Single Speed noob - Is this bike worth the cash?

I have been looking at purchasing my first single speed bike (52ish cm) for my daily commute in London (Streatham to Waterloo). 300 quid is my rough budget.

I went to Brick Lane bikes and Hackney Cycles - I checked out a 6KU entry level bike (300 quid) which seemed quite nice, however after doing some research it looks like these are actually not that much better than the cheaper offerings Hackney Cycles offer (teman etc).

I've started leaning towards putting the money towards a higher quality second hand bike.

I've found one I really like the look of, but unsure if it is overpriced? A lot of fixies I have been looking at have been around 150-200 second hand, and a lot seem to list a lot more custom (upgraded?) parts. Whereas from what I can see this bike is just a standard cheap steel frame with not much else justifying the extra cash.

What are peoples thoughts?

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Is this bike worth the cash?

No.

Take a look around the classifieds section of this forum. You'll find way better deals for the same money.

You will get much more for your £300 on here than if you will if you buy new. just about knowing what you want. The forum usually polices itself quite well though so you have less chance of buying a shanter.

that one you've found isn't worth £250... definitely keep an eye out on here for alternatives in the classifieds.

Appreciate the feedback. Is there anything in particular that I can look for in future to help determine what a bike is worth? Is it just that there aren't many upgraded parts listed? What is the difference between this bike and a higher quality single speed bike that I could get for the same price?

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/320990/#comment14242793

This is the kind of thing which you could be getting for about that price, this particular one isn't your size but its an indication of what you could be getting.

Avoid Hi-Ten frames. lowest grade steel, heavy.
Avoid deep section Alu aero wheels as very heavy so hard work, also can have a harsh ride.

A butted cromo steel frame will be nicer, Fuji track is a good starting point, if you want light and fast look at the double and triple butted Alu framesets from Dolan, cheap but held in high regard.

Sealed cartridge bearings on the wheel hubs are a base line as easier to service.

The rest of the bike is easily swap-out-able at later dates, so seat post, stem, bars,saddles, brakes and levers.
Good frame and decent wheels are a start point as the rest is easy to swap out.

mostly to do with the tubing of the frame and the quality of the components. The 6KUs are "Gaspipe" tubing and weigh quite a bit.

The second hand ones can be lighter weight steel (reynolds etc) or aluminium or carbon.

EDIT: What they all said. /

appreciate the advice! also looks like I should be looking at 54cm potentially after doing a bit more research. I am 5'10 but the 52cm 6KU bike was a pretty good fit (close to, but not squashing my crown jewells). I'm guessing the frame sizing can be different depending on the make and model of bike?

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/320550/#comment14225759

I imagine he wants some brakes on his single speed. Helps with not dying.

An obscure french track bike would not be my recommendation, as nice as that offering is.

I'd look out for a Genesis Day one. They come up second hand around your budget. Plenty of room for guards which as commuter run around are always appreciated.

shit, just saw the leavers!

Have look at on one pompino owner thread?