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

cheers edscoble - how does the geometry compare on the charge, it looks zippy, but kind of didnt feel it?? think im still heading for a fuji as a cheap entry.

Added a Vernon Barker, and 2 Dolans.

Added a Vernon Barker, and 2 Dolans.

That Vernon Barker is a re-branded Pearson Touche (for an added £45), no?

That Vernon Barker is a re-branded Pearson Touche (for an added £45), no?
villa-ru, you could be right there. Maybe extra for the mudguards? Though the seatpost looks the more inferior on the Vernon Barker. Still, somebody might want it, just to be different. :)

I want some advice purrlease!

A mate is turning 40 soon, his wife has asked me to help buy him a bike (surprise - I know, it's a bad idea not to ride it first...)

He's tall (6'5'') and pretty heavy. He's just snapped the DS chainstay on his OK ish old MTB, hence new bike. A mate of theirs has told the wife to get him a ''steel, condor, single speed''. Which is what I'd already told her, just not the condor bit.

So... I'm thinking an pompino or even singleated more MTB ish On One. Can anyone else recommend something with that kind of geometry that's strong as f***? Also I think the pompino looks better as an X-large bike and is the best choice just cos they're a small company, not ffing everywhere like condors (maybe less nickable, though it won't be locked up much outside, if ever) and 'a classic'.

Any thoughts from the larger people gratefully received.

Ta.

Skully, the main considerations will be the budget for the bike, and his riding style (or what terrain he might be riding it on).

Maybe also his cycling ability, and if he might want to upgrade parts eventually.

As for a steel Condor, I stongly recommend it; though it would not be as stiff as a better quality aluminium-framed bike. Steel is ceratinly prettier, and more easily repairable, were it to be damaged.

If he's over say 18 or 19 stone, then maybe a light steel frame would not be my recommendation.

After Lemond was dropped by Trek for his anti Armstrong outbursts, the Fillmore has been replaced in 2009 by the Gary Fisher Triton (£499).

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gary-fisher/triton-2009-single-speed-bike-ec017199

Cheers for that 606. I've been a bit lazy in adding the 2009 bikes to this list, as I wasn't sure if all the shops had them in the wiondows yet. I'll start updating them today, and will delete the 2008 bikes as peeps tell me they're all gone, or Xmas has arrived.

Cinelli Bootleg Mystic Rats added.

First spotted by ShannonBall here: http://www.londonfgss.com/thread6138.html

okay I have been looking at getting a fixed gear for a while now and I am 6,3 and brick lane bike said I should ride a 57 frame I thought this sounded small I am choosing between the bianchi pista and the swobo sanchez I don't really know much about geometry they both felt quite similar to me apart from the drop down bar can you help me please I am buying one tomo as my old bike is broken and it is my only mode of transport

what help do you need? if you're 6'3 then 57 is definitely too small. go to evans (not during the lunch) rush hour) or condor, and get yourself sized up properly.

okay I have been looking at getting a fixed gear for a while now and I am 6,3 and brick lane bike said I should ride a 57 frame I thought this sounded small I am choosing between the bianchi pista and the swobo sanchez I don't really know much about geometry they both felt quite similar to me apart from the drop down bar can you help me please I am buying one tomo as my old bike is broken and it is my only mode of transport

The Swobo frame is designed by the same person who did the Bianchi Pista, if you want a proper track frame, go for the Pista, if you like the Pista but find the ride too harsh for road, the Swobo is your choice as it designed for the street.

Witness, the Specialized Langster Monaco 2009. http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1027523/Specialized-Langster-Monaco.html

Already nicknamed on this forum "the MARTINI". Let's hope it stirring, not shaken.

If you're looking for a lower priced Plug Freestyler, I just picked one up from bikeshop.uk.com for £359.99 with free next day shipping - cheapest I could find one.

(I hope this thread wants price updates, it looked like it did - and I certainly don't work for the shop in question)

Good call ask me recipes. I'll update, plus add the Marin Ignacio.

Though, is it really worth nearly 850 smackeroos?

The fork looks like a Kona, but maybe its not. The seat looks like a Charge Spoon. Apart from that......nothing special?

Maybe I'm not feeling well, or maybe its the phase of the moon, but I've seen 2 Pashley Guvnors recently, both in Fulham, and both being ridden by ladies.

The second lady rode like her life depended on it. How very odd.

I like the Guvnor, but then I'm easily pleased

The 2009 SE Bikes are now added. Seems to me that the Draft Lite has the potential to be the Giant Bowery of 2009.......in its affordability.

Giant themselves have gotten carried away with their success. I don't people's budgets of £300-£400 will suddenly jump to £550-£600.
With discounting, the Draft Lite will be highly affordable.

Dolan FXE added.

Happy with the Lagers, but the Drafts really aren't doing anything for me (and I'm so easy to please)

what you think about kiwi cycles?
kiwi2-good quality bike for £550 ?

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I'd say you could get better for your £550

BALBO, there's lots of help on here to aim you in the right direction. I am a fan of OTPs, as anyone can tell you, but the best bike you will get will be after analyzing your needs, and weighing that against a budget.

KiwiCycles is a small outfit, and you can build a rapport with them for many of your biking needs. That said, I bought my 2 OTPs from the 2 biggest high street cycle retailers. I know I won't matter as an individual to them, but its my call.

Even though my bikes are fat-tubed aluminium, I'd recommend steel to anyone less than 15 stone. I haven't heard of many KiwiCycle bike owners, so you may be part of a niche owner's group, if that's what you wish.

Hi all,

I'm a SS newbie and i need some help. I've been scrounging around these forums as a guest, and i just signed up so i can post my questions.

I've been a Brompton user for 1.5 years, until it got stolen last month. Really gutted, but after consulting some friends and test-riding some bikes, i've decided to go SS. I don't think I'm ready for a fixie, but would like to keep that as an option.

I love the convenience of the Brompton, but i can't afford a new one, so that probably gives you an idea of my budget. I'm looking at 500 quid max. I'm 5'10", 90kg and my inside leg is about 31 inches, so i'd like something with an easy standover height.

For the money, i've been looking at the Charge Plug which can be had for 400 quid at most online shops (Winstanleys sells for 339 but it's not in stock). I've ridden one from Evans and it's a pretty aggressive riding position from my M-type Brompton, but i can get used to it. I'd probably get it in size small.

However, the 2009 bikes have been coming out, and I've recently discovered the Giant Bowery Mashup and Trek District, for 400 and 500 quid respectively. Both are available from Compton Cycles (amongst others). I haven't tested them, but because i prefer the feel of an aluminum frame, I'm leaning towards the Giant.

Anyone have any input as to what I should do? Do the specs of the Trek make it worth 100 quid more? What size should I generally be aiming for (i'm thinking usually something around 52-54cm)?

Many thanks in advance.

It seemed you want a bike purely to commute with, try and test out the Ridgeback Genesis Flyer (19.50lbs), Specialized Langster 18.7lbs), and probably the Lemond Fillmore** as they're within your price range and are decent bike.

The Charge Plug is an excellent bike but quite heavy at 22.5lbs, the bike I've listed are lighter and within your budget with decent compound.
**

It seemed you want a bike purely to commute with, try and test out the Ridgeback Genesis Flyer, Specialized Langster, and probably the Lemond Fillmore** as they're within your price range and are decent bike.
**

Thanks for the tips, Ed. I've actually looked at those bikes, but i forgot to add that i prefer flat bars to drop bars. In fact, I'd probably look into getting narrow courier-style bars, if the Giant or Trek have bars that are too wide.