Pulling the trigger on a bike
 

So I have been lurking around these forums for a few days now and trying to educate myself on what might be good for me. I am most likely purchasing a bike on Bikes Direct, but if there are any other places I should look let me know.

My budget is $400 and I was really looking into the Kilo TT until I read on the forums that it might not be the best bike for commuting since it is a bit aggressive (same with dawes sst). I really just need a single speed that will be reliable and take me back and forth to work or wherever I need to go in Boston. I checked ou the lbs's but all they really have in stock are Fuji and SE bikes.

After doing a bunch of research I see that the timeline, clockwork and messenger might be a good fit.

Can anybody give me any guidance.

Get the clockwork and save the rest for parts to make you more comfortable on the bike.

Out of curiosity, which LBSs have you been to around Boston?

Since you're in Boston I'd highly recommend checking out the good ole craigslist. I see used kilos pop up from time to time, not to mention there are usually a bunch of other fixed gear bikes as well.

I wouldnt worry about that. Those bikes are all very similar and nothing is going to be too aggressive for street riding. You can put yourself in a standard road position on all of them, unless you get 3 sizes too small and have 8 inches of saddle to bar drop. Just pick whatever is in your size, color, etc that is available.

For daily street riding, just make sure you don't get a bike that looks like this....

http://2009.fujibikes.com/Fuji2009/f...492e3b8397.png

8 inches? That's cute.

So I checked out this local shop called simple living bicycles. They have pretty good deals but mostly on Fuji and se stuff. I don't really mind waiting for the bike to get shipped since I'll be away for a couple weeks.

At this point I would really rather buy new and not have to worry about a used bike from
craigslist. I also don't mind paying full price for a kilo Tt. I just heard they were a bit aggressive for decent commutes.

Good to know diff. As I do really like the kilo. But the clockwork + spend money on parts I guess could be a good option too.

Thanks for the replies this far guys

Simple Living is a little weird to deal with but awesome. That dude always has great deals on last year's models and other closeout stuff.

Hah, yea definitely an interesting place to go to. For someone that has such an unorganized shop, he sure is passionate about bikes which is very cool.

You guys think I should throw the motobecane track on the list?

I just got a Motobecane Fantom Uno. Put it together tonight in fact. I like it thus far, it handles well quick without being twitchy. I feel it is functional right out of the box but will get a few upgrades in the future. I could not beat the price.

Yea I was looking at that one too. What made you choose that one out of the other options?

Kilo's a great bike for commuting. Run it with some quality tires and you can go places fast.

I see that Simple Living sells Redline. Checkout a 925, its the ultimate commuter fixed gear bike.

So with the Kilo TT I have to get brakes and a freewheel? Does anyone know if bikesdirect sends both sets of brakes?

Just trying to figure out now if (since i'm in boston) something like a fantom uno is better since there are wide tire options. As far as looks go, the TT is hard to beat.

I got front & back with my Pro.

Get a TT, they're awesome bikes.

The Pro is sold out so I might just be getting this one http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...rome_paint.htm in black. It says "free front and back brakes" so hopefully that is legit.

BikesDirect is pretty good with their word.

They Kilo TT Pro has been scheduled for restock this fall. Which starts this weekend btw. It would be worth waiting.

What is the difference? Better wheels?

Much better wheels and crankset.

Also, chrome.

Cool thanks so much for your help.

What do you do in the winter/off weather with your tt?

ride it?

My track is year round.

Coming from the man in East Bay! Boston Winters can be brutal. I ride a MTB with studded tires when the going gets rough. Aluminum FTW.

oh yeah, you canadians have weather.

Yea not looking forward to this winter. It's another reason why I'm open to something like a fantom uno or a windsor timeline. I really don't feel like getting a separate winter bike.

Also, i'm 6"0' with a 30-31" inseam. Would 54cm be way too small? I did the sizing chart but I also know something like the clockwork might have different sizing then the Kilo TT.

What do you guys think about this? http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/3278030290.html

I think there is a thread for this.

Thanks.

The Surly is nice. In all fairness, Boston's CL has quite a lot of good bikes posted regularly. Can get something off of there, ride it through the winter, and if you want to upgrade, sell it at the start of next summer for the same price as you purchased it.

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out. Definitely want to get something soon, but also not in a huge rush.

The surly is a little bit out of my price range I suppose, but it looks really nice. The guy isn't budging too much on price but I'm assuming it's because they are worth over 600 new.