Recommendations on first Fixed Gear purchase
08-29-11 | 11:59 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
Recommendations on first Single Speed purchase
Hey there folks...brand new to the board.
I'm looking at purchasing a new Single Speed bike to use for inner city travel instead of my MTB. I like the styling & simplicity of SS bikes, but don't know a whole lot about them, or which ones are better than others.
I've been doing some online research, as well as visiting a few local shops, and I have come up with a list of bikes that have caught my eye. Would love if some more knowledgeable folks could let me know if any these bikes are good/bad, and perhaps maybe some suggestions as to what else out there might fall into the same category. I do know a couple things - I don't want drop bars (prefer flat or risers) and I definitely want a freewheel rear hub.
Here's what I've come across so far:
I'm looking at purchasing a new Single Speed bike to use for inner city travel instead of my MTB. I like the styling & simplicity of SS bikes, but don't know a whole lot about them, or which ones are better than others.
I've been doing some online research, as well as visiting a few local shops, and I have come up with a list of bikes that have caught my eye. Would love if some more knowledgeable folks could let me know if any these bikes are good/bad, and perhaps maybe some suggestions as to what else out there might fall into the same category. I do know a couple things - I don't want drop bars (prefer flat or risers) and I definitely want a freewheel rear hub.
Here's what I've come across so far:
- Globe Roll 2
- Masi Fixed LTD / Riser / Flat / Uno
- Felt Brougham / Gridloc
- Scott Sub 45
- Norco Spade / Heart
- Bianchi Pista
- Kromica Shadow / Beetle
- State (pretty much every model)
- Haro Objekt
- Trek 5th District / Soho S
- Marin Dominican / Inverness
Last edited by electroleum; 09-05-11 at 01:28 PM.
08-30-11 | 02:35 PM
#7
Rhythm is rhythm
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 1
From: Salt Lake City
They're all nice bikes. The Kilo TT has a good reputation on the forums, but it's not hugely better than any of the ones you have listed, mostly just cheaper. You should buy whichever bike you like the most because you have to ride it everyday so you gotta love it. Purchasing it from a local bike shop that knows their stuff and you can go to with questions would also be beneficial to the novice. They also might give you a better deal if you talk to them about it. Personally I like the looks of the Masi, and can't complain about the Bianchi Pista (I own one), it is an excellent bike that takes well to upgrading and looks good with a lot of different components.
08-30-11 | 02:45 PM
#8
pro in someone's theory
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 3
From: Las Cruces, NM
Bikes: FTP
Don't get the State. BFSSFG will make fun of you forever. Basically if you get it, it means that you were willing to pay too much money for a bike with a poor reputation for the sake of fancy colors. I don't know anyone who has one so I can't really say but the Kilo TT will have reliable components and a good frame for much less money.
08-30-11 | 03:32 PM
#9
Enson
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 389
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
Bikes: Surly Steamroller
08-30-11 | 05:46 PM
#10
yoked
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 1
From: S
The Bianchi Pista is an excellent choice.
08-30-11 | 07:54 PM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
The Globe Roll 2 and the Bianchi Pista are both really nice quality bikes and ive ridden both and experienced them. I also have a friend who has a State and its not too bad from what I hear from him but if you have the money to get a Pista or Globe id choose that over the State anyday.
08-31-11 | 04:22 AM
#17
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
You're right, I should have included the intended usage for the bike. I plan on using it for basic inner-city commutes. Ride it to work at the bar...ride it to campus, etc... It's only a few KM each way to both, so nothing too lengthy. Perhaps the occasional leisurely ride down the bike paths. If I really want to go for a lengthy ride I'll just haul out the MTB and ride that. My price range is in the $800 CDN and under. One LBS has their Globe Roll II's on sale for $650...which is what I'm kinda leaning towards atm.
08-31-11 | 10:05 AM
#20
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 9
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From: Calgary, AB
And I must say....I also really like the look of the Pista Dalmine
09-01-11 | 01:07 AM
#23
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 793
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
Bikes: Brodie Force w/ Xtracycle, Dahon Helios, Merida Folding, Pacific Carryme, Softride Classic
Get a Kilo TT. Change the pedals and saddle. Mount Michelin Krylions at the first puncture of the OEM tires. Live happily ever after. Oh yeah and install at least the front brake.
09-02-11 | 12:07 PM
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9,948
Likes: 400
From: PHL
Bikes: Litespeed Catalyst, IRO Rob Roy, All City Big Block