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@not_hip
I'm looking for my first OTP single speed bike.
I have looked at the "The definitive OTP ( Off-The-Peg ) List"-post. I'm trying to find out what would be the best value bike for my needs.
I currently have a 2006 Cannondale Bad Boy and I'm looking for something lighter, more easy to maintain and better looking. I'd also like to try fixed as a way to improve my pedaling technique .
I ride 20 km from and to work every weekday and I enjoy longer road rides on the evenings/weekends.
I'm a bit reluctant to pay an overprize for a snazzy colour scheme and no name poop components just because fixed is currently trendy.
I'd prefer a bike that doesn't have ultra extreme geometry and I will most likely not be using drop handlebars when I'm commuting because it is ergonomically awkward, because I'm a a wus and it screws my neck badly. I'm ready to sacrifice some performance for better ergonomy.
I will most likely not run it as a fixie when commuting (I'd appreciate the ability to coast), for longer rides I'd like to try running fixed, flip flop would be a bonus.
The frame should be drilled to accept a rear break (I realized the Pista is not). Acceptable prize is up to £600. I like dark color schemes and curved forks and flat crown fork lugs (i believe that is what it's called in english). If I could choose I'd appreciate if it didn't have deep rims. I do not like incline top tubes (Langster).
The black Mercier Kilo TT (with a short stem and a straight handlebar) looks like my dream bike, but it seems it is not sold in Europe (and bikesdirect.com wont ship it).
I have also been looking at KHS Flite 100, Felt Brougham, Fuji Track Classic. The KHS looks tempting too, but Cycle Surgery currently only has size 52 and 54 in Gold. A 57 or 60cm would fit me better, and I want black.
I like the looks of the Brougham (although I'm a little unimpressed by the weird b/w mixing on the front/back wheel).
I'm guessing 58 cm for the Brougham would be fine. I have tried the 57cm Bianchi Pista (chrome), it felt quite good and my LBS said it looked fine size wise.
I will order the bike from the UK (I'm in Sweden) and will most likely not be able to test ride the bike (yes, I'm that crazy).
Here are my measurements (competitivecyclist.com fit calculator).
I am a male.
I see now what a mess this post is. Prepared for tl;dr's.
I start almost ever sentence with an I.
Thank you.