Picking up a new bike after Christmas
 

I've been looking at a few different fixed gear bikes, wanting something that's a little nicer than what I have, without breaking the bank.

A few things:
There is no local fixed gear scene, so finding a used bike isn't an option.
I don't want a Kilo TT.
I commute 80-100 miles per week, and bike is primarily for commuting or 20-30 mile fun rides on weekends.

Some of the bikes I've been looking at:

State bicycle co 429
http://www.statebicycle.com/ProductD...tCode=thesound


Fyxation eastside 600
http://www.citygrounds.com/fyxation/...ixed-gear-3305


Eightinch scrambler 400
http://www.ws-outlet.com/p-80460-eig...gle-speed.aspx


I've also considering looking at a Leader complete, but I'd like to avoid spending 800+ on a bike right now.
I guess my main question is, are any of these going to be fairly nice, or am I just going to want to upgrade again in 6 months?

Right now I just ride one of those cheap Critical Cycles bikes. Works fine for riding around town but it's very low quality.

so basically you want a crappy bike instead of a good bike?

surely there is a good bike under 600 dollars other than the kilo tt.

You said you do a lot of commuting miles and want a fixed gear. Those bikes are blingy fixies, and are not very practical for your type of use. If you are really interested in getting something that is very good and practical, then pay $695 and get a Wabi Classic:

http://www.wabicycles.com/images/CLS...l-650crop2.png

If I was in your position I'd spend a month checking out eBay for deals. You can get a lot for $600 or less.

SS/FS bikes are simple. There are only 3 big-ticket components involved in a "nice" ride: frameset, wheels, and cranks. The three bikes you listed all use truly low-end parts. Everyone here harps on the Kilo TT because the frame is one step above your standard CrMo frame and the cranks on the Pro are also a step above bargin-bin.

...as are the wheels.

I've heard good things about the Fiyxation. also fits 32mm tires with fenders I believe and has rack braze on so it would make a good commuter. Other two are no better than a Kilo

I'm very suspicious of any brand that doesn't offer specs on the wheels and cranks. Fyxation says nothing regarding the cranks other than the gearing is 46T and the only thing they say about the wheels is that they have a flip flop hub. Do the hubs have sealed cartridge bearings or are they just loose bearing ? Big difference.

ok...I've heard good things about the Eastside frame set.

I've ridden several state bicycles and imo they feel really good i think it's a good choice for the price, check out bamfbikes.com they seem to have a good deal as well, I wouldn't consider fyxation though.

Why?

BAMF sells hi ten steel bikes with no name components for over $500

TejanoTrackie's statement makes sense to me. I wouldn't consider a brand that doesn't provide technical specs on their bikes.

I got confused, in the description it says steel chromoly creation but it says hi-ten on the tech specs. http://bamfbikes.com/bikes/track/assassin/

Nevermind BAMF then.

Does anyone know anything about the Raleigh Rush Hour?
I've used a Raleigh cruiser in the past and thought it was a decent bike.
The Rush Hour runs around 550 locally.

http://www.risingfalls.com/kilo_edited.jpg

I think this picture, from the Kilo thread, may have actually sold me on picking one up.
Big fan of this look.

The Rush Hour is also a great bike. Good frame and step above on fit and finish. The Kilo TT is your best value hands down though. Glad you "saw the light" on the Kilo, because the "custom" chromed fork and stays looks super classy. Also, its a well made bike with excellent components.

Only on the Kilo TT Pro.

HAHA, I know the TT and TT Pro look different, but I still found this pretty funny.

I mean I didn't want the TT because I didn't care for the way they looked. (I want a good bike, but having something that looks good is also on my requirement list)

But after seeing the way that Pro was setup, it grew on me.


I'm probably between that and a rush hour. And for the ~100 dollar price difference I could get the bars I want and some decent straps on the TT, so I think I'd be pretty happy with that setup. Especially if I can end up right around or under 500 dollars.

I was really liking the bikes from State, but by the time you get your pedals, straps, and pick a few options, you're looking much closer to 550-600 dollars for a 400 dollar bike.

Some of the parts on the Kilo pictured above are not stock. Wheels, saddle, pedals, maybe bars too.

bars look stock.
I don't use clips so I'm fine with pedals/straps.
And the white saddle works for me.

I like the color scheme with the wheelset/frameset. Not so sure I couldn't just rattle can the stock rims and have the same look.