Newb. Need help on finding the right fixed bicycle.
 

I'm a person who rides on whatever bike they can get they're hands on. Now it's time to get serious. I'm not getting a car with these gas prices.

I want something that is good for commuting for about 20 miles a day or so every now and then. It's going to be my main means of transportation. I will be out on all type of weather as well. I need something that is light and easy to handle/push because I get tired really fast. I have a condition that I'm not going into. & I'm carrying a bag with all my crap that is at least 10lbs.

Style does matter to me. I want to ride in something I'll really like. It's the same as riding in a car you are proud of. Budget wise I'm looking to spend anywhere from $300-$600 or so.

I'm a sucker for red or black frames with a white deep wheel-set.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Eiv2FEcOm...9f297d3b_o.jpg

http://totocycling.com/image/lightbo...white-side.jpg

First you need to find out what fits you, since it sounds like you have no idea.

FITMENT QUESTION?

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

>>>FITMENT CALCULATOR<<<

get a white belt and a white hat to go with your white wheels.

Thanks for the stupid answer, if you have nothing to contribute that will actually help then don't comment to help boost your forum posts. It's not going to make you popular in real life buddy.


& I already know what size frame I need. It's 55 thanks though. I checked out the rush hour before but when I rode it, it felt wrong and kind of hard to push.

then, i reckon skip the white wheels.

Your question isn't unique and we see it all the time. Going for aesthetics first is considered bad form here. That's why you got that answer.

And "hard to push" means the gear was too high. The Rush Hour isn't light, but its a legit bike.

then, fender and rack this thing http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/uno.htm .

I would rather not.

How about instead I get a pink frame with a green wheelset?

I mean, if you're into watermelons, go for it.

swell, i like watermelons and strawberry shortcake.

I would say Kilo TT.

You definitely need to look into gear ratios and play around with which ratio feels like something you can work with for an entire commute. Go read about gear ratios if you are a newbie to that concept.

As far as fitment goes, you should look into a comfortable relaxed fit. There are many ways to fit yourself on a bike. If you go for a more aggressive fitment you will fatigue more easily.

I highly recommend an IRO Mark V frameset if you can find one. Jenson bikes sells them for $270. If you can find one, I'd say this is your best bet as a very versatile frame. It can support front and rear brakes and even a water bottle boss. The tubing is teardrop shaped so it is stiff, and the geometry is quite relaxed. You'll feel very comfortable with this frame. With $330 left, I think you can work out the rest of the components, including a $100 white DV wheelset. Just be weary of your fitment on the bike when building up, and gear ratio - super important.

If you can throw down for it, I also think the bianchi san jose is a great complete bike :

http://www.bianchiusa.com/archives/1...gear/san-jose/

With a 42/17 ratio, it will give you that ride you're looking for and won't fatigue you. The components on this bike kick ass and as a complete piece, it rides amazing with the knobby tires. It also looks very classy (much more so than white DV's, in my opinion).

Didn't see it but this bike, is eerily similar to the san jose for way cheap. Sell the wheelset and get your white DV's?

That's a good suggestion ^ . Versatile bike right there. Flip/flop hub(you can ride fixed or freewheel, always a nice option), two brakes, room to run big tires, and if you want to get into cyclocross or just ride some (tame) off road paths you're ready to go.

If you're dead-set on a certain color scheme and aesthetic, then honestly you are going to be pretty limited on what we can suggest you.

If you are looking for something with both form and function in the 300-600 price range I would suggest something like a Mecier Kilo TT.

I personally opted for the Windsor Hour because it was on sale for about $280, which left me plenty of $$$ left over for a good fitting helmet, a quality lock, tools for maintenance, and some upgrades. There are still some available on BD in your size. You could buy a black one and rattle-can the wheels white or something.

I'm always of the mindset that you should go as inexpensive as reasonable because that leaves you money to upgrade as you learn what you like/tastes evolve. So scope through BD's website and see if anything jumps out at you.

Also, there are a lot of smart-asses on this forum - so when you ask a question you can pretty much expect the majority of answers to be trolling. Its obnoxious at first but you get used to it. It isn't a customer service hotline(in the sense that eventually we help you) so there's no point of getting pissed at anyone.

By the way, what kind of terrain are you going to encounter?

There is a lot of information being passed onto you in this thread.

I can't say it enough : 42/17 gear ratio... try it out at your local LBS

What?

That bike kicks ass as a commuter and would serve you more than some random steel frame and white DVs. Sometimes I don't understand why people need to go down this path of wasting money and going through hardship and failure to realize life can be easy and simple.

That's hella deep bro.

Deeper than white DV's...

I wouldn't recommend SS/FG for your purpose.

You'd do much better on a road bike, especially if it'ts going to be your method of transportation, and the fact that you get tired easily.

^^^ ... That might be the best answer. If it is going to be your only transportation and you currently "ride(ing) on whatever bike (you) can get (your) hands on", a geared bike might be the best choice.

I do not like geared bikes at all. I get tired because I have a condition that makes my body sore. I'm going to be riding around the city and sometimes I'm going uphill but like once every week or so. Fixed and BMX are the only things I can really ride without getting extremely tired.

I don't know how to explain it.

As for the frame the color doesn't matter I can always paint it over. The wheel set just appeals to me.

A geared road bike should make you less tired than a fixed gear/SS bike, I'm not quite sure I understand where you're coming from here. Is it a weight issue? Because the gearing should cover most of your problems with a road bike.

If you really don't want a road bike, go Kilo TT, or Kilo TT Pro, or Dawes SST-AL. All within budget, all pretty sw8 bikes. You can upgrade wheels as you see fit. The Alexrims on the TT Pro and the SST-AL are 30mm deep stock though.

I need to see a physician to uncover the root of my problem. I've had trouble riding geared bikes though. I absolutely hate them. It might be something personal from when I was a kid though. I don't know for myself.

Well there is someone selling this http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2919921566.html and I was wondering if it's something good to start with? Also is the price ok or should I negotiate?