dejfatman

I currently ride a single speed for commuting, but my single speed I use for longer leasure rides has been taken over by one of my sons. I'm looking to get a new, nicer single speed to replace it. I've been looking through Craigslist and I've been in contact with sellers for these bikes:

1) 54cm custom built single speed - this bike seems like a quality build in terms of the components he listed. However, he said the frame is an aluminum 'Access' frame from Performance Bicycles - I cannot find anything on it. I'm not really familiar with the Suzue hubs he used, and the rims have a 'Niobium' sticker - not sure how good this wheelset really is. I'd also swap the bars for drops. $550 is asking price - is this worth it?

2) White Vintage Fixed Gear - Kilo TT custom build. He said it has an Origin 8 Pro-pulsion crank and Origin 8 hubs with H Plus son Tb14 rims. The bike has no brakes, and is set up fixed, so I'd have to put brakes and a freewheel on. Again, not sure about the wheelset. $450 asking price seems since he claims hardly ridden and assuming the wheelset is considered a good upgrade.

3) road bike great condition - He has it listed as a "Winston", so I contacted him, and he confirmed it is a Windsor Clockwork. He was unsure of the size, but it looks like a 53cm via a Google search, which should be my size. I'm assuming it is stock, but he's only asking $150, so I could use the savings to upgrade.

Any thoughts on the best option?

pitbullfan

#kilott

prooftheory

3 is the only one there worth the asking price.

TejanoTrackie 

Yeah, I'd go for the Windsor Clockwork, which sells new for $289.95 on bikesdirect. The only really cheap part on it is the seatpost, which is easily replaced. The stock tires are ok to get started, but you'll probably end up changing them as well. Finally, stock gearing is pretty high, so a different freewheel will probably be needed. I've got one of the older models, which I picked up on closeout for only $169.95, and I converted it into a nice townie with a front basket for a total cost less than $300.

T13

"white vintage fixed gear" hahaha

howeeee

the frame on the white one is awfully small
dont buy too small
seems when it comes to fixed gear bikes there are a lot of small ones out there

TenSpeedV2

Taken from the second ad:

"The frame is a 53 cm Kilo tt frame which fits people 5'6 to 5'10"

I really hate to see this. As someone that is just a hair under 6'0", there is no way in hell that I would even come close to fitting on that frame. Or a 54, or a 56 for that matter.

That being said, number 3 is a pretty decent option if it fits you.

dejfatman

Why would you say the fit is wrong? I'm 5'8" and thought the 53 would be about right.

prooftheory

https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespee...ead-first.html

heymatthew

I'd go with the Windsor as well. If it's your size, it'll give you a good starting point and you can upgrade from there a piece at a time. That's what I'm currently doing with my bike. Also, bike fit is not a science. I'm somewhere about 6'1' or so and I ride a 55 or 56. I tend to use a shorter stem (90 or 100mm) with a little more rise. But I have fairly short legs (31" inseam). Technically, I should be riding a 58, but I've never been comfortable on a 58.

The thread above should give you a good idea, but until you're actually ON a bike, you won't know how it feels to you. Bike fit charts tell me to buy 57/58. I prefer 55/56.

The Windsor is a good starting point, though.

dejfatman

I've ridden a few 21 inch road bikes, and liked the fit, and I did that calculator in the sizing link a couple years ago - it recommended 53cm - 56cm depending on riding style. I was just surprised that TenSpeedV2 said he couldn't ride a 53, a 54, or even a 56cm at his 5'10" height. I thought he might be implying that there was some weird sizing anomoly with the Kilo TT.

Anyways, I'm trying to get more info on the Windsor, but the seller hasn't replied. The Windsor looks small to me, and I want to know what size it is. I looked for pics online of other ones, and it looks like it may be a 52. I'm not sure how I'd like that fit.

heymatthew

Like I said... Fit isn't a science. We could be the same size, but prefer completely different jeans.

Definitely look at the Windsor. It's not already "customized" to someone else and it's cheap so you'll have plenty of cash left over to fix it up. And it's got decent components already so you can ride it a while without messing with it.

prooftheory

Don't buy a bike that doesn't fit.

heymatthew

That, too.

garlic_rice

+1 on the Windsor possibly being too small, you should definitely take it around the block before buying. If it fits, it would be a great commuter for the price.
Also with that "vintage" (2010 is vintage?!) Kilo, keep in mind that it's set up as a brakeless fixed gear. If you plan on riding it as a single-speed freewheeler, you'll have to buy a freewheel, brakes, brake levers, possibly bar wrap if you get drop levers.

howeeee

I am 5 9 I bought a 53, sold it the next week, I ride a Purefix 56 and an SE Lager 58 53 is very small, I think too small for 5' 8

dejfatman

Well, the Windsor guy has gone silent. The custom build is too pricey for me. The Kilo guy is now offering for $350. If it fits OK, I'm thinking that isn't a bad deal. If it is really new as he says with custom wheels, it's $50 bucks cheaper than if I buy from BD. But yes, I'd have to buy brakes and SS freewheel, which I've spec'ed out to about $115 for what I want. So, I'm still on the fence with that one. I did see this guy too - 1987 Centurion Le Mans RS with Tange 2 tubing, and a carbon fork. Already single speed with brakes. I don't like the Surly bars, but he said he'd throw in drop bars too. I'm not familiar with this bike, so not sure if this would be a good buy for $230. Anyone have an opinion on the Kilo or Le Mans?

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/bik/5097874676.html

TejanoTrackie 

I'm not trying to confuse you, but maybe you should consider something like this >>> Save Up To 60% Off Windsor Fixie Singlespeed Bikes - Clockwork

This way you get a new bike in the size you want with brakes and a freewheel with decent components throughout, so you don't need a lot of changes or upgrades.