Matt Swagger

Hey guys. I was looking to get a bike that I could use to ride around my university. I would use it for the road and for going up on sidewalks as well. My main question: Is it better to buy a fixie bike frame or a pre-built bike and modify it. If so what are your suggestions? Its either a bike or a cruiser skateboard. Whatever is cheap, maneuverable around crowds is easy to put in or on top of my car.

bleedingapple

Generally if you are asking if you should buy a complete vs a frame the answer is a complete. Reason being, they are cheaper and so easier to get started on. Learn what you like and then tweak the complete later. Also a skate board is gonna be way cheaper and more portable. I am way maneuverable on my bike than my board. As far as completes go, a great option is the kilo tt (the unofficial sponsor of bikeforums) , there is also the Rush Hour which I have. Not sure about this year's model. Hope this helps.

prooftheory

#KiloTT

thenomad

More important is to consider the storage/theft/vandalism issues and spend money on locks, and get something you can stand to lose. I'd consider making a MTB SS as it would be less desirable, more robust and curb-hoppable.
If you're asking if a bike or a skateboard is easier to maneuver through crowds and take in your class and car? I think you know the answer.

TenSpeedV2

A bike should be ridden on the street, not the sidewalk. That is all I will say.

Matt Swagger

Why not on the sidewalk or in between my university buildings? Is it because its a fixie or because its not a good idea for beginners? I will buy a complete. I have a schwinn volare 1300 idk if thats a good starter bike.

bones_mcbones

ride whatever man. the important thing is riding.

Fixies are a little harder, but as long as you're not going brakeless you should be fine.

TejanoTrackie 

Sidewalk definition: A paved path for PEDESTRIANS at the side of the road.

Night_shift

In some areas (most) the official rules are that bike are not permitted on sidewalks. You are a moving vehicle with no more place on a side walk than a bus. Now, if motorist would get that memo...

Obviously parks, schools, etc. aren't a part of that mindset.

Matt Swagger

ok maybe im not calling it the right thing. Walkways around campus. I see people on these walkways bobbing and weaving around people on their bikes and there are bike stands everywhere. Trust me Ive seen people on their bikes not only on the streets surrounding the university.

SCK

This

zammykoo

I went to a large university where I saw students bike from one building to another on paved walkways. They were wide enough that even the campus workers used their golf carts to also go from one place to another. Plenty of bike racks around campus too, so I assumed it was perfectly fine to do so. If that's the case with your school then you should be fine.

As far as getting the right setup, I think you should get what you can afford as a student. If nothing is wrong with the Schwinn, it's probably best to stick with it for campus use. Or sell it for a used fixed gear that you can learn on. Maneuverability in crowds on a fixed gear depends on your skill level, which may take time depending on how well you adapt to the learning curve.

TenSpeedV2

There is no way in hell that I would ride on these paths dodging students. They are so removed from society being ass deep in their phones all the time. I have a heck of a time riding on the road that runs near the campus and having to deal with these idiots. Oh, they are back, moving in this weekend. Arghhhh I hate it!!!

prooftheory

Bikes shouldn't be on the paths between buildings on a campus regardless of whether students are currently doing it or not. I hate the kids who do this and I love bikes. Get a razor scooter.

SquidPuppet

Not in Idaho.

A paved path for cyclists and pedestrians. But then again, we don't have to stop for stop signs or red lights here either.

Matt Swagger

na sorry i dont have enough swag to be on a razor scooter.

Matt Swagger

there isnt wrong with anything on the schwinn but the reviews for it are complete arse but with some upgrades it can become decent apparently.

veganbikes

Other people doing something is not a justification for you to do the same thing. If you ride on sidewalks you have to be extremely careful because most people don't pay attention or care about cyclists and if you are looking to not go super slow sidewalks are not the answer.

You are a wheeled moving vehicle and those really shouldn't be on the sidewalks especially not those with two motors (I call my legs motors when people suggest the fat bikes we sell should have a motor)

As far as frame V. complete, I would go with a decent quality complete bike. Go with a frame when you have the knowledge to build it up properly.

Matt Swagger

Ok I don't wanna go super fast I just want to get around campus and if I have to ride super slow to maintain others and my own safety, I'm totally ok with that.