DrewShannon

Well, it's been over 7 years since my last post here, and now that it's beautiful summer weather here in SoCal, I'm looking to get back into the Single-Speed world.

• 34 year old dude, will be commuting about 2 miles each way once the quarantine is over. I'm 6' and 180lbs.
• Speed and long-distances aren't super important to me. Mostly looking for something fun and comfortable to ride to the beach (probably something with a fairly relaxed geometry and upright riding posture)
• I'm open to doing some mods myself, but not looking for a project bike to endlessly fiddle with
• Budget - $500 - $750

I've owned a few BikesDirect bikes, and am open to buying a Kilo WT or something, but I haven't been paying attention much over the last few years, so I'm not sure if the story has changed.

Thanks!

Senrab62 

Welcome back! The WT is a good package, and I have considered one for a bike to handle larger tires. It's rumored that the geometry is the same as the steamroller. It's a solid package for the price IMO.

Good luck and keep us posted!

acoustophile

I would get a kilo Wtt, change out the tires to 38c's, and throw a raised moustache bar on it.

funbuffalo24

BianchiUSA has the Gitane Citilink frames in 58cm right now for $100 plus shipping in Black or creme. It's basically a rebadged San Jose frame, which is the same geometry and frame material as their cantilever Volpe, but with track dropouts. I ordered two and shipping was an additional $89 for fedex ground. So, $200 for the frame and you still have $300+ for the buildout.

TugaDude

Sounds like a good plan to me!

DrewShannon

Thanks all, glad to hear that BikesDirect still gets high marks!

Thanks! I'm somewhat tempted, but unfortunately don't have the know-how to wrench on my own bike at the moment. Are there any resources you'd recommend I check out to start getting up to speed so I can rethink this at some point in the future?

jack pot 

buy an unabused used > SURLY or ALL CITY or WABI or whatever looks right >>> you get more bike for the buck

funbuffalo24

DrewShannon, as far as to recommendations a quick google search can be of an immense help. Googling Santa Monica just now it looks like there's a place called the 'bike whisperer' in Venice that does repairs, builds, and reuse of parts. I'd look to see if you have a local community bike nonprofit that would let you come in and wrench on your bike or teach you how to repair your bike for a small annual fee. I know we have one here with a full workshop and although I have every tool imaginable to repair a bike, I still spend the $34 annually to support the good guys here. I'm also jealous of your locale; I remember living in Malibu almost 18 years ago on a 3 month work assignment, and bombing up and down Malibu canyon rd to the park and smoking brake pads on the descent with a stop at Malibu Castle to cool off before the last two miles home, though I hear it burnt to the ground in the '07 fires.