Is Pure Fix Really That Bad?
 

I've been looking at them recently as I'm looking for something to tool around on and ride casually with my wife (who is no roadie). I've seen a few threads where they get a really bad rap, but I'm wondering if they're really all that bad? I like the price point the most, and the look. I think they look good with their color schemes and deep dish wheels (which I'll assume are probably boat anchors). I plan to throw some bull horn bars on it and thats about it. I surely won't be racing on it, and I won't pretend I'm some type of hipster. I've looked at some BD bikes, but they don't have the same style at that price range. Are there any other good alternatives around that $300 point? I already have two road bikes, so this would just be a toy to mess around with.

if it was me, I would get a motobecane track or a windsor the hour from bikesdirect. I have a hard time trusting the build-a-bear style 'fixie' companies because they are obviously more worried about form. And i think the motobecane looks kinda slick with the whole no decals thing.

best of luck to ya

No, they aren't bad at all. Find the right gearing for your application (so as not to strain your knees), get a proper fit, install at least a front brake and you have yourself a fantastic around-town bike.

They sell Kilos now.

edit- Really, the bikes aren't bad. I'd definitely put them a notch above the other generic "fixie" companies.

Well, if you're primarily concerned with fashion, then also consider big shot bikes and state bicycles. For about 100 more than pure fix you get better frame material. You'll be aight with a Pure Fix though.

I wonder how many people in this thread have actually owned one or even ridden one. I bought one for my girlfriend. Verdict: it's awful. There's not a single thing I would keep on it. Go with literally anything from bikesdirect.com, and you'll be happier.

I've ridden one. I've also been to their warehouse.

Huh, I had no idea "pure fixed" was referring to a bike brand. Oops! Disregard my post - I thought you meant just a pure fixed gear bicycle, haha.

Only thing I'd recommend that's different than other box bikes it to change out the rim strips with some tape right away. The insides of the wheels are pretty rough, we had quite a few fixiebros come back to the shop the same day they picked up their builds with flats from the flashing inside the wheels wearing through the strip and puncturing the tubes.

Those bikes'll make you strong too, the wheelset is like 8+ lbs.

I know I shouldn't but I like their glow in the dark bike. I've never sen it in person, just their pics on the site.

I feel like the glow would let you down irl.

You're destroying my dreams man :(

I can't take anything glow-in-the-dark seriously haha.

Haha. Maybe I would grow tired of it afterwhile, but I would like to at least use for awhile.

Glow for it Casper.

We saw the glow in the dark bike at their booth at Interbike. They had a black light on it and it was definitely glowing like on their site.

One of the mechanics at our shop had an OnOne that was glow in the dark. It was the best at dusk, it actually did light up the trail.

Son, my teeth glow under a black light...

I'd ask a dentist about that.

Anyone's teeth will glow under a blacklight:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B81UV5Qnuu...lack+light.jpg

When Angie and I were at Venice Beach on Sunday, we noticed that just about everyone riding fixed there was on a Pure Fix. A couple of kids stopped to talk to us and I couldn't help but immediately notice how crappy they are.

Any recommendations in the low $300 price range besides the BD ones?

This is my first post, but i have been reading the forums here for a few months now and i figure this is one subject i can actual contribute in.

This has nothing to do with the Glow in the dark (however i do feel like it would either let you down, or be kinda annoying for any length of time, as well as act as a theif magnet if you have it locked up outside a pub at night. Also, i think that city riding it would be to bright out to really appreciate it) but I bought a Pure Fix Cycle a couple months ago and so far its a great bike. However, there are other great bikes out there at a lower cost. My experience with pure fix customer service is pretty much the best CS i have ever had on any internet purchase worth 300$ (not count apple products).

When my bike arrived, it had a damaged spoke do to shipping, I emailed them and they said they would refund me 60$ for my trouble, so i brought it to a local shop for a 15$ repair.

The bike looks fantastic. Granted some of the parts are gonna need replacing once i get into serious cycling (pedals, seat, brake lever and probably brakes) but i think any bike you buy for 300 would require the same replacements.

The gearing seems really good (44-16), you can pedal at a good cadence with decent speed, so for around town its fine, and even out on 50k rides its not bad just don't expect to travelling at the same speed as a geared road bike.

I'd recommend them, so far i haven't had any quality issues.


EDIT: I contacted them about the rim strip issue before buying since i saw a bunch of complaints with it, and since January now use a thicker tape so there are no more issues.

I bought a pure fix a week ago and ridden every day, through dirt trails, streets and hills. I have zero complaints so far. I really like this bike but we'll see how it holds up with time.

The entire bike would need to be replaced for "serious cycling". The bikesdirect clockwork or hour still look like a better deal to me as well. For instance, they come with two brakes.

My girlfriend loves hers and swears by it. It's relatively light for a sub $300 bike. Ride is sturdy and stable, she's able to keep up with me on my various rides.
I'd say for a cheap beater, they're not a bad deal.

I can post pics or answer questions if you want.

just make sure to get those **** kenda tires replaced, i got 7 flats in one montha and they werent from the spoke holes.

also if you can get your hands on 2009 se lager they are amazing, the new one is total **** but the old on has pursuit geometry and is beautifully lugged, also its 4130 cromoly instead of that weak, heavy hi tensil they use for pure fix

I'm beginning to question your credibility.

my bad its actually premium ale, sorry

My first fixed gear bike I bought was a pure fix. I did a fair amount of online research, but then I went to my bike shop and rode one. I had never ridden a fixie in my life and I thought it was brilliant so I bought one immediately. The only problem I had was the guys at my shop didn't put a tire lining in it. After that was solved, I never had a single problem. In my opinion they are a tad heavy and more for the looks, but they are a fantastic bike for their price. They are just like blocks of steel, they're sturdy, reliable and fun. I'd say if weight doesn't matter to you, buy one.

Even if you are talking about the Premium Ale (called the premium Brew in 2009), I owned one and while it was lugged, it definitely had a level top tube and relaxed road geo.