TugaDude

Wondering how many on the forum own a Fairdale, specifically single speed, but if you own a geared Fairdale, chime in also. I noticed them a few years ago and they seem to be a niche brand that offers some fun and not so expensive rideable bikes.

They have one called Express which although it is made of 1020 steel, looks rather nice and practical.

So anyway, just curious what others might say.

SkinGriz

Never ridden one.

I think they’re pretty steep for what they are.

For hardly anymore money you can get one of the bikes direct single speeds.

veganbikes

Just FYI 1020 is cheap hi-ten steel. It does have nice for the frame components compared to other options but I would rather for the same price get a State 4130 which has a better frame more worthy of upgraded components.

Hi-ten under $300 is fine but over that is a bit pricey unless something really super special which Fairdale is not. Nothing looks of bad quality from them but nothing super exciting. The Taj is a fun little big boi BMX and the Spaceship frame isn't bad but I like ti a lot.

TugaDude

Yeah, that's why I said "although it is made of 1020 steel". And yes, there are a number of other places where you can get real cromoly for the same price or even cheaper. That's one reason I asked about them. They must have some sort of a fan base out there.
Thanks for the feedback! And yes, the Taj looks like it would be fun, if I were at least 20 years younger.

IAmSam

Fairdale Parser

Edit - FWIW I'm pretty sure 1020 may not even be Hi-Ten

TejanoTrackie 

High Tensile steel has a yield strength in the range from 50 ksi to 100 ksi, whereas 1020 steel has a yield strength of about 51 ksi, so it falls at the low end of what can be considered Hi-Ten steel.

veganbikes

Yeah they probably do have some sort of following but I think I have maybe seen one or two in the wild maybe so not enough to really make me go wow must be awesome.

20 years younger no, big boi BMX is for the adults to help us feel like a kid again without having to go crazy.

TugaDude

I owned a VooDoo dirt jumper for awhile and can attest to the fun factor. I ended up selling it once the novelty wore off and I realized it would spend most of its time hanging in my garage. Bikes should be ridden, not observed.

There was only one Fairdale for sale in my area and that was probably 5 years ago now. I would have gone and looked at it but it wasn't worth it as it wouldn't have fit.

superdex

I have a Goodship from a few years ago, which is their Japan-sourced "drawnright" tubing. Aka the good stuff. I know in the last couple years they've reworked their perspectives and sourcing. I have no opinion on the 1020 frame, but my Goodship is the real deal goodness sub20lb roadie. I like the company, but depending on what you're looking for and budget, there might be other options (State?)

TugaDude

Nice to hear the positive feedback! I should have been more clear in my original post but I really have no desire to go out and purchase one. I am actually looking to thin the herd as many of us are. Mostly pressure from the boss...

But I like to know about brands and that is one I sometimes hear about but really know next to nothing about. It is always helpful to get feedback on a brand, good or bad. Thanks for responding!

Nordo

I had a Fairdale Coaster that I purchased in 2015. I sold it a couple of years later, I wish I had kept it.

TugaDude

Nice, clean no-nonsense bike. Are there better out there? Sure! But Fairdale seems to offer solid bikes at reasonable prices. Again, probably will never own one, but never say never I'm told.

P.S. In a lot of ways that bike reminds me of my first one. Not the same details, but the same vibe.

rhw

Did you have any rattles from the coaster hub? Mine rattles like crazy and it drives me nuts. Dismantled it a million times, took it to bike shops, talked to Fairdale themselves. No solution. Bike shops told me it's normal that the parts inside, the brake pads rattle because they're not fixed. They're only pressed against the inside of the hub when you brake. So when you're not braking, the pads are loose. I still can't believe the rattle is normal.

Trakhak

If the hub isn't packed with thick grease, do so. Also, if I remember correctly (haven't disassembled a coaster brake since the '60s, probably), there should be a spring clip holding the brake pads in place, at least in the coaster hubs I was familiar with.

SkinGriz

It shouldn’t rattle.
But without the bike in hand it’s difficult to assess.
Loose cones, loose or messed up reaction arm or mount, dry hubs, broken spring inside the clutch as mentioned above, maybe the cage is broken to some of the bearings, snap ring is off allowing cog to rattle? Just complete guesses.

It could just be either a bad bike mechanic or just that it was going to cost them more time than they thought it was worth.

rhw

Thanks for the reply!

It was overhauled once by a bike mechanic and it was dismantled and put together again a dozen of times by me. I am not a mechanic myself, but still . I've even bought a new internal kit and changed everything inside. Tried 2 types of grease. Nothing. I got the bike because of the simplicity and minimal moving parts that could go wrong lol. I got to a point where I gave up.
I will try to find another mechanic. I don't believe either that this rattle is normal and you just gave me another affirmation.

SkinGriz

Could it be something else? Loose hub flange? Broken spoke? Loose rack or reflector?

It’s an audible sound and not something you’re feeling through the pedals? Like messed up BB bearings?