I am moving to NYC in a few months and am nervous about taking my road bike with me (caad9) so I'm looking to get a cheap(er) single speed bike to use for commuting and medium rides (~30 miles max).

Wish list
#1 - Light weight (I will be in an old building with a very slow elevator, will need to carry the bike
#2 - Maintenance free - no space in the apartment for a bike stand/etc.
#3 - not too flashy...would like the bike to not get stolen

I definitely will want a bike that can support brakes

I'm willing to do some customization, and spend up to $800

Thanks for your help!

all city big block complete

Could I recommend a Cervelo T1?

All city or Surly steamroller.

That frameset seems to be $1200, is there a way to get it cheaper?

I think he was joking man, not a good bike for the streets of NY. The surly steamroller can fit up to 38c tires and can be built up to take a lot of abuse I own one myself for riding in philadelphia and it's a tough bike.

windsor essex

because reasons

1. htfu

2. ss

3. ulock

Thanks...So the advantage of the steel bikes is the durability? For the All city/surly are there any parts that I would want to replace right out of the box? It looks like the surly has a much different geometry than most road bikes

Nah man everything is fine stock i've been riding my bike stock for a little over a year and I only replaced the tires. I don't think the surly comes with pedals so you'll need pedals and straps. Steel bikes offer a less bumpy ride and more comfortable overall. You can use 23c skinny tires or 38c fat tires with low air pressure and it will be a real comfy ride. Here's a pic of mine on a ride threw the snow I did with 35c cross tires. drive side with drops.

Convert an old 10 speed with a steel frame to a one speed or ride it as is. Get something cheap that works and if it gets ripped off, you won't lose too much sleep over it.

For $800 you have plenty of choices. It sounds like you're a weight weenie, so I suggest to just get the lightest setup possible. Just too many choices to pick from.
I recommend Steamroller as well, but then there are poople out there that will start foaming outta their mouf and holler how its too heavy. All City Big Block is also neat.

NYC streets often suck, and drivers will force you to hit potholes and cracks all the time. I would get a steel frame and 28 tires. It's flat except for the bridges, so a SS is fine. Would help to know where you're going to live tho.

I like the Trek Earl

Just get whatever you would get for anywhere else. NY isn't like another planet or anything. Just keep your eye on it because our thieves are pretty ingenuous.

dont get rid of the caad9! you will regret it dearly. you should just get an se draft or something like that and keep both.

I've had an All City Big Block complete for a few months and I've totally fallen in love with it. The stock build is very solid and you won't have to change anything on account of quality.

It really is a super bike. If you buy from an LBS, it may exceed your 800 dollar budget. Mine was over 900 after taxes.

Steamroller may be under your budget, but its not as nice as the Big Block.

I'm not getting rid of it I will be in Morningside heights, right next to the riverside park bike trail.

Thanks or all of the help so far. I know i'm a noob, so I really appreciate it.

deevee...

Chrimbus?

718c.com

morningside heights puts you in a great HTFU location for riding fixed.

Oooh. Nice one

if you want a theifcandybiek the big block is ****ing sweet.

but i'd rather have something i wouldn't cry about if it twas sterlen.

haha, im glad someone got it.

Get something with square wheels that nobody else would ride; that'll guarantee it doesn't get stolen or ridden.

Dare I say two kilo TT's so when the first one gets stolen, you still have one.

talking to my friends in Manhattan, i think i'd go with a fun conversion for a lockup.

or a Kilo TT (the purple is pretty sexy) and two guns (carrying a spare gun is called a "New York Reload".)