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I like Kam's suggest to get a Surly Steamroller build but was just a bit sceptical whether a custom is realistic within my budget. But more I think about it makes sense to flog my my hybrid & increase my budget up to say £700 for the bike and get a good quality custom fixer. Winston you're right, the Harlesden-Elep commute is 3 day a week but all my mates live south London so I'm regularly bombing it down there too. I think you're right, I might as well put the oner I'd spend on a cycle fitting towards the bike and just bite the bullet.It'll pay for itself in 6 months to-and-fro acrossing town..and avoid any of PJ's wikked 'bike envy' which I know I'll get at the first lights me!
So, the plan is head out tomorrow & checking a couple of the OTPs (Bianchi Pista,Lemond Fillmore,Pearson Touche) and also Surly Steamroller or other custom build.
Next question: Best shop/bunch of guys in north London to relieve me of my money and who won't mind me asking dumb questions and will do me a good deal!?
Talking of dumb questions, is really worth me bidding on the Gazelletrack frame like # vegansdontneedgears suggests? Or am I asking for a world of pain as newbie.
P.S. Oh Winston, there's no way I'm wasting my bleeding money on the tube, I'll drag my hybrid across town until the fixies good to go before I do that!!
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Check out Brixton Cycles (they're in Brixton surprisingly, right next to Stockwell skatepark and near the Brixton Academy) and while that's not in any way North London, they're good and they stock Surly.
East London, Fixed Gear London (http://www.fixedgearlondon.com)
or
Brick Lane Bikes - BLB - sometimes get a hard time on here, but they've got pretty decent stock and they know what they're talking about - although I have seen some ugly conversions in there. They have Bob Jackson Frames at £350, which while that's £50 more than Bob Jackson themselves, you at least don't have to wait eight weeks to get it. Maybe ask your 'dumb' questions on here ; ) before you go to BLB, and don't go at weekends if you can help it.
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i would say get the gazelle track frame as it is a beauty. however, the front fork doesn't look drilled and it would be a shame to do that. brakeless as a newbie means for sure you will be entering a world of pain.
i like sano's suggestion of brixton cycles and a lot of people talk about Cavendish cycles, on, uh, new cavendish street i think. you should pop into condor for a browse too and if cycle surgery still do the Wilier then that is worth a look at
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i actually think there is a lot to be said for going OTP to start with, for the following reasons:
- it's cheaper and you'll be riding that same day you part with your cash, not 5-15 weeks later
- as time progresses you'll totally get to grips with setting up your bike
- you'll work out which components need to be upgraded, and can do so gradually
- when you do get a new frame you can just drag and drop everything across onto it
- you will learn all about fixed wheel, and maitenance, before tackling something more ambitious
- you can get to grips with the mad skilz required for fixed riding, without destroying an expensive bicycle
7 the current pistadex (bikesnobnyc) suggests you will get above RRP for your wrongster when you resell it. - all the time spent ogling other bikes will give you a much clearer idea of what exactly you want and why you want it.
this is what i did. i had a fuji. it was great. i got envy. i now have a bob jackson. i don't get envy anymore, and if someone wants to talk at the lights i only respond if they open with 'lovely frame' or some such, thus acknowledging my patent superiority.
- it's cheaper and you'll be riding that same day you part with your cash, not 5-15 weeks later
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baggy, this would be a very sweet ride for a big lad like yourself
contact the seller and arrange a spin - only in welling in kent
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Bikefix on Lamb's Conduit St is also a good shop that put together the odd fixed bike - their window has a nice track bike in it currently. (They also sell surly steamroller frames and were selling their own Bikefix branded fixed last year).
Flatlander works there so he can give you the lowdown on it. If you're going to look at Condor (always worth a look - not as snobby as people here would have you believe) then Bikefix is worth a visit as it is just around the corner...
Great situation to be in. I mainly agree with what PJ said - superior arse that he is ;oP
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Thanks Jonny, that looks like a sweet bike and I've just been reading up on the history of Geoff Roberts bikes. Have you, or anyone else ridden one before...? Is it fixed?
Baggy
jonny baggy, this would be a very sweet ride for a big lad like yourself
contact the seller and arrange a spin - only in welling in kent
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Argh - me, me me! i want it sooo bad... but won't fight you for it as youre obviousy a big lad and I like to win.
The Gazelle is nice and better coz frame only - waiting for the seller to confirm its 700c.
EDIT -Geoff Roberts- fixed it is, but the mudguard eyes would suggest it's not a track-specific frame/geometry. Would be nicer for the road. and it's ready to ride... good luck! -
baggy, i haven't ridden a Roberts bike, but like you are finding out, plenty of history there. different league to some of the OTP options you are looking at.
would imagine it is fixed with those Miche hubs. he does have brakes front and rear though so worth checking with the seller. if i were you, and had time, i would try and check with him if he is happy for you to come see it and take it for a spin. you might win this bike for less than the OTP options you are considering - and leave you plenty of leftover moolah for shoes and pedals and upgrades as and when.
good luck dude. keep us posted
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that looks like it could be a nice ride, good thing he has 2 breaks even if its fixed if he has no straps
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alright if your heading that way (vintage :-)), then Paul at kiwicycles.com built up 1 of my bikes. you'll get good value for money with him, although he can be reaaallly slow. He's built quite a few for friends so i can vouch for the quality and expertise. He had a harry hall that was real nice and quite large, dunno if he still has it but its on th bikes for sale page.
It might be a world of pain you don't need going this route though...
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pj's comments about the benefits of OTP are spot on. No matter how much reading or research you do, you probably won't really know what you want until you've ridden around on an OTP bike for a good few months and ogled all the other fixed wheels on the roads. You can probably then sell it on on eBay in the current climate for scarcely less than you paid for it, and then buy something that really suits.
I nearly bought a Condor Pista a while ago, but instead got a Fuji Track and am so pleased both that I didn't get the Condor (nothing wrong with it, just really not the bike I'd like to ride any more) and that I did buy the Fuji, which is really good value. Stuff like handlebars and brake leavers, for example; you won't know what you like until you try them, and think of how much you save by not buying some super nice Nitto bars with Record levers, then realising six months later that you prefer high risers, etc.
That's what I'd do. I'd also not bother with the custom measurements unless you want a custom bike - money would be better spent on a nice pair of shoes or Rapha.
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Just thought I'd put my two penneth in. In agreement with illy.
Erm the cycle-fit is a dubious experience. I have had a large number of club boys telling me it was a waste of money (although I have heard the odd happy person). I've been riding every type of bike you can imagine for 20 years now (since I was 5! Haha) and I can tell you with respect all road bikes you know what suits you best. If it ain't broke don't fix it. The rolling stone gathers no moss (thought I'd chuck in another cliche there). Use the money elsewhere.
I've heard of people going to Cyclefit, then a shop in B'mouth and others, where they consistantly get told different measurements. Do what feels right. The great cyclists of the Tour have ofter had perculiar styles, thise that fit their way of cycling.
Don't try and make it a science, riding is a passion and should be treated as such in every area...
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My problem with cyclefitting generally is that if you go to five different experts you can all but guarantee that you'll end up with five different positions as each has their own views on certain aspects of how a bike should fit. However, I had a knee problem 3 years ago and a morning session with Cyclefit fixed that and my pedal stroke felt more efficient afterwards. So some of it does work.
I'd be in general agreement with the majority here though - you'd be better off spending your money on the inevitable upgrade(s) if you go down the OTP route.
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I got the Steamroller from BLB, and although I am very happy with the bike, I could have done better elsewhere.
I got an OTP because I have no patience whatsoever, but it's a price to pay there as well. People here on the forum know what they're talking about - it makes sense to get parts here and there and a frame there and a saddle from somewhere else - if you can wait, you can save a fair bit of money. If you need a quick fix (damn, no pun intended), you have to pay.I never regretted my OTP, I have to say.
Sano
jonny
pj_(pj)
provenrad
justMouse
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kam
illy
pigfarmer
andyp
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I need some advice on buying FG bike in 2008
Posted by
@Baggy
What Winston & PJ said.
Buy one of those off the pegs (I have a Touche that I love) which will be absolutely fine for that commute & then build up to drooling over other things.
[Note to self - must finish paying for current bike before buying new one.]