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

Its said that the SE Premium Ale is actually the same as the Fuji Obey, with only slight cosmetic differences.
Certainly, the cable routing is the most temporary that I've ever seen.

Can we add http://biddlebikes.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=162 as a source for the Fuji Track (albeit the 2008 model at present) for £276.95? I've had two from there and other than the domain registration scare service has been perfect.

Steff, since thats a 2008 bike thats on sale, I won't add it to the list. Most 2008, and even 2007 bikes that haven't been sold, are actively being heavily discounted. Thanks for the heads up though; you may have just helped some lucky person get a real bargain. Less than 280 smackers is a result. Excellent find.

OK - that seems fair. It wasn't much more than that when I got my first one, I'm glad to say. I'll try to keep an eye out for 2009 pricing appearing.

You know what I've notice? I think the SE Premium Ale is possibly the first OTP bike that come with clips and strap included.

Fuji Track does too, albeit fairly awful ones. I now have two unused pairs if anyone wants them.

Oh yes it does, huh, I don't remember seeing any attach to it at certain evans.

The 2008 model is available at http://www.holcroscycles.com/productdetail//1146/Fuji-Track-(2008).html

for 299! I recently ordered one to Germany and the P&P only costs about 30€. Thats hella cheap.

I made a few modifications (changed bars, cog, added a break, bought some knog frogs) and I actually love it so much.

Edinburgh Bicycle Co, Revolution track £349.99.
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=10808&f%5FFullProductVersion=1&f%5FSupersetQRY=C416&f%5FSortOrderID=1&f%5Fbct=c012372c012370

Huh, it didn't look like an alu frame! look like a great bargain.

according to the site, it weight 23.6lbs, ouch, a lots heavier than a Fuji Track.

edited - just notice the fork is high tensile steel.

Okay guys, I'm new two the fixed gear biking scheme and would like to say this is the best thing I have come across while looking for an OTP fixie. THANKS!

I have decided to go for three bikes, SE Premium Ale, Bianchi Pista, or Charge Plug Racer.

Can anyone tell me if the Premium Ale is worth the money (£800)? The spec seems good and it is only 21lbs. I haven't really heard of SE bikes so not sure about the quality of their ride. Also, the wheel looks to be extremely close to the seat tube, which could pose a problem? The name is kinda cheesy... although the bottle opener in the saddle seems quite ingenious, not that I drink a lot (perhaps the odd J20 now and again :P) Again, I'm very new to the scene so bear with me...

As for the Bianchi Pista, over-priced for this year? The geomretry I've heard is track orientated and people have said it is uncomfortable over longer distances (I am planning to ride 15 miles to and from my college at least one day a week) Also, the thing doesn't come with any brakes! How much would a decent set of front AND rear brakes cost me? Does it require holes to be drilled into the frame?

The Charge Plug Racer - How heavy is it? I have heard that weight is not so much of an issue with these bikes...It looks very nice, however, shiny! I like the coloured chain, too!

You may notice that all of these bikes are from Evans and all steel because I'm told steel last longer and flexes more ?

The most I am willing to spend is £800 and would prefer something around £600, so any ideas are welcome.

Again, thanks for the brilliant thread!

ebenzo, welcome to the forum.

SE Premium Ale = Expensive for what it is. The Fuji Obey is the same bike, but the Obey is better looking.
Bianchi Pista = Good entry level fixed steel bike.
Charge Plug Racer = Heavy, and only plain guage steel; but durable. Racer in name only.

Steel is more repairable, and has more respect from many of our forum members. I own 3 aluminium bikes, so I go my own path.

What are your preferences - commuting mainly, maybe some track? £800 gives many options.

But if its steel you want, then I recommend these: [each are a little bit special, or at least not very ordinary]
Condor Potenza
Ellis-Briggs Fixed
Strada Fixation

Or, KiwiCycles can do you a steel bike for between £550-750, and spec it as you wish.

EDIT: The SE Racing Lager is half a pound heavier than the SE Premium Ale, but £500 cheaper. The White isn't bad; avoid the Red/Black.

The Charge Plug Racer - How heavy is it? I have heard that weight is not so much of an issue with these bikes...It looks very nice, however, shiny! I like the coloured chain, too!

If your previous bike has been an MTB, then you'll find the Plug to be quite light, in fact a geared equation would be the same weight as the plug, the plug is simply the heaviest of it's kind that all.

for instance;
Genesis Day03 road bike - Alu bike, £800, weight about 20lbs (can't find an exact weight)

Charge Plug singlespeed bike - Steel bike, £450, weight 22lbs.

Charge Plug singlespeed bike - Steel bike, £450, weight sub-20lbs (22lbs to be exact).

How can it be sub 20lbs if it is 22lbs.......

because I just edited it much later.

well edit it more.....

@GA2G, it might be worth clicking a few of the links and maybe updating them. A lot of bike prices have been pushed up due to our current economical situation and therefore a lot of the prices that were originally posted are now out dated.

Sorry if I seem like I'm getting on my high horse, just trying to help out for those that want to use the list for comparisons and help with buying bikes.

Vernon Barker Fixed/SS bikes are now £640. There may be one of last year's bikes still at £395.

Vernon Barker just replied by email to my request for info, so Thank You Vernon.

Sizes are 17, 19, 21, and 23 inches.

Went to Condor, Gray's Inn Road yesterday.

Got myself a Potenza =D

How long does it usually take to build, any one know?

Thanks again for a great thread.

yesterday? it's closed yesterday!

yesterday? it's closed yesterday!

That's a bit of a strange comment isn't it? How can you say that it IS closed yesterday. Woulodn't it be either it was closed yesterday or it is closed today/tomorrow. Sorry if I'm just being knarky Ed!

it WAS closed yesterday then!

Thank you Ed, you comforted my slightly obsessive grammatical urge!

It was open! Saturday business as usual!
Was closed on Friday, though, and today probably.

I got to see a Gold Condor! Couldn't get a photo though :(

[B]SE Racing Bikes Draft Lite £288.72[/B]
http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/115007.html

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/22074/SE_Racing_Draft_Lite_SingleSpeed_Bike_2009

£234.99

ebenzo,
if its steel you want, then I recommend these: [each are a little bit special, or at least not very ordinary]
Condor Potenza
Ellis-Briggs Fixed
Strada Fixation .

Congrats on getting the Potenza. Its one of the two OTP steel bikes that I actually seriously crave - the other being the Masi Speciale Fixed Ltd.
I am jealous, and don't mind admitting it.

@GA2G, it might be worth clicking a few of the links and maybe updating them.

Thanks for the heads up. Its took a few hours (oh yes it did), but its up-to-date now.

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/22074/SE_Racing_Draft_Lite_SingleSpeed_Bike_2009
£234.99

ta2, I have tried to not list sites which appear to be pulling in traffic by offering unreasonably low prices, then obviously showing that they have no stock. But thanks for looking. It all helps.