Newbie would like to say hello to everyone
03-04-12, 06:29 PM
#1
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Newbie would like to say hello to everyone
Hi there, my name is Michael, and I'm 25 years old and looking to buy my first fixed gear bike. I did some snooping online, and some googling on the bikes I found. And I've narrowed it down to either a Gravity Swift2, or the Dawes SST AL. I'm favouring the Dawes, admittedly because I like the look of the frame, and the deeper v rims. 
Is there anything you'd like to tell a newbie about those two choices? or even just riding fixed gear in general?
Ps. There seems to be a WEALTH of knowledge here, so I'm happy to be part of the forum.
Is there anything you'd like to tell a newbie about those two choices? or even just riding fixed gear in general?
Ps. There seems to be a WEALTH of knowledge here, so I'm happy to be part of the forum.
03-04-12, 06:52 PM
#4
Your cog is slipping.
Come on, guys...
Of those two bikes, I would lean more toward the SST-AL if the choice were mine. A friend of mine has one and it's a pretty cool bike. For the same money though, I would probably get a Kilo TT.
Of those two bikes, I would lean more toward the SST-AL if the choice were mine. A friend of mine has one and it's a pretty cool bike. For the same money though, I would probably get a Kilo TT.
03-04-12, 06:56 PM
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Hahaha, nah I expected some hazing, it's all good. I saw the kilo tt, Nothing about it really jumped out at me, Yeaaaaa I know, I'm a fasionista.. I can't help it! I was leaning pretty hard towards the SST AL as well, so that's pretty good news. I don't expect any low end bike to be perfect but it seems like most of the complaints were personal things like seats and such. I figured if it's my first bike I shouldn't be worrying about things like that, I should be riding it!
03-04-12, 07:02 PM
#6
Your cog is slipping.
In all honesty, the SST-AL is a great bike for the money and the stock wheelset is considerably nicer than found on the Kilo. I say go for it.
03-04-12, 07:07 PM
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I get paid friday and I'm buying it. It's settled. Any tips for riding so I don't destroy it the day I get it?
03-04-12, 07:17 PM
#8
Your cog is slipping.
First and foremost - if you don't have the right tools to do it yourself, have the bike checked out by a mechanic at your local shop. The wheels will need to be tensioned/trued and your cog and lockring will need to be properly tightened before riding the bike. These things aren't optional if you want the bike to be around a while.
03-04-12, 07:22 PM
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So I should factor that into the cost. Alrighty. bummer that the wheels don't come trued. I guess I shouldn't expect that "factory direct"
03-04-12, 07:30 PM
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1. Ship to ups store in NF, NY
2. ???
3. Drive 5 minutes and pick up bike
4. Profit
2. ???
3. Drive 5 minutes and pick up bike
4. Profit
03-04-12, 08:22 PM
#14
Your cog is slipping.
If you live that close to NY, it's a great idea to get it shipped to a UPS store.
BTW - my wife says hello. She's also Canadian and I'm pretty sure you're all either related or at least know each other.
03-04-12, 08:34 PM
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Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
Don't forget to make sure you buy the right size.
03-04-12, 08:43 PM
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The stock wheels on most complete bikes are machine built and although they will be relatively "true" before shipping, they will need to be touched up by a set of capable human hands to ensure they stay true once you begin riding on them.
If you live that close to NY, it's a great idea to get it shipped to a UPS store.
BTW - my wife says hello. She's also Canadian and I'm pretty sure you're all either related or at least know each other.
If you live that close to NY, it's a great idea to get it shipped to a UPS store.
BTW - my wife says hello. She's also Canadian and I'm pretty sure you're all either related or at least know each other.
I'll see how much my local shop charges for that.
03-04-12, 08:44 PM
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03-04-12, 08:56 PM
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Doing your research, asking meaningful questions, and taking advice means that you get a longer rope than the average new poster. Plus every one loves a good **********, profit joke.
You are doing alright so far. Just dont use the rainbow chain that KMC makes on any bike, ever.
You are doing alright so far. Just dont use the rainbow chain that KMC makes on any bike, ever.
03-04-12, 09:08 PM
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Doing your research, asking meaningful questions, and taking advice means that you get a longer rope than the average new poster. Plus every one loves a good **********, profit joke.
You are doing alright so far. Just dont use the rainbow chain that KMC makes on any bike, ever.
You are doing alright so far. Just dont use the rainbow chain that KMC makes on any bike, ever.
I make no promises on being tasteful bike wise, but I can promise I will never use that chain.
03-05-12, 11:50 AM
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Excuse my ignorance, but is there a thread explaining what measurements to take to fit my bike properly?
03-05-12, 12:00 PM
#21
Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
FITMENT QUESTION?
>>>FITMENT CALCULATOR<<<
In all honesty, just use this, it'll give you a good starting point on what your fitment needs will look like.
03-05-12, 12:13 PM
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Funny you should ask....
FITMENT QUESTION?
>>>FITMENT CALCULATOR<<<
In all honesty, just use this, it'll give you a good starting point on what your fitment needs will look like.
FITMENT QUESTION?
>>>FITMENT CALCULATOR<<<
In all honesty, just use this, it'll give you a good starting point on what your fitment needs will look like.
03-05-12, 12:35 PM
#23
Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
Glad I could help, from there you can compare geometry charts of bikes you are interested in, and see which will fit you the best.
03-05-12, 01:52 PM
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Scrod, think they would be ok to ride back across the border? I'm thinking about bringing my tools with me and assembling the bike outside the ups store, then riding it home.