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First time fixie/single speed rider: What bike to choose?

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Old 04-22-15, 09:50 AM
  #1  
amarinho
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First time fixie/single speed rider: What bike to choose?

So far I've been scouting the internet for a good priced fixie. I don't know much about specs and such, so I thought this would be a good place to ask for some help.

These are some that I've been looking at:

Kyoto Fixie | Grey Single Speed Fixed Gear Bike

On Sale SE Lager Bike 2013 up to 45% off

SE Bikes Draft Lite Fixie Bike 2015

Mongoose | Maurice FS, a Single Speed Commuter Bike

https://www.purefixcycles.com/products/the-tango
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Which one out of those do you think has the best bang for the buck? Or do you have any other recommendations?

I'd really appreciate any help or feedback. I hope to hear from you guys. Thanks.

Last edited by amarinho; 04-22-15 at 09:53 AM. Reason: rewording.
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Old 04-22-15, 10:20 AM
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#kilott
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Old 04-22-15, 10:21 AM
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#kilott
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Old 04-22-15, 10:33 AM
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Remove that BigShot right off the list unless you want to waste your money. I would get the SE over the BigShot on any day that ends in y. Buddy of mine rides an SE Lager and to be honest, for what he paid for it, the bike is pretty decent.

OP - what is your budget?
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Old 04-22-15, 10:33 AM
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Without any idea of what you're going to use the bike for... I'll go out on a limb and say this is the perfect bike for you. $750

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Old 04-22-15, 11:02 AM
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Also, the SE Draft is heavy junk. I know, I own one. Anyways, where do you live ? Are there any bike shops nearby where you can check out some SSFG bikes ?
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Old 04-22-15, 03:07 PM
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KiloTT
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Old 04-22-15, 03:36 PM
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^^^ as mentioned....
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Old 04-22-15, 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by TenSpeedV2
Remove that BigShot right off the list unless you want to waste your money. I would get the SE over the BigShot on any day that ends in y. Buddy of mine rides an SE Lager and to be honest, for what he paid for it, the bike is pretty decent.

OP - what is your budget?
OP you haven't answered the budget question.
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Old 04-22-15, 05:18 PM
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Hey, guys.

There's so many of you vouching for the Kilo TT. Is it really that good?

My budget right now is around $350. I wouldn't want to spend more than that all at once.
Also, I live in New York. There's a lot of fixes out there that come without a front brake. I don't think I could brake safely without it while in traffic. Especially since I don't know how to skid.

I'd be using the bike to commute to work. 10 miles in total. Then I'd just use it to get around here and there on the weekends.
@TenSpeedV2 Defintely. The SE lager seems the best all round. I was leaning on the Mongoose bike, but I hear that it's not a very good brand.
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Old 04-22-15, 05:31 PM
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Originally Posted by amarinho
Hey, guys.

There's so many of you vouching for the Kilo TT. Is it really that good?
For the money, yes. I bought the "stripper" version over a year ago. Solid ride. Yes, it needs upgrades as you progress through your SS/FG adventure, but still a solid bike for the money. Best value when it comes to entry-level SS/FG bikes.
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Old 04-22-15, 05:38 PM
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ETA:

The Kilo comes fixed only (at least mine did). So order a 18t freewheel on ahead. The Kilo also comes with front and rear brakes, you choose what you need.
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Old 04-22-15, 06:03 PM
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Er, the OP's budget is only $350. That rules out the Kilo TT.

Also, OP, how tall are you. The SE Lager is only available at that site in 49cm and 52cm. And don't forget that shipping may be a lot as well.
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Old 04-22-15, 08:22 PM
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What size tire can the Kilo run? Doesn't look like anything but real skinny to me. That's why I bought one of these instead. So far I'm liking it.
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Old 04-22-15, 11:42 PM
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Originally Posted by AlmostTrick
What size tire can the Kilo run? Doesn't look like anything but real skinny to me. That's why I bought one of these instead. So far I'm liking it.
Wat? Motobecane Fixie Cafe Fixie Flat Bar Track Bike. Wow. I read the specs: 16T Freewheel (1/2*1/8) Does NOT come with fixed gear cog

Compare to Bianchi Pista. Right. Just looked up the specs on a Pista. Mostly name brand stuff, FSA headset, crank, etc. The Motobecane comes almost completely no name stuff on it. And it doesn't even come with a fixed gear cog. So what are we comparing here? Sorry to off shoot on this, but stuff like this pisses me off. Compare that Motobecane to similar bikes, like the BigShot and SE stuff, not a Bianchi, because it isn't even close.
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Old 04-23-15, 01:20 AM
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Originally Posted by DiabloScott
Without any idea of what you're going to use the bike for... I'll go out on a limb and say this is the perfect bike for you. $750

I really like this one. A LOT.

But with only $350 #kilott
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Old 04-23-15, 02:34 AM
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Let us all sit down for a moment and appreciate the ridiculous low prices you pay for bikes in the US. Lest not forget the amount of readily available selection.

That Kona looks swell!
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Old 04-23-15, 03:38 AM
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Originally Posted by AlmostTrick
What size tire can the Kilo run? Doesn't look like anything but real skinny to me. That's why I bought one of these instead. So far I'm liking it.
'tis true. I put 28's on my Kilo and it exploded.
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Old 04-23-15, 06:39 AM
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Originally Posted by amarinho
Hey, guys.

There's so many of you vouching for the Kilo TT. Is it really that good?

My budget right now is around $350. I wouldn't want to spend more than that all at once.
Also, I live in New York. There's a lot of fixes out there that come without a front brake. I don't think I could brake safely without it while in traffic. Especially since I don't know how to skid.

I'd be using the bike to commute to work. 10 miles in total. Then I'd just use it to get around here and there on the weekends.
@TenSpeedV2 Defintely. The SE lager seems the best all round. I was leaning on the Mongoose bike, but I hear that it's not a very good brand.
You live in the Land of the Fixed Gear. Find a used bike in your price range you like.
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Old 04-23-15, 06:59 AM
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Originally Posted by jlafitte
'tis true. I put 28's on my Kilo and it exploded.
Even if (some) 28's fit, I think it looks ridiculous having only 1 or 2 mm clearance. YMMV

Oh, and the Café Fixie did come with a fixed gear cog... which I immediately replaced with a Surly cog for $17.
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Old 04-23-15, 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by TejanoTrackie
Er, the OP's budget is only $350. That rules out the Kilo TT.

Also, OP, how tall are you. The SE Lager is only available at that site in 49cm and 52cm. And don't forget that shipping may be a lot as well.
Used Kilo TT
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Old 04-24-15, 06:28 AM
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i am debating this as well

looking at

fuji track classic
all city big block
kona paddywagon
maybe a kilo tt

the all city is hands down the most expensive but if i ride it a lot around the city i want something that will take a beating.

the fuji seems great at the $430 price point, have only heard positive reviews.

kilo tt is also a great price but could require more upgrades. read a great blog about how it could cost more long term
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Old 04-24-15, 06:37 AM
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If you are willing to consider a Big Block, then also consider a Wabi Classic, which is less expensive but every bit as good and will be custom built.

Wabi Cycles Classic fixed gear bike specs
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What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman

Originally Posted by Dcv
I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
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Old 04-24-15, 07:09 AM
  #24  
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yaknow i never actually looked at the specs of wabi bikes, didnt know they were all made with good toobz
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Old 04-24-15, 07:21 AM
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oh wow, thanks for the link
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