Looking to get a bike...(ATL/GATECH)
 

Hello I have recently become fascinated with fixed gears and am determined to acquire one soon. I am a complete newb to cycling and also in need of transportation after selling my car last semester.

I have been watching craigslist for the past few months but nothing really appealing has popped up. I have been told that it woulud be best (as a first bike) to get something older and used through craigslist and maybe convert it to a single speed and it would all be a nice learning experience.

Are there any places in Atlanta relatively near Georgia Tech that I could look at some used bikes? I would also like to know of any good bike shops that could help me get a bike converted to a fixie/single speed once I obtain one.

Thanks.

Not sure where to buy used bikes, but probably the closest bike shops to you are Intown Bicycles, Atlanta Pro Bikes & Outback Bikes, all about 5 or 6 miles east of GT.

Fixed gears can be rough on your knees, so you may want to get a good month or so using the existing gearing to build up your leg strength and supporting muscle structure before going straight to fixie. Plus you'll be much stronger on the bike and you'll be able to get more proper gearing. If you go straight to fixie, you might be overgeared in a few weeks as you get stronger.

Branman suggested the shops closest to you.
Intown Bicycles is about 1/2 block north of the intersection of Monroe and 10th St.
Outback Bikes is in Little Five Points.
Atlanta Pro Bikes is on N. Highland about one block south of Ponce de Leon.
There's also Skate Escape. They're on Piedmont across from the 14th St entrance to Piedmont Park.
You can also try Atlanta Cycling on Piedmont near Cheshire Bridge.
You can also talk to the good folks at sopobikes. They may be able to help you locate someone who is selling a bike.