I have the Flyer, I bought it as my first fixie, and its okay. The geometry is pretty nice for the road and its resonably light and sturdy. When I bought it a couple of years ago it was probably best in that price range (though I think the Bianchi Pista definately better). The thing that the Flyer has over the Bianchi which swayed me is that it has carbon forks (and when I bought it a carbon seatpost too), so this with the more relaxed geometry, means that its a much better bike in terms of comfort.
But heres the thing... I don't think the benefits of an "off the peg" are all that great. I recently worked out that for the money I have spent swapping out its second rate componentry - some necessary, some not so much - I could have got myself a really nice Terry Dolan, Bob Jackson or Condor custom build... It might have even been cheaper buying that way!
The Flyer's wheelset is absolutely rubbish if you're riding fixed, even if you ride very smoothly and run a front break. The low flange hubs are decidedly second rate and the bearings are crap, the soft Alex rims bend and buckle all over the place. I've broken at least 4 spokes in the last year. The seat is so uncomfortable and squeaks. And you have to change the bars and brakes if you want a good setup for the city. Lastly, the welding on the frame is rough and its got ugly brake guides welded on the top tube. And the icing on the cake is its ugly graphics.
Build a bike. You'll be much happy with what you end up with.
I have the Flyer, I bought it as my first fixie, and its okay. The geometry is pretty nice for the road and its resonably light and sturdy. When I bought it a couple of years ago it was probably best in that price range (though I think the Bianchi Pista definately better). The thing that the Flyer has over the Bianchi which swayed me is that it has carbon forks (and when I bought it a carbon seatpost too), so this with the more relaxed geometry, means that its a much better bike in terms of comfort.
But heres the thing... I don't think the benefits of an "off the peg" are all that great. I recently worked out that for the money I have spent swapping out its second rate componentry - some necessary, some not so much - I could have got myself a really nice Terry Dolan, Bob Jackson or Condor custom build... It might have even been cheaper buying that way!
The Flyer's wheelset is absolutely rubbish if you're riding fixed, even if you ride very smoothly and run a front break. The low flange hubs are decidedly second rate and the bearings are crap, the soft Alex rims bend and buckle all over the place. I've broken at least 4 spokes in the last year. The seat is so uncomfortable and squeaks. And you have to change the bars and brakes if you want a good setup for the city. Lastly, the welding on the frame is rough and its got ugly brake guides welded on the top tube. And the icing on the cake is its ugly graphics.
Build a bike. You'll be much happy with what you end up with.