it to look low-key and not be more of a target for theft than necessary. However, I want something that has a nice ride, a stiff frame, track geometry, with decent components but room to upgrade.

I've had the usual Kilo TT in the past - upgraded the wheels, tires, saddle, pedals and bars and loved it. I'm probably going this route again (raw frame on BD, add an open pro/forumla wheelset, standard MKS pedals, decent saddle, I already have some track drops) but wanted to see if there are alternatives that I hadn't thought of. I need to stay within budget with or without upgrades. What is another good frame (preferably unbranded) to start with that would still allow enough cash for decent wheels, etc.? If you had an extra $700 what would you do?

I've yet to have seen a kilo TT on these guys:


Reynolds SDVC66.

And I hope you never do!

a wabi classic? it's a bit more at $750 + pedals, but it's reynolds 725, won't require upgrades, and is pretty logo-less

jamis sputnik still on closeout for $570 at https://www.bicyclebananasstore.com/2...09_sputnik.htm - reynolds 631 - could sell the wheelset and that + the leftover could get yourself a pretty nice set to go with. Or just leave it as is and very subtle

So you want a commuter... with track geometry? Hmmm, makes sense to me.

I've always secretly liked the Allez steel (MSRP $730):

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...01&scname=Road



But, you want a fixed gear, so never mind.

is that big block sale still going on??

hahahahahahaha........................

All I need is the kilo tt...

I totally misread your post sorry! XDDD

I thought you wanted wheel recommendations to blow your $700 on.... and that you still had your kilo tt...

shoulda stayed one more day and lost it all

and spent it on some laydeez

Yeah I tried to give it all back a few times, but I kept winning. And yes, I'm spending some on the lady.

So the Kilo raw just sold out since this morning, but now there's white, gold, and green available...damn. I've had a green Kilo and want something different, but not gold or white. That Jamis is kinda sick though; I may go that route.

So the trigger's been pulled. I went with the white unbranded Kilo and this will be my build:

Wheels: Mavic Open Pro black laced to Formula hubs
Tires: Conti GP4000 (which I'm in love with!) or Gatorskins 'cause they're cheaper and more durable
Cranks: Sugino Messenger 46t in black
Pedals: MKS Sylvan w/ leather double straps of some sort (may throw my schwag Keo's on there for long clipped in rides)
Bars: Nitto B123 w/ black Cinelli cork gel
Saddle: Brooks or Cardiff in black leather
Stem & Seatpost: Some middle of the road Ritchey, Easton or Cinelli threadless.
Cog/Chain: Who cares/wait and see

End of story. Now y'all can tell me how gay it will be and how I need to get this rather than that and ten more of you can say "dude...a track bike for a fun bike, yeah that makes sense..." Well, yes. Newsflash: bikes are fun and we all get off in different ways. Pics will follow soon!

I do too, but only because it is pretty. I don't know of any shop that stocks them anyway