GOKU bikes?

A friend of mine wants to buy cheap SS bike for commuting.
She found GOKU on ebay/gumtree (£175).
Anyone had experience with them?
I can't find any review or tests.

You get what you pay for.

It'll be your typical Alu. frame with cheap components. If its for commuting then it would be ideal for a beginner who isn't willing to spend big money

Yes, exactly: alu frame, cheap components, for beginner on low budget.
Has anyone had experience with them bikes though?
Because ff it's total crap she'd be better off buying an old 1970s' racing bike converted to SS (same price).

It will be the same as a no-logo, create or teman. No experience necessary.

Pay extra for good tyres and ride slowly.

They're all cheap gas pipe steel from what I can see, not aluminium. They'll be fine but the parts aren't great. I'd straight away change the bottom bracket and headset. A friend had a similar bike though not Goku and both of the above stripped/were shit.

If it were my money, I'd build a 70s/80s road frame conversion. Quality parts that aren't new but the same price and you know aren't going to be made of cheese. Just my 2p.

.

I'd say its a step up from a no logo or teman.
It apparently has sealed hubs. but i'd agree upgrade tyres

sealed hubs? what does it mean?

sealed cartridge bearing hubs, easy to replace and weather proof.

Cheap wheels have poorly sealed open cage or just loose bearings and require more attention and need cone spanners to set up bearing pre-load.

Both work, but at your price point the brand will use really cheap cup&cone hubs/bearings, cone spanners are cheap to buy and hub services are easy enough.

You can pick up a decent single speed on here for <200. Don't go with that shit. Put a wanted ad up and see what comes in

any comments (about the hubs or anything) on this guide?

https://uk.gophr.com/a-bicycle-courier-guide-to-building-a-fixed-gear-bike

The hubs on this goku are likely to be similar in design to the sytem ex hubs the guide refers to. The "exposed bearings" issue applies however i wouldn't worry to much about that.

That guide also doesn't really apply to your budget so much

My friend's budget is £250 but mine is £400. She wants the bike now, Im planning buying/building mine on in July.

Cheap Genesis Flyer without wheels in classified here. Pretty sure you'd easily pick up some wheels too and stay well within budget. Better than any new bike for the same money.

Considering.
I think I 'm gonna start new topic.

LFGSS isn’t as great as it once was for deals on parts and gear as it’s not as busy as it once was apparently and a good proportion of people on there have more money than sense.

Ha, from the above article.

LFGSS isn’t as great as it once was for deals on parts and gear as it’s not as busy as it once was apparently and a good proportion of people on there have more money than sense.

recommends BLB...

Then again everyone knows LFGSS is just a ferociously snooty forum

Gumtree is always a good spot to try and find decent to good bikes – and sometimes parts – being sold by people who don’t necessarily know what they’re selling.

Yeah, cause a lot of them are thieves.

do Viking bikes fall into nologo/teman category?

yes. seriously stop contemplating these shit bikes and buy something decent 2ndhand.

Im trying to create 'avoid' list

bought something decent 2ndand anyway - cinelli mystic rats.