New bike

I am new to the world of fixed gear.

I have a budget of £500-600 to spend on a bike.

Where would people reccomend to go in London to buy a bike and what would you suggest I buy?

Ideally I wish to get a bike within the next couple of weeks.

I am sure I will receive brutal punishment for such a novice posting if this is like any other internet forum, but hope to find some pearls of wisdom amongst the wisecracks.

Cheers

James

I should probably add its going to be used for commuting to work each day, am fed up with the tube and public transport

it sounds like you're new to the world of cycling.

Brutal, if you don't search beforehand

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread7255.html

Sic im boys!

I cycled a bit when younger, and a few friends keep telling me about the joys of fixed wheel riding.

The search function is full of usefulness!

For stuff on shops:
http://www.londonfgss.com/thread2047.html
http://www.londonfgss.com/thread3763.html

There’s an off the peg thread, but I think it stops at the top end of your budget. Besides, it depends on what you want the bike for and only you can answer that question. Sorry that was a bit yoda.

Darn,I think Clefty is sat at a desk poised to pounce on the n00bs with info.

I recommend you try a bike shop and looks to buy something with a frame, some wheels and some other bits to sit on, pedal with and hold.

yeh i'm like an angry kitten with a ball of wool today
had a quiet day..

no man, go to Brick Lane Bikes, they will sort you out, no probs

Sharpens knife Expect to get flamed, kidding!

Hello chap.

There are many pearls of wisdom on here. The search function is your friend.

Look for OTP, (off the peg) or self build.

All the best.

no man, go to Brick Lane Bikes, they will sort you out, no probs
or notfor that much you can get something quite nice off the peg, then it'll be up to you if you'll want to throw money into customizing it, for your cash i'd say a steamroller perhaps?

BLB was already top of the hit list, they were v friendly on the phone this morning, will pay them a visit very soon. am bored with my current sporting activity (fencing) and need something to keep me fit. now that I am liberated from carrying a bunch of swords and protective kit the bike looks like a great option.

this is a joke, innit?

Can't you just ride along with an epee in your hand, Errol Flynn style?

This could be a new aspect of bike jousting we're missing

dancing_james, is it the epee that you use? Are you then the epee-lator?

Buy a bike, a cheap one. Ride it for a bit. Learn some stuff. Try single speed, geared, fixed. Different rides suit different types.

Don't slavishly follow fashion, unless you have more money than sense.

Sell bike 1 when you learn a little more about what you want. Buy bike 2. Repeat process.

I race bikes but neither of the two that I race cost more than 400 quid. So why do you need to spend 500?

Where are you based? If you're south I'd say drop into Brixton Cycles or Edwardes of Camberwell for some sound advice and a view/try of a range of bikes.

u can get a quality 2nd hand bike for 500-600quid from ebay or here