rufus2021

I am in the process of buying a fixed gear bike. I have done some research but would really appreciate opinions from some more knowledgable riders. I have found a couple bikes that don't look too different besides their prices and am not sure how to tell what to buy. The three I am looking at are

1) Surly Steamroller
2) Felt Brougham
3) Origin 8

I have also seen some on craigslist that are converted from 10 speed to fixed gear. I really like the look of the older bike that's been converted so I am tempted to pick one up. I saw a Schwinn Traveler taht was made to a fixed gear and a Fuji Monterey. Not sure what I would need to upgrade and/or replace though and obviously being a first time buyer I want that comfort of knowing I have a safe bike.

I just came across the Motobecane Messenger too. It looks like that is reasonably priced but would need some upgrades, which I'm not opposed to doing either once I found out what types of things would be needed.

I really like the Steamroller but it's $720 as opposed to the others which are around $500. Is there a big difference? The guy at the bike store said the Surly is a better bike for not much more but I don't want to get taken. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Jeff

Brian

How much do you want to spend, and how much do you know about working on bikes?

seau grateau

I'd say it's a good idea to buy a bike that you don't want to upgrade right away. The Steamroller might be a little more expensive, but if you buy a cheaper bike and start swapping out parts right away, you'll most likely end up paying more.

robb99

bikesdirect.com

ph4nt0mf1ng3rs

^ +6

DeathBat

I just bought the Motobecane Messenger and I like it. The only thing you probably have to swap out, and I'm going to do it soon are the brake pads.
The pedals will probably be upgraded later also.

beatnik0422

I'm about to get the Origin 8 Uno. For the money, it looks like a great deal.

preston811

Have you ridden the ones you mentioned? For me the ride sold me on the Steamroller, and I tested many. In the end it's not about what anyone else says, you gotta enjoy riding the bike.

MaxSta

this maybe redundant on here, but BikesDirect.com

I wish I knew about that site when I bought my bike

rufus2021

thnaks everyone. i have a budget of about 500 - 700 but don't want to overdue it if i don't have to. i am going to test ride a fuji classic and schwinn madison and if i don't like those rides i'll try a steamroller. i just saw the start here thread so i am gonna do some research over there too.

ncohen

I would suggest a bikes direct for your first bike, either windsor the hour or kilo TT. It would be a shame for you to buy a 500-700 dollar bike and then not like it. My first bike was a windsor the hour and it was nice, however out of the box the pedals/cages needed to be replaced and the wheels trued. Overall thats about $320 for a pretty decent bike compared to 700.

P.S. I h8 or8 frames.

HandsomeRyan

Motobecane Messenger.

Swap out the pedals and possibly the saddle and you're good to go.

I love mine although I've swapped out a few more parts...

rufus2021

I think I am going to go with a Motobecane. Most likely the Track cause I figure a bike without labels with attract less potential bike thieves. That orange Messenger is pretty nice looking though.

seedubs1

If you are looking for complete bikes, check out IRO cycles and Wabi cycles as well. Great products at a great price.

sluflyer06

I really like the Masi Speciale Commuter its got a nice build to it, I also love my '09 KHS Flite 100 that I picked up new for $300 on ebay and am having a wheelset built and will upgrade a couple other parts along the way.

kiloka

I have been looking into the same. I havnt looked at what you mentioned but you may also check out the eighthinch bikes that are out there. Pretty affordable and good equipment. Also your going to get pushed to bikes direct and kilo tts on this board. While they may be ok bikes for the money don't go off and buy one based on bias opinions

seedubs1

Seriously.....Check out IRO and Wabi if you don't want to be replacing components right away.

Brian

I agree. There really was no reason for me to replace anything on my Wabi Classic. Of course, I did anyway.

carleton

You know what would be cool? If there was some sort of place where you could go and see some bikes and try them on for size. Maybe even test ride. And at this "shop" (I'm gonna call it) there would be some knowledgeable people to tell you the pros and cons in person. Call me crazy, but THEN these employees would not only sell you a bike, but make sure you get properly fitted on it and help you get proper accessories. And check this, I know this sounds crazy, but what if...you could take your bike back there if something broke and get it fixed for FREE ON THE SPOT if it was a warranty issue or maybe pay a small fee if it were not a warranty issue.

Man, THAT would be awesome. Then we wouldn't have to spend hundreds of dollars on something that we've only seen professional pictures of and have to buy it via mail order like it's 100 years ago and we order from the Sears Catalog and hope it fits.

I'm such a dreamer.

Brian

You're quite obviously referring to the "shop" I once worked at, not the one closest to my house.

When buying an inexpensive single speed or fixed gear, there's not any great advantage to buying locally, if you are the slightest bit handy with bicycle tools.

Bobby Sixkiller

Came here to say this, but carleton not only already said it, but he said it better than I could have.

Bobby Sixkiller

In my opinion there is indeed a great advantage (several actually) to buying your first fixed gear locally - you're able to get properly fitted for and test ride the models you're interested in, and if there are any warranty issues you can return, exchange, or have the bike repaired locally and usually within one day. Of course the prices may be higher and the inventory may be limited compared to what's available on-line, but I'd still err on the side of buying a first bike locally.

Obviously people who have been riding for some time and have a better understanding of what they want/need may opt to purchase bikes from internet retailers, but I think those with limited experience would be better served by visiting a brick and mortar store and trying out a few bikes in the real world first.

carleton

I don't think that buying online is bad. I would just like for new riders to at least give their local shops a try before going online. Online is good if you know what you want. But, for the uninitiated, it can be sort of stressful.

Bike shops don't get a fair shake in the DIY culture here. Yes, there *are* some sorry bike shops...as well as sorry online retailers, too. I guess my point is, Why not at least have a look at the LBS. A lot of them are now carrying SSFG bikes. A lot more now than a few years ago.

Also, I'd drive 30 minutes and pay an extra 5-10% to buy from a person and get it today as opposed to buying anonymously and waiting 2 weeks. But, that's just me.

shubonker

I'm a big supporter of DIY so i'd definitely say go with the motobecane. You'd be left with plenty of money to swap out pedals, saddles to your liking. Purchasing a new stem for better fit, and handlebars for personal preference/comfort. With such a vast resource online, you can't go wrong. Plus if anything you can always bring your bike to a local bikeshop and i'm sure they'd be happy to take your money.

Btw the messenger is singlespeed, not fg AFAIK.

GTmatt

I'll second for IRO. I bought their 'WTF' a few months back and love it! Very nice bike for the price.