Getting a fixed gear bike

Bicycle related chatter & discussion
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park
Posts: 22
Joined: 11 Apr 2009, 15:22
Location: Strathfield

Postby park » 27 Aug 2009, 21:48

Hello,

I am thinking of doing something stupid and retiring my flat bar road bike with its nice set of gears (which I think may actually blow up by the fun sounds it makes) and getting a fixed gear bike.

Knowing nothing about what to get in a fixed gear bike apart from something that will match my jeans (that is what people with fixed geared bikes do right? Ride with Jeans?) what do you guys recommend?

It will be completely for commuting to work and I will be looking to put the most glass and bullet proof tires on it I can find. So far I am looking at;

Cell Mallet http://www.cellbikes.com.au/p_3267_CELL ... SPEED_BIKE (bargain price of $600)

or

Schwinn Madison http://www.cycleworld.bikeit.com.au/bik ... /100069569 (on special for $800)

or perhaps the Giant Bowery (big fan of Giant bikes based on my current two Giants)

Thanks :)
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Toff
Posts: 1215
Joined: 20 Sep 2007, 14:34
Location: Stanmore

Postby Toff » 27 Aug 2009, 22:17

That Cell bike is horrible. If you ride every day on it, parts will break. The Schwin is much nicer. Ask Orphic how much her fixie was, and how it rides. She is the last person I know who bought one in a shop, and will have done all the latest research I'm sure.

Me... I'm finally getting round to putting one together, but I'll be doing a road conversion of an old frame for mine... I think the only parts on mine which will be available in a bike shop (i.e. not obsolete Campagnolo parts from 20 years ago) are the brake cables, and tyres! Yay! :mrgreen:
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Michael Chidgey
Posts: 289
Joined: 07 Jan 2009, 08:58

Postby Michael Chidgey » 27 Aug 2009, 22:23

i have had a Masi Fixed drop on back order for a while and should be picking it up on Sat morning. check out the masi bikes there are about 5 different fixies.

Image
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Toff
Posts: 1215
Joined: 20 Sep 2007, 14:34
Location: Stanmore

Postby Toff » 28 Aug 2009, 07:42

I LOVE this colour...Image
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orphic
Posts: 1109
Joined: 18 Apr 2009, 20:03
Location: Stanmore

Postby orphic » 28 Aug 2009, 08:06

I like the look of the Masi.

I got a Pake frame built up with components from Bundy. I did my research initially and came to the conclusion that the majority of off shelf fixies are over priced and ugly.

So as such I was on the look out for an old frame to use, but then I got sick of looking and was spending my time scouring forums and ebay when I could have been riding and training, so I bit the bullet and visited Bundy when I saw he has a special on the Pake frame and fork. In a moment that was a mixture of impulse and wanting to support his shop, I made the purchase.

Originally I thought of just purchasing the frame and fork but considering I didn't have any other components to put on it and he was giving me what seemed to be a good deal, I went with the whole bike. The wheels don't feel too great, they are cheapies and I may want to change them over in the future. Might feel a bit nicer once I change the tyres. Apart from that I enjoy riding the bike. It's actually one of the more comfortable bikes to ride that I own. It doesn't look too bad, it's black and the Pake stickers can be easily peeled off although I haven't done that yet.

The only other off shelf fixie that I was keen on was the Charge Plug Racer. It is a bit more expensive, but it does look nice. If you are cashed up you can get a titanium version...
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fenn_paddler
Posts: 154
Joined: 28 Mar 2007, 08:30
Location: Petersham

Postby fenn_paddler » 28 Aug 2009, 10:22

Hello,

I am thinking of doing something stupid and retiring my flat bar road bike with its nice set of gears (which I think may actually blow up by the fun sounds it makes) and getting a fixed gear bike.

Knowing nothing about what to get in a fixed gear bike apart from something that will match my jeans (that is what people with fixed geared bikes do right? Ride with Jeans?) what do you guys recommend?

It will be completely for commuting to work and I will be looking to put the most glass and bullet proof tires on it I can find. So far I am looking at;

Cell Mallet http://www.cellbikes.com.au/p_3267_CELL ... SPEED_BIKE (bargain price of $600)

or

Schwinn Madison http://www.cycleworld.bikeit.com.au/bik ... /100069569 (on special for $800)

or perhaps the Giant Bowery (big fan of Giant bikes based on my current two Giants)

Thanks :)
I did something similar at the start of the year - retired the geared road bike and went fixed for commuting, and I definitely don't think it's stupid. In fact the only stupidity associated with this strategy is the ill-informed comments you may see from the anti-fixed brigade!

I think the Giant, Schwinn, Masi and Felt Dispatch factory fixies all look ok, but the Cell may be too built down to a price by the looks. All would probably need a wheel upgrade at some stage - the alex 500 wheels on my dispatch are very average and I think I'll be lucky to see the year out on them.

Dunno how serious the jeans for fixies query is but from my experience there's more wear on the bum from riding the fixie, so I'd definitely go the standard lycra knicks route.

Cheers,
Alan W
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orphic
Posts: 1109
Joined: 18 Apr 2009, 20:03
Location: Stanmore

Postby orphic » 28 Aug 2009, 10:53

I commute on my fixie now too. I go for cotton drill pants that have a good amount of stretch and I am comfortable enough (and not too embarressed if I'm stopping in at the shops, or pub...).

My commute is only 8k though. I would probably require knicks if it was longer. The Terry lady seat I have on the bike is pretty darn comfy though.
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park
Posts: 22
Joined: 11 Apr 2009, 15:22
Location: Strathfield

Postby park » 28 Aug 2009, 16:00

Guess the other option I have is to take my existing bike frame and use it, still in perfect condition. It might be a bit heavy but a good way to get fit! How difficult did you find converting a frame the first time you did it Toff?

I'm going to check out the Masi, a lot of good reviews about it across many sites. Seems an ok price: http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bikes/show/100074033. Might be a drop on the 09 with the '10 coming out now.

the '10 Giant is a very nice looking bike as well: http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bikes/show/100074983

And comes in an insane rainbow style in flat bar? http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/dbimages ... Mashup.jpg
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timyone
Posts: 4380
Joined: 22 Nov 2006, 20:29

Postby timyone » 28 Aug 2009, 16:27

man i dont know about this whole fixed gear craze, i have one, and it now takes me forever to change gears.












(sorry i actually love riding my fixie above all else, and reckon every one should have one!! i love just cruising to places on it!!!)
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park
Posts: 22
Joined: 11 Apr 2009, 15:22
Location: Strathfield

Postby park » 28 Aug 2009, 17:33

lol :)

Spare cog in the bike bag under the chair, get to a big long hill... 40minutes later - easy!
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Terry
Posts: 127
Joined: 20 Jul 2008, 12:09
Location: Newtown

Postby Terry » 29 Aug 2009, 16:02

man i dont know about this whole fixed gear craze, i have one, and it now takes me forever to change gears.
http://sunrace-sturmeyarcher.blogspot.c ... speed.html

Once these are on the market it won't take long to change gears
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T-Bone
Posts: 1933
Joined: 21 Nov 2006, 22:50
Location: Up the Hill

Postby T-Bone » 30 Aug 2009, 23:16

Still waiting for the Sturmey hub to become available.
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park
Posts: 22
Joined: 11 Apr 2009, 15:22
Location: Strathfield

Postby park » 31 Aug 2009, 12:12

Making fun of fixed gear :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2885aR6 ... r_embedded

Language warning and don't watch if you don't have a sense of humour.
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