BikesDirect track/fixie discussion
06-05-13 | 02:02 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
BikesDirect track/fixie discussion
Sup people! After 2 years of being bike-less (stolen on my college campus 
), I'm considering getting back into riding. I know the basics of bike components. My last bike was a craigslist road bike that I converted into a fixed gear (ended up costing more than the price of a new bike :/ ).
Anyways, I was wondering if anyone could share any personal experiences they have with the entry-level bikes from sites like bikesdirect. I'm currently looking at the Dawes SST AL, Mercier Kilo TT, Motobecane Messenger, and the Motobecane Track. My goal is to get the lightest bike within my $500 range. I'm not sure on whether I should be looking into alu or chromoly either. I just want something lightweight, comfortable, and portable. I usually just ride around the city with friends.
Also, which parts of the bike should I be primarily paying attention to when deciding on a bike? Please share any suggestions / concerns!
), I'm considering getting back into riding. I know the basics of bike components. My last bike was a craigslist road bike that I converted into a fixed gear (ended up costing more than the price of a new bike :/ ).Anyways, I was wondering if anyone could share any personal experiences they have with the entry-level bikes from sites like bikesdirect. I'm currently looking at the Dawes SST AL, Mercier Kilo TT, Motobecane Messenger, and the Motobecane Track. My goal is to get the lightest bike within my $500 range. I'm not sure on whether I should be looking into alu or chromoly either. I just want something lightweight, comfortable, and portable. I usually just ride around the city with friends.
Also, which parts of the bike should I be primarily paying attention to when deciding on a bike? Please share any suggestions / concerns!
06-05-13 | 02:06 PM
#2
one life on two wheels
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 25
From: St. Petersburg, FL
I like my fixie gear bike Kilo TT from Bikes Direct because I like to ride my fixie bike Kilo TT from Bikes Direct around. It's a good fixie bike that makes me able to ride it around and have the fun times.
06-05-13 | 02:10 PM
#4
Hogosha Sekai
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6,674
Likes: 26
From: STS
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
I like the Dawes personally, but the typical answer around here is Kilo TT.
06-05-13 | 02:13 PM
#5
one life on two wheels
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 25
From: St. Petersburg, FL
06-05-13 | 02:20 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 2
From: Williamsburg, Tennesse.
Bikes: All have flats.
I'm thinking of getting a Specialized Venge and converting it Pursuit bars for better mileage.
Should I get that should I just BUY THE KILO or A LEADER?
Maybe a MICARGI?
Should I get that should I just BUY THE KILO or A LEADER?
Maybe a MICARGI?
06-05-13 | 02:31 PM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 394
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From: Bay Area/Davis, CA
actual answer:
my friend has the dawes aluminum bike and loves it. however, it isn't much lighter, if at all lighter, than the kilo-tt i used to have. i wish i still had that bike. i think people are happiest with the kilo because of the reliability of the components. just watch out for the loose ball hubs.
my friend has the dawes aluminum bike and loves it. however, it isn't much lighter, if at all lighter, than the kilo-tt i used to have. i wish i still had that bike. i think people are happiest with the kilo because of the reliability of the components. just watch out for the loose ball hubs.
06-05-13 | 02:37 PM
#8
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 118
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big thanks to you and RaleighSport,
Ill definitely take note of the tt's components and reliability. Are there any other bikes you would suggest that are similar? My choices are in no way limited.
Thanks again!
Ill definitely take note of the tt's components and reliability. Are there any other bikes you would suggest that are similar? My choices are in no way limited.
Thanks again!
06-05-13 | 02:38 PM
#9
Your cog is slipping.
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA
Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle
This thread is relevant to my interests. I'm thinking of buying a vintage Raleigh track bike and converting it to a Kilo TT Pro.
06-05-13 | 02:43 PM
#10
Hogosha Sekai
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6,674
Likes: 26
From: STS
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
06-05-13 | 02:45 PM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: East Bay
Bikes: Mash Work, Gunnar Crosshairs, Velo Orange Camargue
Scrod caught the upgrading bug before he even bought the bike
06-05-13 | 03:12 PM
#12
Veteran Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,864
Likes: 920
From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 82 wheels
06-05-13 | 03:13 PM
#13
I Ride Slow
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: DFW, TX
Bikes: Orbea Orca, Raleigh Furley
I'm 12 what is this?
06-05-13 | 03:16 PM
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area/Davis, CA
in this price range, no. kilo tt is best for what you pay. if you were up to the 700-1000 range, there are some actual entry-intermediate level track bikes.
06-05-13 | 05:17 PM
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,059
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco, CA
Read the giant sticky:
▂▃▅▆█☆★✡✯IF NEW HERE☆★✡✯, please check in here first! (Former sticky index)█▆▅▃▂
Failing that, use the search button. There are quite literally HUNDREDS of threads about each of the bikes you're looking at.
▂▃▅▆█☆★✡✯IF NEW HERE☆★✡✯, please check in here first! (Former sticky index)█▆▅▃▂
Failing that, use the search button. There are quite literally HUNDREDS of threads about each of the bikes you're looking at.
Last edited by Dannihilator; 06-05-13 at 06:41 PM.
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