gigantor

donno why it posted 4x... sorry :|

JesusBananas

You mean the less ugly color is still available, only in giant size.

Forum has been acting a little weird for me since last night. You can delete extra posts though.

spierce7

I appreciate everyone's help. I really would know nothing if it wasn't for you guys.

Alright, gigantor (thanks for all your posts of wisdom btw), right now in my head what is seeming the most reasonable for the price is maybe a custom IRO. Are you recommending that I customize it with them, or buy the parts separately and piece everything together (I'm mechanically inclined. I've taken apart car engines, mopeds, built computers, etc)? I don't need something crazy right now, but I'd like something that I could upgrade from should I want to do anything in the future.

IRO will allow me to put on fenders?
If I so desired could I convert it to a bike with gears, etc?

max5480

#1: lbs (local bike shop)
#2: singlespeed?
#3: surly steamroller

spierce7

Steamroller price seems a bit more reasonable. Would I be able to add another brake to the front of it?

fenders, etc?

I still wana hear about what gigantor says about the IRO

gigantor

Nope, no gears on the IRO later on. They're single speed frames.

You can run brakes on both wheels. You can definitely customize and get more of what you want, but you would also be ok with buying a complete from them.

There weren't any other bikes at the shop that you liked?

Jaytron

FITMENT QUESTION?



>>>FITMENT CALCULATOR<<<

bfloyd6969

Yup - I had to get the more ugly version Still a heck of a deal though, IMO.

adriano 

honestly, get this to commute:

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/uno.htm

and get this for awesomeness:

https://www.airbornebicycles.com/products/99-delta.aspx or https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fantom_cxx.htm or https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._pro_rival.htm

and have a lot of leftover for goodies.

Dcv

I love my FCU, but honestly it's the bike I use the least for my commute (13 miles each way to georgetown). I usually commute on one of my road bikes, I ride the FCU off-road or in snow. I think you should get a bike you love, that will make you want to ride more. Just store it inside at work.

silent_chief

I have the geared alum. version and it is pretty much a perfect commuter IMHO. Tire clearance, speed, cross levers for traffic, etc. etc.

I did convert to 1X9 and I do think I'd prefer steel, but this is a great bike to start commuting on for the price. I have, and I figure in a year or two I'll upgrade to either a Surly Crosscheck or increase the stable to a Fantom Cross Uno if I continue to ride as much as I have.

Again, I wouldn't jump into gearless right away... or a frame that can't go gears. I've personally been lusting after a single speed myself, but sometimes there are just days where you want to spin in a low gear. Coffee hasn't kicked in, headwinds, etc. You want to make the commute as easy as possible, so getting on the bike is the default option, not a production... but that's just me. This is a conversation better had in the commuting forum

That UNO does look sweet.

adriano 

if you can store it inside, go crazy, rival or apex crosser with narrowish slicks if you wish.

if you cant and its hilly, geared fantom.

if you cant and its flat enough, fantom uno.

Dcv

Sorry I should've clarified, all my bikes are ss/fg. I prefer my other lighter bikes with road tires for the commute.

Santaria

I'm a big proponent of the beauty of a track-specific dropout on a bike, however, if you're going to have one bike and expect it to do it all - then I recommend a bike designed as a convertible.

For the money, and just to add to the plethora of quality steeds that have been represented, I would recommend this (and its a quality ride that I have myself):



https://www.handsomecycles.com/bicycles/xoxo.php

They have a polished chrome frame for 2012.

The 700c version is what I ride (the frame of):



https://www.handsomecycles.com/bicycles/devil.php

Mine is linked in my pedalroom - and yes, they are very solid as a FG/SS unit. Have rack and fender mounts and come sans stickers. Grandma's ashes is beautiful and yet still subtle enough not to catch a lot of attention.

g0tr00t

Hey spierce7, I like to read reviews, so this link might help

https://www.bicycling.com/gearfinderp...egory&gfid=875


If I could have a "do over", I'd look at this one

Trek District S

spierce7

I think I've decided on the cross-check. After reading some reviews, I'm going to go with that. I'm assuming that the complete bike is fine at first? Or should I just buy the frame and build it myself?

g0tr00t

Looks like a cool bike.

I wouldn't build one. I am glad I bought a SS/FG bike complete. Now....when/if I build one I know what "I" want and don't want.

JesusBananas

If you have no experience building bikes before, and you need a bike to ride soon, I'd definitely recommend complete. Building could take awhile, especially since you'd need to order tools and parts in addition to learning how to do everything.

If you want to switch parts later, it is much easier to do piecemeal.

However, building from scratch is definitely a fun project, but, in my opinion, it is best done when you have a different (complete) bike available for riding in the meantime.

adriano 

surly ought to make a disc check.