I'm looking to get my first SS after getting a new mountain bike that I want to keep safe so I need a good city bike. My budget is about $300 so I've been looking mostly at the Motobecane Fixie Cafe and Dawes Streetfighter 2 from bikesdirect.com

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...-bar-bikes.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...eetfighter.htm

I really want the Motobecane but it's sold out so I was wondering if any of you had experience with bikesdirect and know how often they restock. I was on about 4 days ago and have checked back each day but they still aren't in.

My other question is I would also consider getting the Motobecane record or Windsor Hour but I really don't want drop bars on my bike. How expensive and difficult is it to purchase and install riser bars on a SS?

Thanks for your help

It's pretty easy to swap out bars but you would need to purchase different brake levers and re run the brake cable. You may be able to reuse the brake cable but you may not. If you got real cheap parts on ebay you should be able to buy everything for $30 (bar, levers, grips)

The Hour only comes with a fixed cog no freewheel so there is that also. If you want a freewheel you are better off with the Record.

Why not the GT, seems better then the Dawes

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gt/gt_traffic_5.htm

I must have glanced right over the GT, looks like a very good bike. It says it comes in sizes of small-XL. I'm 6'4" so I was looking for a 61cm, do you think this would translate to the XL?

Check the geometry chart and compare it to your other bike

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...c_mens_geo.gif