The definitive OTP ( Off-The-Peg ) List (<£500 and <£1,000 sections)

well it's fairly simple, just change the bar into a flat one, if you can find some of the bike for less than £500, you may have some money left over for a flat bar and brake levels (the road levels won't fit on a flat bar), the Langster is £400, which gave you a bit extra for a simple flat bar and brake levels.

either way why you don't you try riding with the drop before deciding to have a flat bar? I used to dislike the drop but I found positioning my hand on the top of the brake levels give me the best comfort during my commute.

Is it me or the 09 bikes will be significantly more expensive than the 08 ones, even excluding rebates currently on 08? Commodity prices going up? Improvement in component quality? Sheer hype? Does anyone know?

Is it me or the 09 bikes will be significantly more expensive than the 08 ones, even excluding rebates currently on 08? Commodity prices going up? Improvement in component quality? Sheer hype? Does anyone know?

I don't think it's you, I mean the Bianchi Pista, used to cost between £400-425 brand new now cost a whopping £550, a fuckload of money for a bike that hasn't change at all*.

*well, just shitter tyres.

IMO cycle manufacturers and retailers went for it last year, and pushed the boat out on a whole range of single-speeds and fixed bikes, and many of them flew off the shelves. So this year, they've upped the price as they have seen that the demand is definitely there.

I think Condor and Fixie.Inc will do well at the higher end of the OTP market, with SE Racing and the standard Giant Bowery selling well at the lower end. The Bowery range has expanded, and maybe they're testing the waters to see how much pricing affects sales.

I think even more manufacturers and retailers will provide for our tastes in 2010, as single-speed bikes are cheaper to make, and they are charging the same prices or more for them.

before the Bianchi Pista was just about reasonable value, but now, what's the point of paying for that one over a Genesis Flyer for instance?

or get a Fuji Track and spend a bit on the wheels and still nowhere near matching the new price of the Pista.

I think the economic climate will force the bike retailers to heavily discount from the newly inflated prices. Recession is good.

Well, aluminium and steel price sky rocketed last year, so I guess that explains a bit of this. It s down again now, but if they stocked at high price, they still need to pass the cost (not sure if other bikes have seen similar inflation).

But now clearly, as lazy as I am, the OTP is harder to justify economically: I bought in initially cause a reduced-price GBP250 new Langster was a pain if stollen, but less of a pain than a painstakingly assembled machine; at GBP450, the laziness is harder to justify.

All prices updated.

On-One removed, as it is no longer strictly an OTP, but a tailor-made build-up.

Wilier Pista is the biggest bargain, at £650 now.

Update: still haven't bought a bike yet. I've tested the Charge Plug and Charge Plug Freestyler (as fixed gear), as well as the Specialized Langster Monaco. The latter was too small, as I rode a 52cm one, and the riding position seemed really aggressive to me (plus i have chronic lower back problems), so I've asked to test a 54cm version. I really like the look too, but i'm afraid it'll be a magnet for thieves.

I haven't settled on it though, so I'd like to ask again for opinions. I'm looking for something OTP, as i don't have the know-how or the time to build my own bike. I want something SS, preferably with a flip-flop hub. I'd prefer an aluminium frame or at least a bike that weighs less than 20lbs. I prefer flat or riser bars, or at least drop bars with flat bar brake levers so i can switch if i want. I prefer having 2 brakes. I don't want a bike that's predominantly red.

I've considered the new Giant Bowery Mashup, but i don't like the bar end brake levers. The regular Bowery and Fuji Track have drop bars, which means buying bars and brake levers which I'll consider but prefer not to have to do. The Trek District looks ok, but it's belt drive and I have no idea if that's any good. The Trek Soho S looks decent, i have yet to test-ride it. I've also looked at the bikes offered by dani2kuk, they seem decent too.

Opinions again please, feel free to flame also (i know it's what you lot do best). :)

Whoops, should also add that I've read a few older posts from this year, and it appears as though some people think that a decent SS bike can be had for £150 or so? Is this still possible?

Update: still haven't bought a bike yet. I've tested the Charge Plug and Charge Plug Freestyler (as fixed gear), as well as the Specialized Langster Monaco. The latter was too small, as I rode a 52cm one, and the riding position seemed really aggressive to me (plus i have chronic lower back problems), so I've asked to test a 54cm version. I really like the look too, but i'm afraid it'll be a magnet for thieves.

I haven't settled on it though, so I'd like to ask again for opinions. I'm looking for something OTP, as i don't have the know-how or the time to build my own bike. I want something SS, preferably with a flip-flop hub. I'd prefer an aluminium frame or at least a bike that weighs less than 20lbs. I prefer flat or riser bars, or at least drop bars with flat bar brake levers so i can switch if i want. I prefer having 2 brakes. I don't want a bike that's predominantly red.

I've considered the new Giant Bowery Mashup, but i don't like the bar end brake levers. The regular Bowery and Fuji Track have drop bars, which means buying bars and brake levers which I'll consider but prefer not to have to do. The Trek District looks ok, but it's belt drive and I have no idea if that's any good. The Trek Soho S looks decent, i have yet to test-ride it. I've also looked at the bikes offered by dani2kuk, they seem decent too.

Opinions again please, feel free to flame also (i know it's what you lot do best). :)

Decent OTP for £150? No, that'll be a wind-up, or someone is referring to the Uni-Pak death-cycle. Which really is a participant in the heaviest most useless bicycle the world.

Pay at least £250. But it'll be 1,000 times better than a Uni-Pak. Avoid like the black-death.

Decent OTP for £150? No, that'll be a wind-up, or someone is referring to the Uni-Pak death-cycle. Which really is a participant in the heaviest most useless bicycle the world.

Pay at least £250. But it'll be 1,000 times better than a Uni-Pak. Avoid like the black-death.

hmmm, maybe it was about putting together your own bike then? but still... how can that be done? unless you're getting some serious deals on 2nd hand stuff?

The answer for building your bike from frame up, won't probably be in a Off The Peg thread.

The answer for building your bike from frame up, won't probably be in a Off The Peg thread.

Erm, yes, but i had merely mentioned the possibility in case someone were to comment on the pros/cons of building your own vs OTP. In any case, I've already said that I'm unlikely to build my own, so i just wanted to know if it was still possible to do so at the price that was specified.

Just picked up Brixton Cycles' 'O.T.P.'' (well they're not really) Surly Steamroller for my friend's 40th from his wife. It looks good, even only with their basic kit on it (+ I added mudgurds with Pclips, naturally). Keep wanting to take it out but it needs to stay pristine. Brixton were AOK, a good experience.

I really applaud this initiative, and Kona.

http://www.konabikes.co.uk/2008/africa-bike/africabike-20-30.php

All photos updated, but spread through different posts in the first 2 pages of this thread.

Web links also updated.

Hi I'd like to get an OTP fixie and looking for advice. 450 £ is really the maximum price I can afford.
I will use at least one front brake and I'd prefer flip flop hub.
I've seen :
-charge plug and charge plug freestyle : I like the look, but are they really that heavy ?
-kona paddy wagon ?
-specialized langster : seems to be light and fast, but are carbone parts a magnet for thieves? Is it as durable as other bikes.
-bianchi pista : like the look. is the frame too track oriented for a daily use (back pain). A bit expensive ( no brakes)
-fuji track. Is this a good bargain, or you have to change everything ? Same question as for the bianchi : is this a back killer

• swobo sanchez ?
  I will use it for daily commute and for fun, not for track or race. But I really like to go fast in the streets and I may have to carry it on a five floor staircase, so the weight does matter.
  I know the best advice is "go and try them" but I dont'live in UK, I'll have to order online the fuji, the plug, the pista, the swobo...
  Thank you for your help and please excuse my english.
  What are the parts you have to change first in a budget bike ?
  
  

PS...I'm looking for the bets buy for 450£ but iy could be with additional parts. For instance : "buy the charge, and you have 50£ left to get new tyres etc
Thanks again

@ ramstv

Bianchi Pista Steel 2008 £425
EXCELLENT, but no brakes.

Charge Plug 2008 £399.99
GOOD and long-lasting choice

Charge Plug Racer 2008 £429.99
HEAVY, plain guage steel.

Felt Despatch 2008 £424.99
BORING looking, but very honest bike

Fuji Track 2008 £315
NICE, but no brakes

Kona Paddy Wagon 2008 £391.99 (Sale)
NOT BAD, but maybe needs a few bits to increase WOW factor.

Lemond Fillmore 2008 £385
GOOD choice

Pinnacle Bachelor No 1 2008 £359.99
LOOKS BETTER in the flesh, than the photos. Not bad.

SE BIKES Lager
http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m11b190s180p4471&z=4775
WHITE IS THE NEW BLACK.

Specialized Langster 2008 £325
EXCELLENT, but quite a few around.

Swobo Del Norte Fixie £449
UNI-PAK colouring is a put-off.

2008 bikes will be totally replaced with 2009 bikes shortly.

Hi I'd like to get an OTP fixie and looking for advice. 450 £ is really the maximum price I can afford.

Genesis Flyer, I've heard from people who ridden one says it's an excellent bike for the money.

http://www.biketrax.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b6s6p1201&rs=gb

http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/2105

if you can managed to get one from where you live, you're onto a winner.

GA2G, Bianchi Pista is excellent but a little uncomfortable for long commuting.

Thank you for your answers

GA2G that was a helpfull reply thanks again
the Pinnacle (even if better in real) and the Felt looks a bit boring. I like the Lager. Is the plug racer heavier than the plug? Do you have any idea of difference beetween for instance a pista and a plug ? Is it more like 1- 2 lbs or 3-5 lbs?

Escoble : I think I'll have to order online. With delivery cost, I'm affraid it will get out of my list

New question : are carbon forks as durable as others ?

Thanks again

GA2G, Bianchi Pista is excellent but a little uncomfortable for long commuting.

You think? I commute about 20 miles a day on mine and have never thought it uncomfortable.

Did you have specific problems with it Ed?

I didn't find it uncomfortable at all (I commute more or less the same miles as you), but I did notice that the Pista is a lots harsher than your average OTP, I mean having ridden a Genesis Flyer and Charge Plug, those bike were comfortable to ride, but not as snappy and fun as the Pista.

I tried searching and didn't find any mentions of it, so how about Byercycles single speed bike?

http://www.byercycles.co.uk/bikeprice%20%2001-%2001-%2008/18R1008.html

£455 in their standard set-up and it looks like a solid budget practical choice to a neophyte like me.

(NB. they also sell the frame + forks for £149)

Any experiences or thoughts? Worth adding to the list?