Well now you've done it. You called Scrod the "Fixie God"
He's gone back into his den and there will be 6 more weeks of winter.

To answer your question, all the bikes you've listed are just fine. Pick one you like and buy it.
Better yet, check the *cough* Retrogression *cough* website and see if any of those are there.

/not scrod

Correction: Fixed gear god.

At least once a week, someone will come into the shop with ideas of doing a "full custom build" and have a projected budget of $600 or less. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a budget of $500-600 but even with the crappiest parts, it's just not possible. For example, an average Pake build done here using mid-range components and cutting a few corners when it comes to smaller things runs in the $750-850 range (including build labor) and typical Leader builds can easily add up to anywhere between $1200-1600.

All three of the bikes you mention are pretty good bang for the buck as far as off-the-shelf completes go.

my first bike came out to about 600 not counting shipping costs, and that was truly bottom of the barrel parts, by no means a fast race bike.
it was good enough to see that i loved it and what i wanted out of a "good" bike, my leader is somewhere upwards of 1500, thats with a totally on sale frame and recycling some parts

in retrospect i shouldve bought complete, it wouldve been better for less money and provided me with the same if not better experience

just my nickels, cuz nickels is money too.

Hey Scrod,

Do these crankarms look like they're in good condition? (let me know if you need any more photos to tell )

Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4

Thanks!

The BB interface looks good. How are the pedal threads?

Fixie God? Think Hulk with a chainwhip

Pedal threads are in even better condition -- I was just unsure about the BB interface, thanks for letting me know!

How does it feel to not only be the fixie god but also fixie famous.
Couldn't help but notice your shop in the newest leader video. You're so cool you get put on bike blogs now....

Link ?

My LBS came back with a "custom" build of all orgin8 products for a fixe coming in at $480. I still think I am sold on the fyxation eastside.

Computer Club on Vimeo

haha, that's hilarious.

That video was made as a spoof of this:

So I have nitto rb-001 bullhorns (similar to rb-002 but different clamp size) and I am having trouble getting bar plugs that will fit, given that the ends curl and are not straight. Do you know if the nitto plugs you sell will fit my bars?

Scrod, I recently built a cinelli and come to you again with an issue I just can't solve. I'm using a Kmc K710 Kool 1/8" Chain, and when I try to skid stop, I occasionally get a massive "clank!" as if the chain jumps a tooth or something. I've tested my chain line and it looks straight and the chain doesn't seem to want to jump off at all. Also, occasionally from a dead stop, if I give it a hard pedal my rear wheel skips on occasion briefly, then rides normal. My chain link tool may have messed up one of the links on a bit of a grunt install (chain was so big it didn't fit perfectly), but I was careful, and they all look perfect and don't seem to be seized. Any advice? New Chain? I am using an all city cog and omnium cranks.

Looking to buy a bike for around $300; which one would you choose and why?

Windsor Clockwork PLUS:
Save Up To 60% Off Windsor Fixie Singlespeed Bikes - Clockwork

Motobecane Record CF:
Save Up To 60% Off Fixie Track Bikes | Track Bikes | Fixie Gear | Single Speed Bicycles | Motobecane singlespeed bicycles | Save up to 60% off list prices

Motobecane Track:
Save Up to 60% Off Motobecane Singlespeed Bikes - 2012 Track Bicycles by Motobecane USA up to 60% Off

They fit the RB-002 without any troubles so they'll probably work.

It's really easy to **** up the pins on those chains by removing them and pushing them back in. You should've used the master link.

I would choose the same one you do after hanging out on the forum for a while and doing some research on your own.

Thanks!

i had this happening with my first bike and it turns out the chain wasnt skipping, the cog just wasnt fully tightened and needed to use my massive guads to tighten it all the way down. make sure to check the lockring and if it can be tightened again thats probably it

+1
It sounds like a loose lockring/cog to me, as opposed to a chain issue. I had this happen on my first bike, and occasionally when I change my gearing. Really tighten that thing down, and see if it stops.

Considering that we are talking about that specific chain and that he admittedly may have messed up one of the links I immediately figured it would be the chain, as I've heard (and felt) quite a few of them click and pop right where the fouled link is.

My refusal to believe that people still don't know how to properly tighten a cog or lockring made me overlook it. I suppose it could be a possibility, although a cog slipping usually doesn't make that much noise.

I have a good chain whip and park tool lock ring wrench, so I'm certain these were put on properly. I'm going to my lbs to buy a new chain today, I'll use the master link as suggested. Thanks for the help guys. Btw, scrod, that video is awesome ha.