TBSN

Hi people,

I'm looking for a bike but I'm tired of going to a shop and having salespeople try to up-sell me, so I thought I'd get some advice here first.. I thought I might get a more objective idea here. I'm looking for a single-speed, not a fixed gear because I've never tried one. I read about flip/flop hubs and I'd be into that too, maybe I'd like fixie.

The environment I'd be riding in is NYC.

-Steel is preferable
-Single speed
-rim brakes, not coaster
-Not a comfort bike or super relaxed bike, more like a classic "road bike"
-less than $600, preferably less that $500
-I want to RIDE it before I buy it, so it can't be online only. There are a lot of bike shops in the city though so hopefully there will be a good selection
-ability to mount fenders or a rack at some point is nice, not required

That's all I can think of! So any suggestions?

10 Wheels

CraigsList

https://newyork.craigslist.org/bik/

yummygooey

Find a used Surly Steamroller, or find a sale.

FastJake

If you don't want to buy online or from a shop that pretty much limits you to something used. In that case craigslist is your best bet. But don't let some salesman push you around, you don't have to be their friend. Decide what you want then find a shop that carries it. If you like it, buy it.

Do you mean you want rim brakes? All brakes except coaster brakes are operated with a hand lever. "Hub brakes" could mean coaster, drum, and maybe even disc.

longjohns

I think bicycle habitat has some steel langsters for under 600.

LupinIII

i'd tell you to buy my 29er, but it'd be hard for you to try that out first as we're on opposite coasts.

shops should be able to get an okay SS 29er for that price though. that's what i would suggest as far as a "do it all urban" bike would go.

TBSN

Sorry I think I was unclear. I meant that I *would* like to get it from a shop, just wanted to research a little before going so I can make a better decision. And yes, I meant that I'd like rim brakes, not coasters (or drum or disk). Thanks for the clarification.

TBSN

Thanks for the tip about bicycle habitat, didn't know about them. This seems like a pretty good deal, $525 for the langster steel and $575 for the aluminum "L.A." version, $475 for a Globe Roll 1 and $525 for a Salsa Casseroll. They're all single speeds. Any opinions on these?

I'm not sure if they're all available still, but I'll stop by and check it out.

macnab

You said, "Go anywhere," which to me implies dirt trails may occasionally be ridden, and so you might want to run fat/knobby tires occasionally, thus requiring cantilever or V brakes. That to me would mean: Singlespeed cyclocross bikes...

Bianchi San Jose (being blown out at my LBS for $450)
Motobecane Fantom Cross UNO (mail order only?)
(basically visit your LBS(s) and ask if they carry any SSXC bikes.)

...But then you said NYC riding, which doesn't have a lot of dirt outside Central Park, right? (Forgive my ignorance, I have only been there twice, and did not see much dirt in Manhattan). In that case you're just talking about "go on any street" and your options open back up to pretty much anything that catches your fancy.

Help me understand what you mean by "Go anywhere".

cc700

mcnab's right. if you don't want dirt just put some 32 randos on.

TBSN

Sorry for being unclear, I meant go anywhere as on the street, like a commuter bike I guess. I'd like one that can handle potholes, ****ty sidewalks, etc. I don't need it to go on dirt. So I should have said "durable city bike," rather than a harsh road bike like my brother has, a 70's raleigh and its alright, but just a real pain on even the slightest bumps. It could be that he should get new tires though, they are the original ones I think :O

hairnet

phantom cross uno

ScottRock

You mustn't have taken the subway.

OP, i think that Casseroll is sold out, which is a shame--it's a solid frame. Check though. The geometry looks a bit more relaxed than the Langster, though, which is more road-ish.

LupinIII

seriously, my iro model 19 is the best bar bike i've ever been on. ss mountain bikes make the best commuters. no pothole, speedbump, train track, or low curb stands a chance against my 29 inches of furious rolling wheel. don't forget the dick brakes

TBSN

There's a 2008 San Jose for $550 near me, but only in 58cm. I'm 6'2.5" so maybe it'd be too small.

HandsomeRyan

https://www.bicyclestop.com/FIXED_SINGLE_SPEED.html

Raleigh One Way (second bike down).

TBSN

Looks nice, but I'd like to ride it first, so preferably not an online shop.

FKMTB07

Lolz!!



See if you can find a Redline Monocog 29er.

TBSN

Has a lot changed since the 80's?

https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/2290727483.html

Ken Cox

What somebody else said: get a used Surly Steamroller.

TBSN

I'll look around for one, thanks.

TBSN

What about a redline 925? I notice that the biggest it comes in is ~58cm though, which seems on the small side for me.

dosEtwO

I'm 6'4" and ride a 59cm comfortably so probably 58 would be perfect for you. Also like they said your limited to used bikes(never know what there life has been like and based off your thread what to even really look for quality-wise) or from a LBS. NYC LBS mostly suck ass. Like you said just ignorant *******s who don't pay attention or have a weak opinion or just try to up-sell you on everything. Honestly your in a crappy spot...I would recommend trying to ride others bikes and see if you like it, then maybe buy it offline...new. Mercier Kilo TT Pros are nice and durable for city riding. Nothing too fancy, just straight forward and to the point. And the front brake only is actually awesome when installed and working properly. Less crap on your bike with the same results imo. Or just try and go with the used thing but the odds of something you really want, in your size and in good condition just popping up randomly on CL are slim to none...

TBSN

Your recommendation for a 58cm is different than the sizing chart I could find online, but I guess everybody is different and so are the bikes, so I think its time I go and try some of them out. I'm agonizing over details but it is impossible for me to get a sense of what would work out just from pictures and numbers. Arg!

That said, the Kilo TT looks nice and has a very reasonable price tag, with eyelets for fenders, flip flop hub and a variety of colors... cool.

NormanF

I'd go with the Bianchi San Jose... can go anywhere. Mine survived a wipeout.

And you can't really go wrong with cro-mo steel!