jaredpa29

Hey everyone, I'm a freshmen in college and I'm looking for a bike to ride around campus and go on bike rides on the weekends ever so often. So a pretty casual bike. I want a single speed because of how simple they are and I love how smooth they run. I'd prefer a single speed that is not a fixie, because i like the ability to coast, but with my budget i realize i cant be too picky. I have a small budget of around $300, I'm a poor college kid. I do like vintage, or simple steal frame, look but its not essential. This will be the first bike i buy myself. So i have have some questions. Do I buy a new bike, or do i buy a used bike that might be a nicer model? Does anyone have any suggestions on a model? It seems like a lot of people build their own bike, does that save money? If it does is it worth the time, and how hard is it to do? Can i expect to get a descent bike for 300 or less?

thanks,
Jared

homebrewk

Kilo TT. $50 above your budget but if can manage it that's what I would get.

UCF Eric

You can look around Craigslist for a used bike, you can find an old road bike and convert it to SS if you want, or you can check out this and find something from here. Building a bike costs more money, knowledge and some sort of special tools that you may not have access too.

yummygooey

Don't steel bikes, bro!

RaleighSport

I don't know what your time constraints are like, but I personally tend to pick up bikes in pairs at the dump so I have backup components then do all the work myself, most I've needed to buy so far are a few cables but in this case probably a new chain/freewheel also, umm dunno if that's helpful but all my bikes have cost me under 100 total so far.

EssEllSee

Need to rename forums to "Single Speed/Fixed Gear - Buy a Kilo"

TejanoTrackie 

1) Singlespeed
2) Under $300
3) Not a POS

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...wift_track.htm

EssEllSee

Chances are he lacks the tools and knowledge to undergo such an endeavor

homebrewk

Hey, it was obligatory. BD has many good bikes for the OP's price range.

yummygooey

What's the weather like at your college? I'll be honest and say that there have been multiple times I wished I had full fenders...

EssEllSee

+1. Riding in the rain with a full trail of water up your back is no fun.

kyselad

I convert my bikes, but unless you have a particular reason for doing so yourself, I don't recommend it. Buying new will save you time, headaches, and (usually) money. Bikesdirect has lots of bikes that are plenty good and well-priced, so I would check their pretty broad selection and see what suits you.

Agreed -- think about the flexibility afforded by whatever bike you go with. Fenders make a huge difference in foul weather, and many modern bikes lack eyelets for easy installation and/or practical clearance between the tires and frame. If you're looking to ride even moderate distances, I'd also recommend regular road brake levers with hoods.

UCF Eric

I'll agree with this, I just rode home in the rain and wishing I had fenders.

jaredpa29

Kilo TT looks like an great bike, but it looks like it doesn't have any breaks(correct me if i'm wrong, cuz i probably am). I don't think im experienced enough for that.

EssEllSee

To be honest, I hate riding in the rain period. Then you have to clean your bike when you get home

EssEllSee

Most come with a brake

jaredpa29

I know this is a dumb question but what is POS?

RaleighSport

Oh there's also this thing... which would leave you about 100 bucks to upgrade? https://www.amazon.com/TRACK-FIXED-FI...0062394&sr=8-1
POS is Piece of (bleep)

Phil_gretz

Jared,
Take some time to proof read your posts before submitting them. You have misused the words "steal" and "breaks" - doesn't bode well for your fulfilling the freshman English Composition requirement without grade points lost.

Oh. And good luck with the bike, too. You've received good advice so far. If you have the inclination and tools, assembly of a BikesDirect bike isn't too difficult. Maybe you have a friend who's handy and has the necessary bike experience to help with the assembly and checkout? Be careful to check that every fastener and bearing surface has been properly assembled, tightened, and lubricated, though. PG

jaredpa29

I was looking the road bike outlet and saw these two bikes, but cant find a review on either of them. Would they be what you guys consider POS?

https://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/single...gear-bike.html

https://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/single...peed-bike.html

EssEllSee

That, among his lack of reading comprehension on the bikesdirect website clearly stating there are brakes included, as well as his lack of common sense regarding the abbreviation POS. I kid, I kid

jaredpa29

is says that for the Kilo TT it has a 16T Fixed Gear (rear hub has fixed gear cog on one side, you can put your own single speed freewheel on the other side)

how much would it cost to but a freewheel on?

UCF Eric

They both look to be Vilano's which don't get a lot of good reviews or remarks around here.

EssEllSee

About 20$.

jaredpa29

i founds a specialized globe on craigslist for $350. its only a 48 cm though and im 5'10"