New bike - advice needed
Discussion
I'm in the thinking process of purchasing a bike that'll be used for casual summer commuting / town use.
The current criteria lie only at fixed gear and front brake that fit someone of 5ft 11", I would also like it to be reasonably aesthetically pleasing but still subtle... (probably just black), being the image conscious young male
I've never once bought a cycle for myself, so it should be noted that I've a large amount of ignorance on the subject.
How much would one be expected to spend for something reasonably decent? I'm assuming the fact it's a fixed gear with only front brake means costs should be lower compared to the relative mountain bike / geared racer, as there are less components.
Is purchasing the parts to a bike and having it assembled a more cost effective option than buying premade? And how difficult is part selection?
I've not decided on a budget, as I don't need a bike immediately but what kind of improvements do I get for my money spending £600 over £400 or £200? Are we talking a few hundred grams shaved off weight every time you spend double on a bike, or much more noticable imrpovements? I'm by no stretch of the imagination a 'cycling enthusiast', so don't want to spend over the odds for a few % gains here and there.
So, what can I expect to get for £X and where should one go about buying?
The current criteria lie only at fixed gear and front brake that fit someone of 5ft 11", I would also like it to be reasonably aesthetically pleasing but still subtle... (probably just black), being the image conscious young male
I've never once bought a cycle for myself, so it should be noted that I've a large amount of ignorance on the subject.
How much would one be expected to spend for something reasonably decent? I'm assuming the fact it's a fixed gear with only front brake means costs should be lower compared to the relative mountain bike / geared racer, as there are less components.
Is purchasing the parts to a bike and having it assembled a more cost effective option than buying premade? And how difficult is part selection?
I've not decided on a budget, as I don't need a bike immediately but what kind of improvements do I get for my money spending £600 over £400 or £200? Are we talking a few hundred grams shaved off weight every time you spend double on a bike, or much more noticable imrpovements? I'm by no stretch of the imagination a 'cycling enthusiast', so don't want to spend over the odds for a few % gains here and there.
So, what can I expect to get for £X and where should one go about buying?
Complex said:
I'm in the thinking process of purchasing a bike that'll be used for casual summer commuting / town use.
The current criteria lie only at fixed gear and front brake that fit someone of 5ft 11", I would also like it to be reasonably aesthetically pleasing but still subtle... (probably just black), being the image conscious young male
I've never once bought a cycle for myself, so it should be noted that I've a large amount of ignorance on the subject.
How much would one be expected to spend for something reasonably decent? I'm assuming the fact it's a fixed gear with only front brake means costs should be lower compared to the relative mountain bike / geared racer, as there are less components.
Is purchasing the parts to a bike and having it assembled a more cost effective option than buying premade? And how difficult is part selection?
I've not decided on a budget, as I don't need a bike immediately but what kind of improvements do I get for my money spending £600 over £400 or £200? Are we talking a few hundred grams shaved off weight every time you spend double on a bike, or much more noticable imrpovements? I'm by no stretch of the imagination a 'cycling enthusiast', so don't want to spend over the odds for a few % gains here and there.
So, what can I expect to get for £X and where should one go about buying?
why do you want a track bike? have you ever ridden one before? is your commute a busy one? is it a fashion thing or because they are genuinely, easier to maintain and if its what you really want they are around on ebay for around £300. they are usable and with a bit of general tlc should be fine. i would recommend you buy one ready built, especially if you havent really ridden/bought a bike before, its not hard but i kind of assume that this is a fashion thing and you really dont want to be sourcing the parts in case you get the wrong ones and are mocked at the coffee shops......The current criteria lie only at fixed gear and front brake that fit someone of 5ft 11", I would also like it to be reasonably aesthetically pleasing but still subtle... (probably just black), being the image conscious young male
I've never once bought a cycle for myself, so it should be noted that I've a large amount of ignorance on the subject.
How much would one be expected to spend for something reasonably decent? I'm assuming the fact it's a fixed gear with only front brake means costs should be lower compared to the relative mountain bike / geared racer, as there are less components.
Is purchasing the parts to a bike and having it assembled a more cost effective option than buying premade? And how difficult is part selection?
I've not decided on a budget, as I don't need a bike immediately but what kind of improvements do I get for my money spending £600 over £400 or £200? Are we talking a few hundred grams shaved off weight every time you spend double on a bike, or much more noticable imrpovements? I'm by no stretch of the imagination a 'cycling enthusiast', so don't want to spend over the odds for a few % gains here and there.
So, what can I expect to get for £X and where should one go about buying?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BESPOKE-COURIER-BIKE-Fixed-w...
in all seriousness, if its a busy commute i would recommend you get experience before venturing out onto busy streets, i see lots of near incidents involving track bike riders in bristol becuase they are unfamiliar with fixed gear bikes and also can not read the road ahead very well. a session at a velodrome would really help these people....
never really understood why people have brakes on track bikes without a flip/flop hub (that means a hub you can run fixed or freewheel) as if you ever hit the front brake hard, you will lock up the front wheel and either go over the bars or send loads of stress through your lower legs muscles.
actually, this is all you need to know....
and learn to trackstand at junctions or its image suicide....
pablo said:
never really understood why people have brakes on track bikes without a flip/flop hub (that means a hub you can run fixed or freewheel) as if you ever hit the front brake hard, you will lock up the front wheel and either go over the bars or send loads of stress through your lower legs muscles.
wtf?Okay, thankyou for the reply. I have to say I had no idea so much contempt was held for people who're wanting a fixed gear bike. The reason I asked about one was because two acquaintances who ride them recommended them to me based on: being easier to maintain, light and, given their learning curve, ultimately more interesting and rewarding to ride than a free-wheeled bike.
I was told that with proper leg-braking and weight transfer, a front brake is sufficient, if that isn't the case then I'll have two without a second thought.
My commute is 6 miles, with limited traffic as it doesn't involve rush hour, with half the route being cycle-laned country road.
Thanks for the eBay link.
I was told that with proper leg-braking and weight transfer, a front brake is sufficient, if that isn't the case then I'll have two without a second thought.
My commute is 6 miles, with limited traffic as it doesn't involve rush hour, with half the route being cycle-laned country road.
Thanks for the eBay link.
i'm only joking really, there is some contempt but only because they are, from my own observations, the ones who ride with the least respect for the rules of the road and give every other cyclist a bad name.....
they do make me laugh though when they hang around street corners pretending to be messengers on vintage condor frames though...
just refrain from putting flyers in the rear wheel, thats all i ask!...
they do make me laugh though when they hang around street corners pretending to be messengers on vintage condor frames though...
just refrain from putting flyers in the rear wheel, thats all i ask!...
A good all round, off the peg fixie is the Specialized Langster. A guy at work here has a 3 or so year old one and does 20+ miles a day on it and it's been virtually bomb proof and he's very pleased with it.
I bought a Giant Bowery on eBay last year - 2008 model with some upgrades and barely ridden and it only cost me £200. Again, so far no gremlins at all and I'm chuffed to bits with it.
There are plenty of us out there who DON'T fit the fixie "hipster" image at all.. and just like riding a fixie because it's something different, less to go wrong, better for commuting / traffic (no mashing up and down gears), etc
I bought a Giant Bowery on eBay last year - 2008 model with some upgrades and barely ridden and it only cost me £200. Again, so far no gremlins at all and I'm chuffed to bits with it.
There are plenty of us out there who DON'T fit the fixie "hipster" image at all.. and just like riding a fixie because it's something different, less to go wrong, better for commuting / traffic (no mashing up and down gears), etc
LRdriver II said:
Hmm.. unless you are a messanger or an actual velodrome trackrider..
Curious to know what makes a fixie suitable for a messenger, but not a commuter. Care to elaborate? Sick to death of trying to justify the choice of riding a fixed gear bike to people who just proclaim it to be a "fashion" thing.. I tried it, I liked it, and I stuck with it. What the hell is so hard to comprehend? My bike just looks like a generic black road bike, with drops & hoods.. just missing gears!
Edited by Chicane-UK on Monday 24th January 19:31
It was the New York messenger crowd that started the whole fixie thing.. then it slowly moved to the european messengers and then the wannabes latched on and now the manufacturers took it mainstream to sell to the hip-crowd as a fashion item (but forgot to tell them how to ride the damn things hehe) Of course the velodrome guys have always run fixed, so they stay out of the equation
Nothing wrong with the bikes, I love the simplicity and light weight, but as I dont work as a messenger (anymore at least) so wont insult the real guys as a faker. (Bit like sticking a Ring sticker on the car when you havent been I guess)
But all IMHO, so more power to you if thats what you like riding. I love bikes and have spent silly amounts in Brick Lane Bikes saving old steel frames... we all cool yo
Nothing wrong with the bikes, I love the simplicity and light weight, but as I dont work as a messenger (anymore at least) so wont insult the real guys as a faker. (Bit like sticking a Ring sticker on the car when you havent been I guess)
But all IMHO, so more power to you if thats what you like riding. I love bikes and have spent silly amounts in Brick Lane Bikes saving old steel frames... we all cool yo
Chicane-UK said:
A good all round, off the peg fixie is the Specialized Langster. A guy at work here has a 3 or so year old one and does 20+ miles a day on it and it's been virtually bomb proof and he's very pleased with it.
I bought a Giant Bowery on eBay last year - 2008 model with some upgrades and barely ridden and it only cost me £200. Again, so far no gremlins at all and I'm chuffed to bits with it.
There are plenty of us out there who DON'T fit the fixie "hipster" image at all.. and just like riding a fixie because it's something different, less to go wrong, better for commuting / traffic (no mashing up and down gears), etc
Thanks, I'm starting to hone my search a bit more as I gain more understanding. I bought a Giant Bowery on eBay last year - 2008 model with some upgrades and barely ridden and it only cost me £200. Again, so far no gremlins at all and I'm chuffed to bits with it.
There are plenty of us out there who DON'T fit the fixie "hipster" image at all.. and just like riding a fixie because it's something different, less to go wrong, better for commuting / traffic (no mashing up and down gears), etc
I'm currently scanning eBay for the two models you've mentioned (which appear to have had good user reviews generally), there are a couple for sale though none on a 56cm frame which I assume I should be using as a 5ft 11" person. Hopefully a bit of patience will pay off.
If anyone has experience with other models, feel free to recommend them.
Another quick question too; are most road bikes that are sold as 'single speed' usually sold with a fliphub allowing for fixed gear use too? If not, how pricey/complicated is a conversion?
Flip rear hub would be best so if you dont like fixed (which i didn't) you can swap to a fw. In this case get a bike with front and rear brakes.
I enjoy riding single speed. It's nice not to worry about adjusting gears and is a different (possibly more satisfying) riding experience which suits short commuting very well.
Personally I would get a steel frame and build one but ofcourse you need to find out more info. Getting the right frame size and getting a decent chainline are the two main things to get right. http://www.lfgss.com/ will have all the info you need.
Most pre-built bikes will have a flip hub, but if not you can easily buy a second hand rear wheel with it on eg: http://www.cyclelane.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b77... Just bear in mind the rear spacing (width where the rear hub goes) but nearly all new bikes will be 130mm so not really an issue unless you have an older frame.
I enjoy riding single speed. It's nice not to worry about adjusting gears and is a different (possibly more satisfying) riding experience which suits short commuting very well.
Personally I would get a steel frame and build one but ofcourse you need to find out more info. Getting the right frame size and getting a decent chainline are the two main things to get right. http://www.lfgss.com/ will have all the info you need.
Most pre-built bikes will have a flip hub, but if not you can easily buy a second hand rear wheel with it on eg: http://www.cyclelane.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b77... Just bear in mind the rear spacing (width where the rear hub goes) but nearly all new bikes will be 130mm so not really an issue unless you have an older frame.
Edited by thiscocks on Tuesday 25th January 11:32
Complex said:
Another quick question too; are most road bikes that are sold as 'single speed' usually sold with a fliphub allowing for fixed gear use too? If not, how pricey/complicated is a conversion?
Yes - most road going single speeds (certainly models like the Langster, etc) are sold with a flip-flop hub. The conventional setup seems to be to supply the bike as a single speed, and supply the fixed gear cog & lock ring in the bag with the bike.. then it's up to you if you want to fit it / get it fitted Fitting is only a 5 minute job though Then you can just remove and flip the wheel around and give it a try as and when you want. I am another fixie commuter who hates all the "fakenger" whinging, as Chicane mentions.
I have just built up a bike and even re-using a bunch of items and going super budget it was almost impossible to get below £500.
(Although that was buying everything new - second hand you can obviously do it for less.)
The OTP (off-the-peg, pre-built) bikes are an absolute bargain in comparison to buying each component on its own.
The definitive OTP list if you want a new one is here: http://www.lfgss.com/thread9085.html
I have only heard good things about the Langster (other than the fact it is pretty common).
Although at least 50% appear to be nicked, Gumtree can be a decent place to buy a bike.
One thing to double check is what riding position you want to be in.
On the hoods is good for speed but not great for your forward visibility and will be more uncomfortable to start with than using flat bars. A quick test ride at Evans on say a Langster versus a Charge Plug will help you tell which you might prefer.
If I had my time again though, for a brand new commuter I would be tempted by the Edinburgh Revolution Track for £325!!
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?...
I have just built up a bike and even re-using a bunch of items and going super budget it was almost impossible to get below £500.
(Although that was buying everything new - second hand you can obviously do it for less.)
The OTP (off-the-peg, pre-built) bikes are an absolute bargain in comparison to buying each component on its own.
The definitive OTP list if you want a new one is here: http://www.lfgss.com/thread9085.html
I have only heard good things about the Langster (other than the fact it is pretty common).
Although at least 50% appear to be nicked, Gumtree can be a decent place to buy a bike.
One thing to double check is what riding position you want to be in.
On the hoods is good for speed but not great for your forward visibility and will be more uncomfortable to start with than using flat bars. A quick test ride at Evans on say a Langster versus a Charge Plug will help you tell which you might prefer.
If I had my time again though, for a brand new commuter I would be tempted by the Edinburgh Revolution Track for £325!!
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?...
I've been looking through the OTP threads on LFGSS for a while now and there seems to be no consensus at all on what bikes are preferable to others, even for certain conditions/riding styles; I guess it's all just personal preferance.
Is there anything specific which makes that Revolution attractive, over, say a Fuji Classic Track '11 with aftermarket brakes?
Also, if I buy 2nd hand and I end up with a stolen bike, does that mean I'm going to be in the s
t when I try to register the frame no. with my local police station/immobilise.com and it turns out it's already been registered?
Is there anything specific which makes that Revolution attractive, over, say a Fuji Classic Track '11 with aftermarket brakes?
Also, if I buy 2nd hand and I end up with a stolen bike, does that mean I'm going to be in the s
t when I try to register the frame no. with my local police station/immobilise.com and it turns out it's already been registered?I am looking to buy a Hybrid to accompany my mountain bike. I'm not particularly knowledgable when it comes to spec's but like the look of this:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/bad...
Is this a fairly decent spec for the money?
Will be using it for the odd commute & some leisurely road miles (I'm not into the massive distances you hardcore roadies are as yet).
Any opinions would be greatfully received, thank you.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/bad...
Is this a fairly decent spec for the money?
Will be using it for the odd commute & some leisurely road miles (I'm not into the massive distances you hardcore roadies are as yet).
Any opinions would be greatfully received, thank you.
Dave_ITR said:
I am looking to buy a Hybrid to accompany my mountain bike. I'm not particularly knowledgable when it comes to spec's but like the look of this:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/bad...
Is this a fairly decent spec for the money?
Will be using it for the odd commute & some leisurely road miles (I'm not into the massive distances you hardcore roadies are as yet).
Any opinions would be greatfully received, thank you.
Better to buy something lighter with 700c wheels for road use like a Specialized Sirrus or similar - it will be faster & less of a drag (literally!). http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/bad...
Is this a fairly decent spec for the money?
Will be using it for the odd commute & some leisurely road miles (I'm not into the massive distances you hardcore roadies are as yet).
Any opinions would be greatfully received, thank you.
e.g.: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/borea...
Complex said:
Is there anything specific which makes that Revolution attractive, over, say a Fuji Classic Track '11 with aftermarket brakes?
If you are SURE you want fixed with one brake then the cost difference isn't huge (The front fork is drilled for a brake).Front brake £15
Cable and outer £5
Dirt Harry goldfinger £15
However, if you want the flexibility of the potential to single speed instead then the cost difference could be a bit more and I am not even sure the Fuji has the cross bar you need at the back to fit a rear brake.
Going very low end:
Brakeset £30
Cables and outers £10
Levers £20
Replacement bar tape £5
That said I would MUCH prefer the 46:15 on the Fuji rather than the 42:16 on the revolution. Although you want somewhere flatish for 46:15.
Although that is only £10 of sprocket to change.
If you would are happy with second hand though I would absolutely go for a Langster.
You can probably find one as good as new for £200 which some numpty bought last year and rode twice.
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