Tariq08

how good are these windsor fixed gears or the other ones that are listed as NIB on ebay but don't even list a brand name?

would i be better off getting a customized conversion with a frame/components that i trust or something like a bianchi pista? i'm only trying to spend a few hundred if possible

novacane

if you do a conversion yourself you can do it relatively cheaply and in the process learn a lot about how to work on bikes/how your bike works

https://sheldonbrown.com/fixed/index.html
poke around on this site it might give you some good info

2new2this

If I had to make a suggestion I would say go the BikesDirect route. The components on their bikes are just as good as a pista's and at 300-350 they are a significant price difference.

I got a Motobecane Messenger a little under a month ago, and I am sure it was the right choice for me.

Conversions are ok I guess, but usually need new wheels, and sometimes even new cranks. If you can find cheap parts and a decent frame, go for it, but don't be surprised if you spend just as much as a brand new BD bike after getting deep into the project.

Tariq08

yeah i saw some pretty good deals on bikesdirect.com, i've actually got one of their shops pretty close to me, i will go check them out, it's just difficult for me to buy anything from big outlets for some reason

i would like to build my own eventually but for now while i'm still very new to cycling i think i'll get one that's put together first, i've still got a lot to learn, thank you for the suggestion though

what do you guys think about this conversion?

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=230302069287

looks like it will cost me at least 350 with shipping, plus i'll have to buy a seat, pedals, and hand brake

2new2this

I would not buy that conversion for 100. Its rear dropouts are vertical, which make it nearly impossible to change your chain tension. Plus it isn't even complete. If you do decide on a conversion, make sure it has horizontal rear dropouts, and I wouldn't pay more than 200-250 for any conversion.

2new2this

Oh, I didn't even notice that super dent. That thing is worth whatever you can salvage in parts out if it (bars, crank, bb, and wheels)

grymg

good point here.

also chances are you won't like the gearing. if you need to change the gearing, it's a pain in the butt with a vertical dropout.

datlas 

Only buy mailorder you are VERY comfortable with picking the correct size/geometry. If there is any doubt, it's worth paying a few extra bucks and buying one in person, like maybe the schwinn madison etc.

I got the dawes SST from BD and am fairly pleased with it. But i am ok with assembly and sizing issues.

Good luck!

j3ffr3y

+1 on the Schwinn Madison, I got mine for $370, and I love it.

torricantdance

Whatever you decide, make sure you have/get a brake! It's a good thing to have until you learn how to skid.

Tariq08

wow, well i guess i'm glad i didn't bid yet

if anyone has time what do you think about this one?

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/bik/891412946.html


there is also a felt dispatch on ebay that i'm looking at, i just don't know if i want to spend 400..

JAG410

There are 2 BikesDirect locations in the Phoenix area, Power Rd/US60, and Gilbert/South 202. Go check out the Hour and the Messenger.

2new2this

This doesn't have a brake, and the chances are good you would want different handlebars. You would be having to drop a couple of extra dollars.

Tariq08

so i found an 07 specialized langster for 425, the guy that sold it to me worked in a bike shop and took good care of it, he also upgraded a lot of stuff on it, the thing is fast and light as hell, i'm loving it, i think i got a pretty good deal, here are the specs what do you guys think?


Langster Track Bike 07' model
Aluminum frame butted clear color coded
Carbon Fork and seat post
New Mavic bladed spoke front wheel
New formula silver flipflop hub wheel
Carbon headset spacers
Thompson stem
Euro-asia silver cog-
Sugno black cranks
riser bars

ryanlovesyou

Yeah that sounds like a good deal if you like the way it rides and looks. You've already got it so why worry about it? Just get out and ride it!

Tariq08

for sure man, i actually bought it while out of town so i had the guy pack it up for me to mail back home, won't be able to ride it until this weekend

silly question though, what's the best kind of handlebar grip to get with this bike?

it comes with some specialized rocca locking grips but they are pretty beat up, i was thinking of getting some red grips to match the bike but the only ones i can find from specialized are the sidewinder mountain bike grips, would those be ok?

what about tape/cork?

any other kind of grip that you guys would recommend that comes in red?

2new2this

Plain old cork tape is a favorite with me. It can get pretty dirty fast, but it is comfy and does the job. I have been wanting to try the fizik bar tape, which is some kind of microfiber crap that you can clean, but it's twice the price of cork usually. Both come in colors, so there is no problem there.

Tariq08

alright i will see how the cork feels on it thanks

any advice on some light pedals that i can put straps on?

2new2this

MKS GR-9s are pretty grand. Seem to be a favorite around here for platform/clip/strap combo. I am not sure about how they weigh in compared to other pedals. They say they are 299g a pair, which is under about 10.5 ounces, plus however much the clips and straps weigh.

Tariq08

dude that's exactly the kind of pedal i was looking for, thanks man

2new2this

Yeah, I need to pick some up. It is pretty much the norm on here as far as I can tell. I recommend MKS singles for straps, and whatever clips you want. I personally like the colored MKS anodized ones

Tariq08

any recommendations on where to get the mks colored clips and straps online? thanks

Tariq08

nm i found them, ordered some pedals and clips, one more question..any significant difference between nylon and leather toe straps?