Bike Forums - Buy or Build?

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- - Buy or Build? (https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/857066-buy-build.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jed19 (Post 14935253)

Thanks for all responses so far.

Another question is the question of the frame. I would definitely prefer an aluminum or carbon frame to a Cro-Moly or High Tensile Steel frame. It would be nice to have a light frame, hence the preference for an Al or C frame.

What do you think re frame material?

This is a common misconception. An aluminium or cf fame with the same strength as steel is often heavier. The differences are that aluminium is cheaper to tig weld in mass production than steel, hence its popularity in cheap frames whereas with cf, you can build in the strength only where you need it along with greater flexibility in cross section, thus leading to weight savings in the MORE EXPENSIVE frames. Real cheap cf frames may not offer anything. A manufacturer who is carefully choosing his cro-molly tubing for the job can produce a much better fame for the same weight and cost than ally or cf.
As prices go up, the equations change dramatically.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jed19 (Post 14935356)

Okay. The thing is he does not appear to have my size. Let me ask you this: I ride a 55cm TT in road frames. I am already thinking bull bars, since my intention regarding the fixie is rides of 30miles or less, on mostly flat trails. Intention is for the fixie to be a fun change of pace bike that could also be used for improving my pedal stroke. I am thinking the size with the 54.8cm TT coupled to a 100/110mm stem should be okay. Or do fixies "fit" a little bit differently than regular road frames?

The stem on my (non-TT pro) Kilo TT from November 2012 was a 100 for the 55cm frame size. I think 53s come w/ 90mms. I replaced it w/ a 90 mm Nitto and bullhorns (felt a little stretched w/ the 100 and was not all the way out on the horns, just my preference for a bit shorter stem).

You can HAVE the stock stem mine came with for FREE if you want it and find the stock stem too short for you. Just PM me when the time comes :) (aka BUY THAT BIKE)

Oh and in re the brake, run it up front (go get a longer sleeve nut from yr LBS to mount it). i had to dremel a flat into the toothed/star-washer to get it to clear the lower dustcover of the headset on mine but your mileage may vary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinikl (Post 15076889)

Thanks for the offer man. If I buy, it will be the size 55cm, which will be plenty reach for me with the stock stem. In fact, might have to look for a 90mm stem to make the reach perfect.

i have a 55 and a 90, so there you go :) the 55 actually fits me (6'1, long arms and torso) but i get self conscious about aesthetics when i see other bikes posted with more post showing and longer stems.

any other parts you may need, hit me up, i'm busy readying my bike for the jackass thread (most recent purchase, gold-anodized rims) so i have spares for you. Just buy the frickin thing, you can't go wrong at the price point. buy it!

Hi Jed, for me, build...create a fixed gear bike is for me one of the most interested things because is like to create a baby :-P but with a bike, you will create something different, unique, the only one, with better components, with the colours you choose, ...fascinating, probably most expensive if you create a good bike...I recommend you to build your own bike...

Building a bike is like making a baby... That explains a lot of what goes on around here.