Fuji Feather vs BD
 

I've been perusing the BF posts looking for info regarding inexpensive but lightweight single/fixed gear bikes and I have come across a ton of threads praising all of these BD bikes. And a lot of hate for the Fuji Feather or anything else in the <$600 LBS bike. I appreciate a good value, but aren't aren't these BD bikes essentially ripping off of the original Fujis and cutting corners in order to deliver a cheaper alternative? Maybe I'm just being vain, but the 2012 Feather (especially the black out version) blows away all of the BD bikes in terms of aesthetics. And there are so many obvious advantages to buying from a LBS, especially for someone who is somewhat new to the scene. I guess in this culture it is cooler to have the cheaper online generic rather than the retail name brand? I am ranting without a specific purpose, really just looking to stir the sh*t pot and keep the conversation going...

cutting corners on an already pretty corner-cut product, yes.

just because fuji is 'authentic' and 'original' doesn't mean it's good. and honestly it's about as original as a macdonalds big mac is.

the thing is, a fuji feather isn't that great of a bike. it's not bad, but a kilo is half the price and a better frame. and when you buy a bike, the main thing you're buying is the frame, especially on a track bike where there's not much to it but that.

A repaint and stickers (if that is your thing) work wonders in the aesthetics department.

that's the nicest thing I've ever heard anyone say about a Feather

Kilo is such an "original" response. Am I being too nice to the Feather... Its a badass looking bike and a decent performer for the price, no?

Thing is, I don't wanna repaint to get rid of the advertisement on wheels look. The Moto has a clean look and is enticing, but... 1) only comes w/rear brake 2) lack of freewheel 3) saddle and pedals need replacing

I get front and rear bakes w/ Fuji, a freewheel, comfortable saddle, and decent pedals.


BigMac? Maybe... who doesn't love a BigMac

Despite being more expensive, the Feather is not a better bike than the BD ones that people rave about on here. You're essentially just paying more money for the name brand, but if you're okay with that and form is more important to you than function, then go for it. You just might regret it later when you want to switch out components for better ones (trust me, this is inevitable) and you had already spent ~$580 on the complete bike rather than ~$280.

Also just cause some of us buy stuff on the interwebz doesn't mean we don't still support the LBS. ;)

I worked in a shop that sold Fuji bikes and I'd rather have a Kilo than a Feather any day.

The stem on the feather flexes like a wet noodle and the stock bars are useless. The wheels are boat anchors, the crankset is nothing special and the pedals/clips/straps are junk. Also, the Concor knock-off saddle is a nightmare.

But hey, it's your money.

and also, you can get the kilo stripper which has no branding on it so you dont have to be an 'advertiesment on wheels'. which is what you will be doing if you get a feather plus being a fashion *****

I guess the BD propaganda machine has worn me down- just checked out the Stripper Chrome edition and it looks pretty sweet. Anyone own the chrome with pics to post?

I took a 54 Feather for a spin the other day and it felt really comfortable, at least as far as leg extension. When I got into the drops I felt way too hunched over and just awkward. Would I wanna go with the 53 or 55 Kilo if I want a slightly more upright position?

Also, I'm assuming that the bar tape comes off easily and I can position the brake(s) closer to the stem?

Not the Feather, but I have a Classic Track and had the same issue with feeling hunched over when I first got the bike. I flipped the stem and got bullhorn bars and H'dTFU and I find the bike comfortable now.

it always wins.

http://i.oodleimg.com/item/284974991...60f?1324021647

53 kilo has a long, 55cm top tube so you definitely want the 53. i ride a 54 and the 53 kilo fits me perfectly.
unfortunately, the bar tape is permanent and if you try to remove it the welds will all fail instantaneously. the brake however, is best moved ONTO the stem so that when you hit something, your chin will actuate it and rewind time before the accident. you have to be going 85mph for that to work but it's much better than having the brake mounted anywhere useful.

OK, guys. Start over.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2...l/IMG_1389.jpg
my chrome kilo b4 i sold it.

http://i.oodleimg.com/item/284974991...60f?1324021647

Nice! If if go with the Kilo, I'm def going with chrome. Do you mind letting me know what components you've swapped out from the original kit? Thanks for the input... I'll put the topic of freewheel installation on hold for now

the bfssfg bikedirect satellite sales office commends you on making the correct decision.
do not renege on your commitment, purchase a kilo or risk becoming an outcast...

oh that's not mine.
this was mine:
http://www.pedalroom.com/p/emerald-kilo-1559_34.jpg

i'm thinking that's a deep v wheelset, bmx pedals and straps, and nitto rb-021

and honestly i think that's it.

i liked mine better. king headset, b43, turbo perforated saddle, b123, thompson post... if it had 75s and the nitto jag stem, it would have been sweet. but at that point, you start wanting a higher quality frame.

To move the levers closer to the stem on the kilo, you would need to pick up a lever with a larger diameter clamp. The stock bars are wider near the stem than where the bar tape is. Atleast that is how the Pro bars are, not sure if the standard TT is the same.