Test ride as many bikes as you can. Seeing them in the flesh so to speak, let alone taking them for a ride, will soon tell you, what's right and not right for you. And don't limit yourself to Evans. Most retailers and independent local bike shops participate in some sort of cycle to work scheme.
I tested the Specialized Langster a couple of months ago; reasonably good value for money in my opinion. In the end I decided to go for a higher spec bike for training/racing, but it having the Langster on loan for the day confirmed my initial thought, that riding fixed is definitely the way forward.
I'll second Hugo in terms of choosing an aluminium frame with threadless headset and stem over a steel frame with threaded headset and a quill stem. But to be honest, that's more a personal preference than a vouch for a higher quality frame . In fact many will argue that a relatively cheap steel frame is better than an aluminium frame in the same price range. Allegedly the production cost of a quality aluminium frame is higher than the production cost of a steel frame; thus you get a better frame for the same price, or so they say.
I can't really comment on the other bikes from personal experience, but for an entry level fixed gear bike they all look okay. Like I said Check out other retailers as well, ask if they will price match and look out for 2012 models now on sale.~~
Best value for money beyond doubt, if you ask me, is a Dolan Precursa. It a purpose build track bike, but it comes with a drilled fork, if you ask for it when you order, and is perfectly suitable for road use. I picked up a couple of Precursas for my girlfriend and I, ordered in by my local bike shop, for just under £800 for the pair. I use it for everyday commuting and pub crusing and couldn't complain.
Note that you would need to buy a front brake separately, presuming for sake of argument you want brakes. Also the Dolan comes unassembled. Not sure if that is standard though, but even having to buy a front brake and if you have to pay your local bike shop to assemble the bike, which I strongly recommend if you're new to bicycle mechanics, you would still get a super cool quality bike well under budget.
Welcome to the world of fixed gear riding!
PS
Discard everything else. Just get the Dolan. I did a quick search and velodrome Shop are selling the Dolan for £400 at the moment ;-)
~~^this
Test ride as many bikes as you can. Seeing them in the flesh so to speak, let alone taking them for a ride, will soon tell you, what's right and not right for you. And don't limit yourself to Evans. Most retailers and independent local bike shops participate in some sort of cycle to work scheme.
I tested the Specialized Langster a couple of months ago; reasonably good value for money in my opinion. In the end I decided to go for a higher spec bike for training/racing, but it having the Langster on loan for the day confirmed my initial thought, that riding fixed is definitely the way forward.
I'll second Hugo in terms of choosing an aluminium frame with threadless headset and stem over a steel frame with threaded headset and a quill stem. But to be honest, that's more a personal preference than a vouch for a higher quality frame . In fact many will argue that a relatively cheap steel frame is better than an aluminium frame in the same price range. Allegedly the production cost of a quality aluminium frame is higher than the production cost of a steel frame; thus you get a better frame for the same price, or so they say.
I can't really comment on the other bikes from personal experience, but for an entry level fixed gear bike they all look okay. Like I said Check out other retailers as well, ask if they will price match and look out for 2012 models now on sale.~~
Best value for money beyond doubt, if you ask me, is a Dolan Precursa. It a purpose build track bike, but it comes with a drilled fork, if you ask for it when you order, and is perfectly suitable for road use. I picked up a couple of Precursas for my girlfriend and I, ordered in by my local bike shop, for just under £800 for the pair. I use it for everyday commuting and pub crusing and couldn't complain.
Note that you would need to buy a front brake separately, presuming for sake of argument you want brakes. Also the Dolan comes unassembled. Not sure if that is standard though, but even having to buy a front brake and if you have to pay your local bike shop to assemble the bike, which I strongly recommend if you're new to bicycle mechanics, you would still get a super cool quality bike well under budget.
Welcome to the world of fixed gear riding!
PS
Discard everything else. Just get the Dolan. I did a quick search and velodrome Shop are selling the Dolan for £400 at the moment ;-)