Recommend me a fixed/Single Speed...

cloggsy71
cloggsy71 Posts: 2,208 Member
I'm seriously considering a Fixed/Single Speed bike for the commute...

What would you recommend?

[Over to you] :wink:

Replies

  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    First you need to decide if you want a fixie or a SS.

    In either case I'd probably convert an old bike.

    .
  • Frannybobs
    Frannybobs Posts: 741 Member
    I'm seriously considering a Fixed/Single Speed bike for the commute...

    What would you recommend?

    [Over to you] :wink:

    oooo interesting...why so?? For the challenge? I'd not go near a fixie myself for commuting in busy traffic, be terrified of not being able to stop if muppet drivers pull out on you / into you!
  • TheBigYin
    TheBigYin Posts: 5,686 Member
    Well - I'd start with something that has a flip-flop rear hub, fixed on one side, freewheel on the other, and at least has the drillings for brakes and has them fitted initially... as you get more used to it, you may feel happy enough to remove the back one, but, the options always nice to have.

    As to a specific... I dunno - always had a soft spot for the on-one Pompino, despite the fact that you could never leave it outside an Italian Cafe without getting stern looks from the staff...
  • eabernst
    eabernst Posts: 29 Member
    I definitely second the flip flop hub (riding fixed in the city gets old!) and getting something drilled for brakes (and installing at least one brake!). How many times have I seen someone run into the car ahead of them because they were riding brakeless...
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    When I get my current bike project finished up, I'll be looking more seriously into steel road frame with a coaster brake hub.

    Just to throw a 3rd option on the table.
  • cloggsy71
    cloggsy71 Posts: 2,208 Member
    First you need to decide if you want a fixie or a SS.

    In either case I'd probably convert an old bike.

    I'd probably go SS rather than Fixed TBH - I fear I may forget that I'm 'fixed' then end up on my *kitten* (having gone over the handlebars or some such other mishap!)
    oooo interesting...why so?? For the challenge? I'd not go near a fixie myself for commuting in busy traffic, be terrified of not being able to stop if muppet drivers pull out on you / into you!

    I just think 'simplifying' to Single Speed, especially over the winter month with cut down on maintenance and possible improve my form? Although I'm confused by the who 'sprocket sizes' (i.e. 44/16) etc. :laugh: :huh:
  • cloggsy71
    cloggsy71 Posts: 2,208 Member
    I dunno - always had a soft spot for the on-one Pompino, despite the fact that you could never leave it outside an Italian Cafe without getting stern looks from the staff...

    This one is on my 'list' at the moment :love:
  • sillygoosie
    sillygoosie Posts: 1,109 Member
    I'm starting with a fairly cheap Novara from REI. I don't want to spend a ton on my first, in case I can't hack it. I do love my gears.
  • emaren
    emaren Posts: 934 Member
    State Bicycle Co have a sale on at the moment

    http://www.statebicycle.com/

    I have an SE Racing Single Speed frame built up with decent parts and it rocks......

    I started with a flip-flop hub but never use the fixie side, so now have much better wheels.....

    http://www.emaren.com/gallery/index.php/Today/October-2013/IMG_2150
  • TheBigYin
    TheBigYin Posts: 5,686 Member
    State Bicycle Co have a sale on at the moment

    http://www.statebicycle.com/

    I have an SE Racing Single Speed frame built up with decent parts and it rocks......

    I started with a flip-flop hub but never use the fixie side, so now have much better wheels.....

    http://www.emaren.com/gallery/index.php/Today/October-2013/IMG_2150

    and by the time it's shipped to the UK ??
  • TheBigYin
    TheBigYin Posts: 5,686 Member
    of course if you fancy going all "hipster wankerey"... http://www.8ballbikes.co.uk/product-category/bicycles/
  • emaren
    emaren Posts: 934 Member
    State Bicycle Co have a sale on at the moment

    http://www.statebicycle.com/

    I have an SE Racing Single Speed frame built up with decent parts and it rocks......

    I started with a flip-flop hub but never use the fixie side, so now have much better wheels.....

    http://www.emaren.com/gallery/index.php/Today/October-2013/IMG_2150

    and by the time it's shipped to the UK ??



    Use the UK site - http://www.statebicycle.co.uk/


    and pay in POUNDS :)
  • cloggsy71
    cloggsy71 Posts: 2,208 Member
    Use the UK site - http://www.statebicycle.co.uk/


    and pay in POUNDS :)

    Are brakes 'optional extras'? :laugh:
  • TheBigYin
    TheBigYin Posts: 5,686 Member
    it's darwin at its best killin off the hipster wankers :laugh:
  • cloggsy71
    cloggsy71 Posts: 2,208 Member
    it's darwin at its best killin off the hipster wankers :laugh:

    :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
  • eabernst
    eabernst Posts: 29 Member
    When I get my current bike project finished up, I'll be looking more seriously into steel road frame with a coaster brake hub.

    Just to throw a 3rd option on the table.

    My crappy weather commuter is a three speed coaster. I love the coaster- I don't understand why more people aren't catching on! Though it was hard to find this hub on a 700c. Ended up having to take a wheelbuilding class and building it myself.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    When I get my current bike project finished up, I'll be looking more seriously into steel road frame with a coaster brake hub.

    Just to throw a 3rd option on the table.

    My crappy weather commuter is a three speed coaster. I love the coaster- I don't understand why more people aren't catching on! Though it was hard to find this hub on a 700c. Ended up having to take a wheelbuilding class and building it myself.

    Yep, that's what I'm expecting... To build the wheel myself. I have the hoop, just need the hub.
  • FatDadSlim
    FatDadSlim Posts: 497 Member
    Saw this and thought of you
    http://tinyurl.com/cloggsysinglespeed
  • sillygoosie
    sillygoosie Posts: 1,109 Member
    Saw this and thought of you
    http://tinyurl.com/cloggsysinglespeed

    Oooh she's purdy.
  • TheBigYin
    TheBigYin Posts: 5,686 Member
    If you ask nicely, I'm sure Ricky at feathercycles would build you something suitable...

    theres a few rather nice fixies / track frames on his blog from page 4...

    I particularly like this one from page 7... totally impractical, I know, but...

    http://www.feathercycles.com/uncategorized/martins-40th-update
  • gajones02
    gajones02 Posts: 34 Member
    What would you recommend?

    First:
    Ride your geared bike in one gear, about 60-70 inches, and leave it there for a week.

    I don't ride a "fixie", but I love my fixed gear Leader.
  • cloggsy71
    cloggsy71 Posts: 2,208 Member
    Saw this and thought of you
    http://tinyurl.com/cloggsysinglespeed

    I like the Fuji Feather!