The definitive OTP ( Off-The-Peg ) List (<£500 and <£1,000 sections)

Hi chi11i and welcome to the forum. You can try out some by calling ahead and trying to book a test ride with some various Cycle Shops. Or, come to one of the various drinks that we have in London, and chat to the chaps and chapettes.

As for the Bianchi Pista, I'm sure that would be perfect for the job. Its a good time to buy, as there sales now all over the place. If you have nothing against aluminum frames, then there's a bargain to be had in the Giant Bowery (£225!) http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/product/3277/GIANT_BOWERY_SINGLE_SPEED_CLEARANCE_RRP_350_SAVE_125_NOW_22500. As a back up bike (my main), its stiff and fast. Only the bottom bracket needs a good lubeing on its first (free) shop tune-up, and it should be very good after that.

Thanks GA2G - the Giant looks a good buy. I would opt for steel if I was choosing, I have 4 mtb's, all steel, but at £200 it's very tempting. I'd probably whip the BB out and grease it up myself. I also like the look of the fuji track bike, that's a good price too, if I can pick up a used front brake. Not being a roadie, how do I find out my best size? I'm 5'11", pretty average build and offroad always opt for the smaller frame option if I'm floating between 2.

Can you recommend a shop in London that has a good range of fixed?

Thanks

Frame fit is not that simple. check this thread. Inside leg and height are both important.
Get a tape measure and a willing helper and these online tools should be a good pointer.
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO
(links courtesy of the-smiling-buddha)

All the big chainstore bike shops have a range of fixed or singlespeed bikes. But phone around and see whats available. I'd say a 55cm or 56cm frame might suit you. But you still need to try it. Lots of guys and a few gals on here are 5'11", and they can tell you their bike sizes. Expect a few comedy answers, as thats how it works. :)

Whow - that thread is detailed! Thanks for the links - I'll try and work it out :)

What is Brick Lane Bikes like? Just found them via Google. Might check them out alongside the other chainstores near Liverpool St.

Ok - just test ridden a 56 Langster and its a good fit. Looking at the cheap Giant Lowry (http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/page/114/Bowery) as its so cheap its impossible to ignore, will the Large (55.5) be a similar size? Sorry for numpty questions, I'm not sure on road bike geometry etc.

Ok - just test ridden a 56 Langster and its a good fit. Looking at the cheap Giant Lowry (http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/page/114/Bowery) as its so cheap its impossible to ignore, will the Large (55.5) be a similar size? Sorry for numpty questions, I'm not sure on road bike geometry etc.
Yes. Similiar.

Just rode a Bowrey in 55.5 and it felt massive! compared to the Langster anyway. I'll stop boring you all now with OTP questions - thanks for all help.

Giant have a slightly odd sizing. Maybe a 54cm would suit you. Mine is a 52cm and I'm 5'8"-5'9", and its a good fit. Standing next to it, looks way too small. When I bought it, I asked for a 52cm, and when the guy brought it out, he said, "thats too small", but I got on it, and it was perfect, if not a slight reach, to be honest.

Would anyone happen to know if the Surly Steamroller has toe-overlap in the 48-50cm frame sizes?

(I would go and test ride one, but at 6'2" I might get laughed at.)

Dammit, a 48cm frame would be fine for you, but only if you** NEVER TURN LEFT or RIGHT**. Your knees would extend past your stem! So, no, its not the size I would recommend for you. But if you only ride in a straight line, then its perfect.

That's fine- I only ever ride in a straight line, and I have a spare 880mm seat post that I feel the need to use.

The toe-overlap question relates to a friend of mine of smaller stature who (having not cycled for many years) would be intimidated by having their foot connect with the front wheel upon trying to turn a corner.

This currently happens to them when they go and ride, and it is putting them off, hence the question.

That's fine- I only ever ride in a straight line, and I have a spare 880mm seat post that I feel the need to use.

The toe-overlap question relates to a friend of mine of smaller stature who (having not cycled for many years) would be intimidated by having their foot connect with the front wheel upon trying to turn a corner.

This currently happens to them when they go and ride, and it is putting them off, hence the question.

i have the 49 surly. and there is a slight toe overlap. teach them to lean.

Hi,

I'm new to these forums - just wondered if anybody had any particular recommendations for any of the sections; I'm looking to get a single-speed commuter, probably looking for something that can take some punishment, kerbs, canal paths etc.
I'd picked out the On One Pompino, Pearson Hanzo and Cotic Roadrat - hard to choose between em' - is the Cotic worth the extra over the Hanzo or Pompino?
Really useful info anyway,cheers

here's the best way to decided which's which to get; test ride them.

...true - but not always that easy with bike shops in deepest Sussex etc. Based in Leeds just around the corner from Bob Jackson's, sadly out of my price range..!

Best to decide first what you're going to use it for.

The bikes you've listed have very different skill-sets.

Welcome peteculmer, I've never ridden any of the bikes you've mentioned, but the Hanzo does not match the other two. The Hanzo is the bottom of the range Pearson bike, and I don't believe its double-butted, so its going to be heavier. Its also in a different price range to the other two. Maybe you meant the Pearson Touche?

As for handling punishment, kerbs, canal paths etc., I'd probably give my vote to the Cotic Roadrat, as the bikes are race and team tested, so that's a bonus.

Oh, +1 to what kowalski said.

PRICE UPDATE: Evans have now reduced the Streamroller to match Winstanley's price of £539.99

GA2G can you edit to reflect this?

I went out today, and after much hunting, came away with a Capo 5 Red. Funnily enough, the frame feels heavier than my Bowery's. I can safely say that I never seen more horrible looking pedals anywhere, as on the Capo. The shop will swap the for some standard MKS ones instead. The sizing is also slightly different. I had to get a 54cm, as the 52cm was definitely too small.

I'll post a dual review of the Maxxis Refuse's that come with the bike, and also the bike itself and its handling. I'm supposing its heavier than I expected, because Cannondale expect it to be thrashed in hard road riding. They could be right.

My Bowery will be undergoing some slight cosmetic and performance changes. Ditto to the Capo. I don't think I will ever get on with that spinny gearing.

Like the look of the CAPO :)

I was on the verge of ordering a fuji track as my first fixed yesterday as it seems a good price to introduce me to the road, and ive got too many mtb's so dont want to spend a load, just get fitter, faster. but then i though ok ive got to change the sprocket to an 18t, add a brake, probably change the tyres, that brings it to 350/360, should i not just spend more on something else?

started to review the charge - thought the basic one was ok, but would add drops.

bugger - im all indecisive now :(

have ridden a bowrey, didnt like the sizing, ridden a charge racer, ok but incredibly predictable, rode a fuji track, was twitchy which i oddly like as it reminds me of bmx handling, which i like, rode a fillimore and just plain didn't like it, rode a bianchi pista which i liked but thought at the time too expensive as a starter, not keen on the chrome, langster - ok but a bit predictable.

im stuck now :(

what you mean by predictable? you don´t like it when the bike is predictable to ride?

im used to twitchy bmx type rides, langster felt slow to turn etc.

We will be selling some very nice built bikes, full sugino sets on lugged frames, very nice finish. They will range from 5-800GBP. info@tokyofixedgear.com for more info.

I'll take one of the £5 models, please.

im used to twitchy bmx type rides, langster felt slow to turn etc.
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ah, pure track bike (like the Bianchi Pista and Fuji Track that you've tested) are quite zippy, while bike with a track dropout but a more relaxed geometry for everyday riding isn't that zippy.

if you wanted the zippy handling, look for a bike with a proper track frame as oppose to the one whose geometry is designed for comfort than speed.