Any SS pointers!?
 

I'm entertaining the idea of purchasing a single speed for toolin' around town. Any pointers? I'm hoping to keep the cost to around 300-400. Are there "specifics" I should be looking for? --

1. Prepare to get hazed/flamed or outright ignored. That question is way too broad.

2. As a newbie myself, I'll say this. Go used if you can, pick up a frame that fits you and research about the components/parts of a bike so you can gauge the overall value of a bicycle. Think about where/how you will use the bike and adjust for that.

$3-400 could get you a decent/nice single-speed if you search long enough.

like bigglypuff said, quite a vague question.

Letting us know how/where you'll be doing the majority of your riding is a good start. Does tooling around town include commuting or are you just going out for leisure rides?

inb4 kilo tt.

Good point...that was vague. -- I'll be using it to go bk and forth to my art studio (2miles) and around town, and to work. -- Probably about 5- 10 miles a day, city riding mostly...nothing too intense. Basically I just don't wanna keep riding my road bike cuz I'm nervous it will get lifted.

Here's my shortlist:
1. look for the proper size: some are S, M, L while others are in cm (53, 55, 57cm, etc)
figure out what size works for you

2. look for a cromoly frame. "butted" or "double butted" frames are lighter (and more expensive) but "straight cromo would be a good find in that price range.
There's nothing wrong with a hi-tensile steel frame, it's just heavy.

3. if you are just tooling around, riser bars are great. I think it looks good too.

4. there are so many, i would look for those and then get the colors you like.

Don't forget to budget a bit in for innertubes, tire and some basic tools if you don't have them.

Also, I wouldn't worry about gearing. You can get different cogs/freewheels for $20 or less so you can spin more or mash.


There are a lot of brands out there for ss bikes. good luck!

Kilo TT

Thanks for the leads, tips and advise... I appreciate your responses!

I'd have to agree with a lot of this. You say you already have a roadie, so maybe you know a bit about bike mechanics, maintenance and tools. I don't know that much, but I can say that getting the bike is the first and largest step, but it's only the beginning. There are a lot of other things you might need as well:

tool kit (levers, tubes, patch kit, wrenches, hex set, etc.)
lights
Fenders maybe? Isn't Minny weather pretty brutal at times?
Upgraded parts - many parts that come stock with new bikes (or if you go used) may not suit you or be to your liking. I think they should be upgraded as necessary, but it seems like experienced people know what they want and go for it immediately.

I haven't had a chance to use this in a while....




WHAT BIKE QUESTION?

http://i.imgur.com/YQM4D.jpg


>>>Kilo TT<<<

wait are you all being nice because there is a picture of a girl and it might be female?

duh

sup sqrl

Ooops, I was an asshat to the sqrl.

Nah. Sqrls dig funny **** like that (even if end result is kilo tt)

:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

:lol:

I hear bigshot bikes are nice.

You heard it here first from Yung Humma himself. Smang it.

HA!! This cracks me up. -- Just to confirm: I am a girl...a real one...no drag included. :)

I must say, the Kilo TT comes highly recommended, and is a very unanimous choice for many riders on here. Unfortunately, I wouldn't know cuz I'm new to this whole SS thing but It's gotta be a good ride if so many commuters vouch for it!

Ooo sqrl... Sup. Anyhow, used is the way to go. Especially if you already know how to determine a quality bike. Since you're not an ******* newbish dude, you probably won't get based as much as the typical new user. Feel free to stick around and ask tons of questions.

I'm under the impression that people start to swap out/upgrade parts on Kilo TT's sooner rather than later. Other members could probably chime in on that though. There's a reason why Jaytron posted his post though, it seems like the "go-to" bike.

grrl, would buy you somaneey bieks.

But really, the Kilo TT is a solid entry-level SSFG. There's many others, but they tend to creep into a slightly higher financial bracket, save for the occasional sale. For example, previous model Schwinn Madisons were going for two something at one point.

Keep your eyes peeled and select a bike that you like. For reals, if you like the way it looks, it will be ridden more. Troof.

Though, see you are in the north. Might want to go big tires.

Fact: My Kilo TT Pro is actually also my commuter. It's about 22mi round trip a day. :)


.... Not by choice though. I'm almost done building my roadie and I'll probably commute with that more.

front and rear brakes are needed

Id get a track specific frame as the bottom bracket is about 20mm higher than a normal road bike. This giveing the pedal less chance of hitting the ground. Also track frames look so much more cool :)

the kilo tt is my all purpose bike at the moment but only because my other bike(commuter, rain bike) is out of commission. the geometry of the kilo feels great to me, but it's definitely not the best commuter and all around bike for most people.

If you're going to commute a lot, you'd likely prefer something with better clearances for bigger tires/fenders and maybe something with more relaxed geometry. But I guess that depends on your riding conditions and preferences. Just something to think about though.

If you're looking for a new bike cause you don't want your road bike stolen, then I would go for something cheap, like sub-$200. I would not spend ~$400 on a beater. The Kilo is entry level, yes, but it's still a nice bike and would suck to have stolen, especially if you upgraded any parts (it's hard not to get the upgrade bug). Check craigslist for some good deals. If you find something that seems decent feel free to post the link and get some opinions from forum members.

Although I will always love riding harder and pushing myself on my road bike there is an obvious place for a SS, and you have just mentioned it above. However, I do that to say that I am a little bewildered as to setting the tension as a lot of people have mentioned on here. -- How do I know? Again, forgive the ignorance here but.... I don't wrench on my own bikes yet and cannot do a lot of the conversion and over-haulin' that most of you experienced riders do dalily! So, with that said, how do i get a good barring on what I should be set up on- tension/gearwise? I get the whole bike fit etc... but to figure out what tension/resistance I ride is completely beyond my skills. -- ?? As a lot of you have mentioned, I need to pick a gear that seems like a solid one in most all situations then rock it out for the next 2 weeks. -- So after I do this how do I buy one that is rigged for my exact liking?... or do I just figure it out then spin into a shop and have them rig it for me?! Hmmmm, input is appreciated but remember as much as it sux, I'm a newbie so U are probably gonna have to simplify your "tech- speak" a little so this rookie can follow what your sayin'!! LOL! And thanks, you all have been crazy helpful up to this point!