CoffeeBlood

Hello forum,

I am looking for some advice. I have never owned a fixed/single gear bike before, but the mechanics vs. a multi geared bike attract me. The maintenance factor alone is enough of a reason for me to opt for a fixed/single gear bike over a multi.

The problem is even with all my research I still feel like I don't know enough about bikes in general to make a purchase. I don't want to buy something that is considered low quality, but I also don't want to break my bank account.

I was looking at Pure Fix bikes and I like the look of them, but they make their frames from High Tensile Steel... which I have come to learn from reading on the forum is a no no. Also, it seems that their bikes are composed of sub-par materials throughout the whole bike. I understand that all the parts can be upgraded, but that most people don't upgrade the frame... the just make sure they get a good one to begin with.

I am looking to spend around the $500 range (Is this number unrealistic for a good bike?) and possibly push it to $700.

Would it be easier/cheaper to just by parts and build a bike?

bbattle

It will be cheaper by far to buy a complete bike.

www.bikesdirect.com has several popular models of fixed gear bikes to choose from. Kilo TT, for example.

Please read https://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html and https://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html

Also read the threads at the top of this forum. Like the one entitled: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...eed-Start-Here!

Jaytron

It is not cheaper to build a bike. Unless you just have a ton of spare parts laying around, which I'm assuming you don't.

The biggest thing is, you want to make sure you get a bike that fits you correctly. Do you know what size you are? No, it isn't only based on your height and stand over.

As bbattle suggested, the stickied threads are a great place to start.

CoffeeBlood

Just finished reading them. Good stuff! Thank you.

I am 5'8'' with a 33.75'' inseam.

I am looking at this bike right now. I would want to replace the handlebar with a bullhorn though.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ott_pro_xi.htm

is mercier a decent bike?

Jaytron

I kind of just said that it's not based solely on height and stand over.

FITMENT QUESTION?



>>>FITMENT CALCULATOR<<<


To answer your question, yes Kilo TT is probably the most commonly recommended bike on BFSSFG

CoffeeBlood

Thanks!

These are my results:



It looks like a 55cm-56cm would be my size.

Jaytron

Compare the Top Tube length with the geometry of the bike. Something looks like it may be off, because your seat tube height is pretty high, but your TT length is pretty low. Or do you just have long legs/short arms+torso?

If those are right, the 53cm Kilo TT Pro seems like a good fit. The TT is 54.5cm, but the stock stem I think is 90mm.

renton20

Especially this time of year I would go to your LBS(local bike shop) They will help you get fitted to the right size bike and they will likely have last years models on closeout. At my shop we have stuff like 09' sputkniks for $500 right now. That is likely a way better deal than you will be able to find even on bikesdirect.

Jaytron

It's fairly late for closeout if you have a common size imo. BUT it definitely doesn't hurt to try.

JesusBananas

wat

I want a $500 '09 Sputnik.

CoffeeBlood

Thank you, I will measure again to make sure.

Sounds like a good plan. I have a LBS like 2 blocks from my house.

Also, does anyone know if I can put something like this:

https://ecom1.planetbike.com/4001.html

on a Kilo TT Pro?

Jaytron

AFAIK, the Kilo TT Pro does have the rear rack jams (I forget what they're called). Somebody can chime in on this info, or I can check when I get home.

TMonk

lol jaytron thats an awesome meme.

i dont even know what kind of animal that is

CoffeeBlood

Sweet thanks!


Does anyone know if getting the Kilo Stripper would be a better option... it appears to come with both front and rear break and break levers.. where as the TT pro only has the front setup. It doesn't have a free wheel, but that sounds like an less expensive upgrade then buy a rear break.... I could also be totally wrong.

broakland

The Stripper edition has an added bonus of being stripped of all those ah-some graphics they put on the regular Kilo. If you are minimalist type and looking for a cleaner look: I highly recommend the Stripper version. Those stickers are under clearcoat, theyre huge too, so not so pleasing to my eye.

CoffeeBlood

I am also not a big fan of decals. I am leaning towards the stripper right now in MattBlack.... probably the 55cm or 57cm. Sadly, they are sold out. Where else can you order one of these bad boys from other than bikesdirect?

Jaytron

I think it's a Lemur. I remember him from Zaboomafoo.



Freewheel is less expensive. The Pro has better cranks/wheels though.

I'd get the stripper for this reason myself. I like the clean look.

CoffeeBlood

The price difference it 60 dollars. So, the question is.... are the better cranks/wheels worth the 60 dollars.... keeping in mind I will have to buy breaks for the rear? And also sacrificing the clean look I like so much. And down the road I will more than likely have to replace the cranks/wheels anyway.

Kayce

A decent BRAKE(pet peeve) costs around $30. That is lower than the cost to upgrading the wheels and cranks to equal. But no one says you have to ever change out the wheels and cranks. They only reason to ever upgrade anything is if you have an issue with it.

Street rider

Dude. Zaboomafoo was my ****.

CoffeeBlood

Very good point. Anyway, they are sold out of both the TT Pro and Stripper...

CoffeeBlood

I found out that the TT Pro actually does have a rear and front brake... so I think I will be going with that as soon as they get some back in stock. Does anyone know how often they restock?

highonpez

They have scratch and dents here, but since it's spring it's pretty sparse. You can keep checking back though.

Scrodzilla

https://www.bikesdirect.com/contact.htm

CoffeeBlood

Thanks! I will take a look.

Yep, already went there and contacted them. I was wonder if anyone knew from personal experience.