I'm new to the forums here, but I've been reading a lot of the information here and there. I've always loved riding bikes, but after they stole two of my bikes, I stopped investing. (They were BMX not FG or SS)

This year a few of my friends got me into riding again. I didn't have a bike, and I made a huge mistake ? or so i've read and heard around here because I didn't really research much before buying a bike, and I just went to my local bike shop to check them out. Seeing as I didn't know anything about bikes, I thought $330 for this Pure Fix bike was the cheapest around so I bought it. https://purefixcycles.com/products/th...r-chrome-fixie

I just started to learn how to ride on the Fixed Gear and loving it so far! Yesterday, I went into the mall, and when I came back out my straps ( one day old) and front wheel had been stolen!

My local bikeshop has the wheelsets from Pure Fix for $120, but now after reading and gaining some more knowledge on bikes, I want to build a different one or buy a different one instead of buying the wheelset. Some people I've seen suggested that for someone on budget is better off with some of these -> https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm I love the price! $250-$270 thats only around $100 more than the wheelset will cost me with the tax. I also looked on Amazon and they have these ZEROLITE wheelsets that are pretty cheap, but I don't know if they're a good set?

What I THINK my options are:

-I could buy that $250-$270 bike, and try to sell this bike. I might even save some money? I'm not sure if it's a good trade off?

-I could just simply buy the set of Pure Fix wheels at my local shop for $120. I could use both wheels and sell the back wheel that I still have here, or just install the front wheel and sell the new back wheel?

-I could buy a different set of wheels online or elsewhere? That you guys know of around that price range? I don't mind wheels without the 50mm rim.


I hope you guys can enlighten me, and help me out with this! I'm open to any and all suggestions/opinions ! Thanks in advance!

The lower end bikes from BD will give you basically the same thing you have now. For wheels, Velomine is one of the most trusted and least expensive websites. Spend the money you save on locks.

Is there a specific wheelset you would recommend from there? any locks you'd also recommend? All i have now is this OnGuard U Lock

I'm a fan of using a u-lock through the rear wheel and rear triangle of the frame attached to something and a small cable lock from the front wheel to the u-lock. Not totally secure, but enough to dissuade the casual opportunist and not too heavy. Helps that my bike is never the flashiest at any given location.

I recently bought these from Velomine. Very inexpensive and I've been happy with them

https://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...h8dkrogblscrn7

But they have other options in the same range and they'll all be better then the purefix wheelset for the same price. And yeah, get locks. Get a u lock and a cable lock and learn how to lock up so people can't steal your bike or your wheels.

I hate that the Pure Fix website has very little information on the dimensions of the all parts. Would just any 700C fit ?

As for the locks, I bought a voucher worth $30 for $15 to a local bike shop. I could use that for the lock/cable, but do I need a different U lock or is this one fine? and would any cable work? here's the website to the bike shop I have the voucher for -> https://kozy.com/product-list/accesso...security-1135/

I bought the voucher for a some Bullhorn handle bars, but not anymore. I'm not sure If ican find locks/cables cheaper online and just use the voucher for something else? I would still need at least one new pair of tires an tubes. Any tire recommendations ? I looked into gatorskins and a few others

I would be able to just use the fixed cog and freewheel from this rear wheel right?

Yes, any 700 wheel should fit. Yes you can transfer the cog, lockring and freewheel but you will need the right tools so you may need the help of the LBS to do that.

I have a Kryptonite Evolution u lock but any u lock will be better then none. That shop's prices look comparable to any on line price so might as well buy from them and they can give you some advice on which to get. Thicker ones are usually better but heavier to carry and I've seen videos on Youtube of people cutting through the best U locks in about a minute. Locks are mostly to prevent crimes of opportunity but professional thieves will not be detered but they probably also won't want to wast the effort on your $300 fixie if it's locked up right.

For tires, I am running Thickslicks on my fixed gear. I like them, they are reasonably priced. I've heard mixed reports about gatorskins. Some people love them some hate them. They are pretty flat resistant but heavy (never owned a set just going on reviews and other people on the forum)

All good points here. Look for a wheel or wheelset that is within your budget, has a sealed bearing hub, and suits your style. A good U-lock and a cable will secure your frame and both wheels to deter most casual theft. As for tires, I'm not a fan of Gatorskins. They don't feel great on the road, and they have stupid sidewalls that come apart and spring loose threads with age. I like T-Servs and Pasela TG's from Panaracer much more. Comparable durability, better ride quality, and lower price.

i am not a fan of the purefix wheels and regret buying them.

I bought a set of Weinmann wheels https://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=885

I just got them in today. What tire would fit 23-32 like my old wheels or is it different size for these? what range? The side sticker says 622x12 700cx18C/23C does that mean it's 18-23? would a 25 or 28 fit?

I have an OnGuard U Lock already, should I get another U Lock or just a cable lock to use with this U Lock?

You can safely install 28mm wide tires on those rims. I've got 31mm wide tires mounted on Velocity Deeps V rims, which are the same width as the DP18 rims.

Thanks! I bought a single 25 thinking it would be 23-32. It fits fine and it's on the front wheel while I kept the 28 I had on the back wheel. I had no idea the 25s were this thin compared to the 28s. I like to trick on the bike (I would FS on my bmx all the time at the park) every now and then, and the streets here in Chicago are OKAY but some parts of my commute are pretty bad. I'm not sure if t is a good idea to have the 25 ? the back wheels carry and catch my entire weight most of the time so thats why I kept the 28 there. You think it'll be fine to have the 25 on tough roads and for some occasional freestyle?

I plan on riding my bike this winter, and I'm sure I'd need something like 32s at least, and seeing as you fit a 31, would 32s work ? I looked around and some people claimed they had no problem with 35/36 on these wheels, is that actually possible on such narrow rims?

You also have to think about what size tires will clear your frame. Maybe even the biggest will and it won't be an issue, maybe some of the bigger tires will rub. It's often not just what wheels you have.

The answer is new bike AND keep and replace wheel.