where to start...?
Thread started by
modernfuturist at 04.29.08 - 10:05 pm
So I've been going to more and more bike rides and I really feel like I can make biking a bigger part of my life etc... Right now I just ride a shitty mountain bike around school, but I would like to get into fixed gear riding. I rode a friends bike for a little bit and found it interesting and would like to get a frame for myself.
I know for my budget ($300-$500) it's going to be hard to get a nice complete bicycle, but I just want to start riding as soon as possible. My first option was just to order a track bike off of BikesDirect.com and slowly upgrade the parts over time. However the Windsor Hour and the Mercier Kilo TT are both out of stock until at least late April-early May.
So I guess my other option would be to go frame hunting and then get help at a Bike Co-Op to build it up. I asked BikeOven for some help in looking for frames on craigslist, and mainly they told me to look for my size (52cm) and horizontal dropouts. However I'm having a hell of a time trying to find any modestly priced frames anywhere... Do you guys have any suggestions or any other sources so I can get riding as soon as possible?
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you could easily find a used fixie off craigslist... just make sure it fits you right, give it a test ride!
i bought my bike off of craigstlist for 150, a single speed, and i've been slowly upgrading over the span of a year, it's totally different now.
boogalooSHRIMP04.29.08 - 10:07 pm
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it's a little out of my price range but i'm thinking of getting a raleigh rush hour from a dude for $500
- Size 53
- Upgraded wheel set with Formula Hubs and AlexRims Crostini 1.1/1.2 Rims.
- Rear hub is a fixed/free flip flop. 15 tooth cog fixed, 16 tooth cog freewheel
- Truvativ 48 tooth crankset upfront (stock)
- Upgraded Ritchey Pro Stem
- Upgraded Ritchey Classic Bars
- Tektro brake upfront
- Upgraded Serfas DDII Pro Saddle
- New Chain (within last month)
- Specialized Armadillo Tires in decent shape
how's that all sound?
modernfuturist04.29.08 - 11:09 pm
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Check out a Leader frame at LAB..." Los Angeles Brakeless" there on the west side but are really cool . The leader frames are pretty cheap and they'll get ya set up right...... their website is LAbrakeless.com
Freeekeone04.30.08 - 12:06 pm
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holy crap, the guys at la brakeless quoted me for about 850-900 for a brand new bike.
modernfuturist04.30.08 - 4:08 pm
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Just get a 52 off of craigslist strip it, at the oven, put on a 100 dollar fixed wheelset, from one of the many online retailers, and voila! Something that rides the street better than the $3,000 carbon, or $2,000 aluminum track bikes I've seen people riding around. Simple!
franz04.30.08 - 4:12 pm
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make sure you have a disc wheel and an aerospoke. oh, and riser bars.
ruinedbyidiots04.30.08 - 4:15 pm
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PS dont buy that freespirit that just appeared on Craigslist.
Alternative idea buy a KHS Flite 100 they're cheap good bikes. Or the windsor or mercier I see all the time. All inexpensive options.
franz04.30.08 - 4:17 pm
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I'm also looking to buy/build a new ride, but I want gears and brakes because I'm weaksauce like that.
I'm thinking of going steel instead of aluminum this time, I need something more durable and comfortable.
Anyone have any feedback on the Surly Pacer frameset? I've heard good things about it, the price seems very reasonable.
bananaphone04.30.08 - 4:21 pm
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GET THIS FOR THE $200, BUY A SMALLER FRAME, SELL THE ORIGINAL FRAME AND THERE YOU GO.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bik/660918073.html
barleye04.30.08 - 4:21 pm
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haha i just saw that freespirit on craigslist... i'm wondering if that 52 nishiki is any better. (they're all sold by this sketchy company in long beach that sells junk bikes for way overpriced)
modernfuturist04.30.08 - 4:22 pm
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hey I got a size 54 KHS flight 100 track frame that is complete with everything upgraded. I'm located in San Diego though. I work at a bike shop down here and selling my own personal bike. I put it on craigslist here in SD.
Tommy
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/658760637.html
LudiChrist04.30.08 - 6:49 pm
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I've got a 53 surly steamroller just waiting to be bought for $400. My knees don't like it, even if the rest of me does. It's a complete bike in great condition and only 500 miles on it or so. My phone number is in my profile
ideasculptor04.30.08 - 7:12 pm
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fucked fixed geared bicycles. single speed is safer and less fun.
mikeywally04.30.08 - 8:08 pm
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________________________________________________o
o Skid.
FuzzBeast
04.30.08 - 8:11 pm
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___________________________________________________oo Skid.
My skid was exactly three underscores longer than yours beast. Get off the internetz and find a job. Hmm . . . maybe I should take my own advice!
Anyway, you'll be at Angelopes right?
mikeywally04.30.08 - 8:21 pm
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@turrican
Haha!
I think you should buy ideasculptor's Steamroller if you want a fixed-gear bike.
cabhauler04.30.08 - 10:35 pm
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PS dont buy that freespirit that just appeared on Craigslist.
Alternative idea buy a KHS Flite 100 they're cheap good bikes. Or the windsor or mercier I see all the time. All inexpensive options.
franz
04.30.08 - 7:17 pm
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the khs flite 100 is a great project bike and great for a first fixie.
you might wanna cut down the steer tube and slap some new pedals on it though.
HANDBONE04.30.08 - 11:22 pm
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Thanks for the suggestions guys. Sucks being a newb since everyone gives me shit when I ask about fixed gear bikes but I talked to ideasculptor and he was real cool about it.
modernfuturist05.1.08 - 12:08 am
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whatever you do just go 2 TOWNZ and do it DEH MOTS.
junkboat05.1.08 - 12:45 am
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buy ideasculpters bike.
franz05.1.08 - 1:48 am
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yo idea sculptor, send me an email when you get this chance. i can probably stop and take a look at the bike tomorrow...
modernfuturist05.1.08 - 9:09 pm
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