pkpyro

What do you think of these bikes?
Getting into the fixie realm, got around $250 to blow. Live in Canada, so bike shipping from USA = $100 ~. I need 54cm frame bikes. If you got any recommendations, please give me some to consider. I might be able to buy up to a $350 bike (+$100 in shipping) if it's really worth it.

I like either unbranded and really simplistic, mono-coloured bikes OR eye-catching bikes (see my two links below for reference)

I have a pair of wellgo pedals w/ cage and straps that I'll put on these bikes, so pedals aren't an issue. Going to leave both brakes on until I'm comfortable riding a fixie.

Never heard of DAWES brand before. Like the simplistic design.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-FIXIE-BI...ht_8925wt_1073

Never heard of Fito bikes before, either. I looked around this forum for some of the components listed and apparently the hubs are crummy. Sure is a looker!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fito-FX-C-Fi...ht_5179wt_1030

ddeadserious

I know some guys around here run the Dawes SST, but I don't have an opinion on it. Have never heard of Fito at all though.

There are quite a few options on bikes direct in your price range: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm

A very popular one around here is the Kilo TT, it's a very good starter bike. I have the Gravity Swift 2 from BD and I really like it.

Only problem is that I don't believe Bikesdirect will ship to Canada, but shipping in the conUS is free, so if you could find someone stateside to receive it and ship it to you, you may be able to still come in at or under budget.

EpicSchwinn

Is a DIY conversion out of the question?

rustybrown

They're probably rolling off the same line in Taiwan.

But, based on reputation, the deck is stacked in Dawes' favour.

pkpyro

Unfortunately a DIY conversion is out of the question.

I got a roadie which is my commuter (+public transportation) and I live in Vancouver, which is hilly.
I'll still need a roadie as my commute involves me going up / down these hills and a fixie doesn't seem that suitable for a steep hill where I can get 60 kmh easy.

It looks like I'll go with DAWES, then. :S

Squirrelli

Have you been to the Bag of Dicks yet?

pkpyro

Ahaha. No I haven't, but their forum has even less up for sale than Vancouver Craigslist.
I'm constantly scouring Craigslist for a cheap fixie but... the only one I found under $300 was a fixie conversion with a fixed cog and the original sprockets. Chainline was severely bent and... vertical drop outs.. not very safe looking.

Oil_LOL

I have the same Dawes you wanna buy, with a couple upgrades (carbon fork, drop bars, nicer brakes). I use it as a beater commuter in fixie mode, and I love it, it's basically my first real bike. When properly set up, it's very comfortable, but, because of the lack of decals (the existing ones will come off after a week anyway), its a low theft target. if you aren't concerned about style, and more about fun and practicality, get this bike.