HELP: First Fixed Gear

Hello, Looking to buy my first fixed gear. Max budget around 500-550.

Come across a few bikes the Quella Varsity collection, State bikes, Santa Fixie BLB Etc.

Could I get some advice which would be best.

I like the look of quell but are they worth the money?

Or does anyone have a fixed gear they are wanting to sell (5ft 7)

Thanks,

Ryan

Get this
https://www.dolan-bikes.com/pre-cursa/

The ones you list are of a lower quality

+1.

The Dolan is a good bike and far better than the ones you listed. But for that sort of money you’d be better off going 2nd-hand or picking up a frame and kitting it out yourself. The frame is by far the most important part, so get one made from decent steel or alu. Wheels next, avoid the heavy deep-section rim nonsense and look for something light. Then a good crankset, 165mm and around 46t chainring, and then pick up a bar and stem, and the rest - brake & lever, saddle, seat post and pedals. You could easily do that for under £500 if you scour the ads here.

+2

Thanks for the advice/help the Dolan looks amazing. Looks like it could really be stretching the budget though as would like to be at around £450 if possible.

seen so many contradicting things like Alu or steel etc.

is it worth investing on a "great bike" for general commuting aka will I notice the difference compared so a sort of "flat pack" bike?

Sorry for all the questions!

Thanks

Have a look at the Dolan I am selling! I am an inch shorter than you so this would be a good fit. You would just need to put pedals and a brake on it...

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/354628/

If you buy the best you can afford at the time, then you won’t end up thinking “what if”, like you might do if you buy a cheap bike.

The joy of a fixie is having a light, fast, agile frame under you. Quella, BLB etc usually have basic steel frames that are heavy, unresponsive and just aren’t nice to ride. They also tend to come with heavy wheels and shite components, the brakes being particularly rubbish.

Re steel v alu, decent steel is more durable and can be repaired. Alu frames generally can’t be repaired. Steel gives a nice supple ride, alu tends to be more rigid and harsh.

Ah yeah that makes sense, I mean I would love to make my own bike I just assumed it would cost an unbelievable amount! I may look into that then.

If you just want to ride a good bike get the new (or second hand Dolan).

If you have mechanical aptitude, don't mind waiting a few weeks to assemble the right build, are prepared for things like ordering the wrong parts then lurk in the classifieds until a nice frame comes along.

Option one will immediately blow you away, there is nothing like an alu track frame (except a Ti or Carbon one..)
If you like it then there will always be time to refine and seek out a steel ride you assemble yourself.

there should be a thread and discussion listing all the recommended, well priced, off the peg fixed gear bikes on here somewhere, maybe someone can link it

charge plug
genesis flyer
fuji track

type of bikes