I'm getting my first fixed gear, figured I'd start somewhat inexpensive and just upgrade parts as I get to know it better.

These are similar prices but I don't know how to tell which has the best parts or is best for a newbie.

Basically just want something light-weight, simple, good ride.

1) Windsor Hour
2) Mercier Kilo TT (I was originally going to buy the Kilo TT Pro, but they sold out )
3) Motobecane Messenger
4) Motobecane Track

Dawes SST AL if you can't get a Kilo TT Pro.

I hear ___ ____ bikes are nice.

The cheapest one of the four. I think those are liked by most people who own them and upgrade.

If I was just starting out I'd go with the Kilo TT.

Where I'm at now, I'd go with the Moto track. I think it comes stock with Dura ace cranks or something like that.

That's the Team Track.

The team track is out of stock, right? (It's been like this for a while.) Kilo tt. 520 tubing is solid.

Dude, you really shouldn't use a poll to pick your bike.

The only person who should decide for you is you.

Come here for research and information and what not, but the decision is ultimately yours.

Wait...



Are you a girl?





Sup?

Sup?

^^ i love this subforum

Yes, I am indeed a girl.

And I'm not using the poll to choose my bike, just trying to get a feel for attitudes towards these bikes amongst the biking community.

I was hoping people who knew pros/cons about these models would give me some advice???

Welcome to the forum.

The Kilo TT is a popular choice because it's basic, inexpensive, and I think the stickers are removable.

Go here for inspiration: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...11-amp-2012%29

Just be aware the the parts that come stock on the bike are budget parts and the nice Kilo TTs in that thread have been upgraded which costs $$ depending on how you upgrade.

Personally, I like to suggest aluminum bikes.

What bike to get is a big decision, but often your budget will help you narrow your choices (this is a good thing).

fixed.

Stickers on Kilo TT aren't removeable, they just sell a "Stripper" version that comes with no decals.

I'd get a Fantom Cross Uno.

That's right, my bad.

OP, listen to carleton. And it's generally more productive to research each bike individually then create a "A vs. B vs. C vs. D" thread. Surprised no one dropped a "I had a tuna sandwich for lunch" line yet.

you should be aware of toe overlap. also consider the premium brew even though the paint job is a little horrendous.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/se/premium_brew.htm

Sup?

If you're looking for a bike to lock up in NYC, I'd vote for none of the above and look for an inexpensive road bike that has been converted to a fixie. The Mercier Kilo TT gets some love on your poll probably cuz of the nice frame tubing (Reynolds 520). If I were looking for a fixie commuter, I'd go with a bike that can take fatter tires since that will make the bike more comfortable and help the wheels hold up. Take a look at the FantomCross Uno and Windsor Timeline. I've been thinking about picking up the Fantom Cross Uno; that's a way cool bike.

or, if you are indeed in the city, just go to some local shops. they'll have some cool things. if you feel like making it out to brooklyn there are a few fixed shops out here, and some in alphabet city.

affinity
continuum
B's Bikes
(of course) chari and co


living in NYC, esp with buyin a bike, has it's upsides. affinity sells their own stuff, along with specialized and something else i forget right now.

and if its' your first, you may wanna try some out

Welcome to the forum!

My advice is to go with a bike that has (or comes with) both front and rear brakes, and both fixed cog and freewheel. If it is your first fixed gear you may find that you don't like the concept of not being able to coast - in which case you can flip the wheel around to the freewheel and coast when you want. Of course then you will want both brakes for full stopping power.

OK thanks everyone for the great advice. I just ordered Windsor the Hour...sorry to disappoint all the Mercier-lovers but I got the Windsor mainly because of the price difference. I needed that extra cash to buy a helmet / a few parts / some good quality locks / lights / rack.

I'm sure it won't be the last one I buy, and I'll probably get the Kilo TT Pro when bikesdirect restocks them. I talked to the guy who works there and he said that probably won't be until around October, which is fine with me because by then I'll be used to the fixed gear ride. He also recommended the Hour as a starter bike, he said he just bought one for his wife.

The bike came with a rear brake and my bf has a front brake that he doesn't use anymore, so I've got the brakes covered. However, when I ride his bike I usually just use the front brake, which I might do with mine, I like to keep it simple.

Thanks again!

haha that paint job IS horrendous! and I'm 5'7, I got a 54cm, I don't know if that will cause a toe overlap issue?

sup?
If you're riding fixed, a front alone will due, but if you ever ride single speed, you're gonna need a rear.

Congrats on the Hour!! Enjoy the ride

I actually have lived in downtown BK for the past 2 years, I'm moving into the city at the end of June so I just used Manhattan as my location.
The shop my bf & I go to is 718 Cyclery in Park Slope, Joe helped my bf build his bike. They're kind of busy these days since they got named #1 custom bike shop in NY magazine, but Joe is amazingly chill and will teach you anything you want to know. He's honest about parts, not just pushing you to buy the most expensive, and he always gets you a discount.

Anyways, I'll be taking my Hour to him once it comes in for a good starting tune-up. If you're around BK, you should check them out.