Off the peg... let's conclusively answer the question "Which one?"

Good idea.
Who are going to be the testers? Do we recommend them, or do you VB choose them? I know I won't be one, as the manufacturers wouldn't want anyone really heavy on their bikes. Also sometimes they may give a 52cm, or a 56cm? I've noticed even the cycling mags often get sizes they didn't really want, then have to find staffers short enough, or tall enough for the test.

Finally, what if we here have some recent examples of the bikes now on the market? Can we test those if the retailers/manufacturers don't cough up?

I guess we'll see what kind of sizes we get. I'd rather most bikes are tested by the same group of people so that way a fair comparison can be made across them. When we know what we get offered I'll for people who want to take part and help out. I wouldn't mind one of the tests being to get the Fixed Gear London guys involved and have all the bikes go through a round of tricks ;)

As for testing bikes that aren't submitted... sure. But only if we have examples of them in their non-customised off-the-peg state. And, I'd want to mark out which companies weren't really helping out... I'd instantly give any bike we had to source and we didn't get help from the distributor/company a negative score... it would have to do better than average to be good. Why? Because this is going to help sell bikes and get more people on bikes... if they cycle companies don't recognise and support that I'm going to be a bit miffed with their attitude from the outset.

And bonus pointies for the retailers that really push the boat out? It might encourage better sales techniques towards we chaps and chapettes that are only buying a humble ss at £500 max.

Very good idea! +1 on comment made above, this would've really helped me out when choosing my first FG/SS as well.

Agree with 500 quid limit. It's about entry level, and to be fair to all there needs to be a level playing field.

VB = the Fixed Gear / Single Speed version of Jeremy Clarkson : )
Who wants to be the little bloke, and the posh one?

ill test if u want

i say flyer,hanzo,plug

Very good idea! +1 on comment made above, this would've really helped me out when choosing my first FG/SS as well.

Agree with 500 quid limit. It's about entry level, and to be fair to all there needs to be a level playing field.

VB = the Fixed Gear / Single Speed version of Jeremy Clarkson : )
Who wants to be the little bloke, and the posh one?

5'6'' and 67Kg....do I win little bloke?
Sounds like a great idea, I had a nightmare trying to decide on an 'off the peg' as my first SS so much conflicting info out their or complete lack of - that was before I found this site and got my current much loved ride!

reckon you're a sure thing for the role. : )
also forgot, we need a Fixed version of The Stig as well

i totally think we should be pushing this idea but i also think we should totally be including those on here that build and sell for a living (or supplemental living). these guys should be included if they could be convinced to supply. these folks are so important to the scene that they shouldnt be counted out. if they can build an example of their "normal" builds to be in the test then get them on board and let the head to head action commence.

I think Sano would be the little bloke. Do they send kids' sizes?

I'm happy to thrash a few uphill, for the bit that says "despite its weight, point it uphill and you won't hear any complaints" blah-dee-fucking-blah.

i totally think we should be pushing this idea but i also think we should totally be including those on here that build and sell for a living (or supplemental living). these guys should be included if they could be convinced to supply. these folks are so important to the scene that they shouldnt be counted out. if they can build an example of their "normal" builds to be in the test then get them on board and let the head to head action commence.

2nd that, thats how I got mine, could'nt afford off the peg in the end so plummed for a guy of gumtree who builds now and again for extra cash - at £140 its been the best bike for all round use/cost/fun I have ever owned!

this forum is top notch. impressive work yet again.

I think £500 is a great line to draw.

Shame, I think the Felt TK's would have given them bigger boys a run for their money.

Actually thinking about it isn't the Felt Despatch £450?

Think the idea is grand, but would be very surprised if the companies let you keep the bikes as a rule. Some might be interested to donate the bike towards sponsoring a specific event (like a prize for winning a Rollapaluza type thing), but as far as I know the general rule with review bikes is that they go back to the manufacturer once you've reviewed them.

reckon you're a sure thing for the role. : )
also forgot, we need a Fixed version of The Stig as well

The Hippy?

tooooo heavy

There's not enough mystique with that hippy idiot.. he talks too much..

But he is heavier than most of you, rides more than most of you and doesn't have any silly geometry, frame material biases.. other than if they must be tested with Conti's or clips and straps they immediately fail ;)

I think that this is a great idea. What about including the Kona paddy wagon?

Surely nobody needs to actually ride them to review them, just a cursory glance at the manufacturer's website. Then tick off each bike against the hipster bingo card. Job done.

Nah.. I'm all up for breaking testing OTP bikes.. ;)

reckon you're a sure thing for the role. : )
also forgot, we need a Fixed version of The Stig as well

That would be classic get them to do a timed lap of Herne Hill in full Lycra with an aero helmet that covers thier eyes!

What will the test criteria be? Can I suggest these:

Weight (real vs manufacturer claim, also weights - as claimed from 49cm-60cm bikes)
Stiffness (considering the material, and how well its bolted together)
Tracking (straight as an arrow, seems to pull left a bit...)
Handling (fast, nimble, slow, slack, twitchy)
Components (choice of product, quality, fit, and finish, adjustability [seatpost, stem, etc])
Wheels (trueness, weight, perceived spin weight, rim strength, style)
Tyres (suitability for city, or speed)
Looks+style

Marks out of 10 for each item, then average to get the total? Maybe a bike of the week, bike of the month, bike of the year?

RETAILERS will like it if they get a Bike-of-the-Month award from the LFGSS. And, they might even use it in their advertising. Pesh for VB, which I think is good.

Plus the most important.

Is it bar spin-tastic

can the winners/losers get names, ie. first place = 'pride and joy', last place = 'hat rack'?

I like my sjs 'winter/training' bike. A lot. It was my first bike and I still live riding it. I think they've all sold now. Straight, comfy, but rides like a boat and heavy as a big heavy thing. But it'll never get nicked (touch wood- errr) as it looks like grandad's tourer, and it has an unfashionable 'www' decal.

Although I've never ridden any of the others much, my guess is the langster's probably a good buy (especially the ultra-rare hard-to-find vintage 2006 dark grey one!) and the filmore looks a good un.

Ummm, Skullhead, this post isn't actually about who likes their own bikes. Its about the forum adminstrator considering testing commercially offered off-the-peg bikes, and the rest of us adding to THAT idea.