Lemond Fillmore 08 vs Fuji Track 08 vs Charge Plug 09

I'd look at the SE Lager over the Plug.

Same frame as the Fuji but without the track stylings.

Is the Fuji really a 'track' bike anyway? I guess the seat tube angle is a but steeper than the one on the Fillmore, but it pretty much just looks like a road bike. The dimensions aren't all that different than the Fillmore. The Bianchi Pista looks more like a track bike to me.

Funnily enough, the Fuji TRACK is actually a track bike. The main stay of loaners or renters at velodromes around the world.

It all comes down to your own personal preference and when you're splashing out on a luxioury good like a trendy 'fixie' you'll choose your ignorant gut feeling over any good advice anyone can give you. So choose and enjoy.

The reason I think the Fuji is good (and therefore parted with my cash) was because the "cheap and nasty" elements are all going to be replaced through general use anyway. So it's the frame I worry about. There are few things more infuriating to a cyclist than getting a 'decent' frame with 'decent' components only to be left replacing the 'decent' components with better ones on an ultimately average bike based on the 'decent' frame. Go for a good frame, get on your bike and upgrade it as you need to... kinda like the old days before 'builds'. hahaha

Peace

It all comes down to your own personal preference and when you're splashing out on a luxioury good like a trendy 'fixie' you'll choose your ignorant gut feeling over any good advice anyone can give you. So choose and enjoy.

What does this have to do with me? I asked a serious question. Sorry if I ruffled your feathers or whatever. LeMond calls the Fillmore a track bike (or used to, back when they had a website), but I wouldn't call it one. I did all sorts of research before I bought a bike. So I wouldn't say I went on an 'ignorant gut feeling.'

A point in favour of the Lemond is that it's now discontinued, not because it wasn't any good, but because of Lemonds' anti Armstrong comments. So you're going to see less of them on the streets, and not more.

Is the Fuji really a 'track' bike anyway? I guess the seat tube angle is a but steeper than the one on the Fillmore, but it pretty much just looks like a road bike. The dimensions aren't all that different than the Fillmore. The Bianchi Pista looks more like a track bike to me.

A track bike is a bike that can be used on the track which could be a range of geometry. As long as the BB is high enough to be allowed on a track then fine. The Fuji doesn't come with brakes, has a track based fixed gearing and a higher BB than a road bike so to me would suggest it is for a track. Not sure why it needs to look a certain way?

I bought a Fuji Track over any other OTP because I got a 5 month old one for £200 off a very nice fellow forumenger on here. Now I've bought it I'm glad I did, I've ridden the Langster and Plug and they're not for me. You know when you get on a bike and it just feels right? It helped that the Fuji was set up for someone very similar in height and build to me when I test rode it, but I'd recommend riding all 3 bikes you want to buy before making a decision.

I'll put in another word for the Plug. Tough reliable steed.

+1 - Plug saw me through great times in London, then some lipstick applying knob jockey decided to run me and the Plug over at a t-junction. I was fine, Plug was bent. But a few sessions with the vice and hammer saw the beast totally back to shape...

Hard as fuck.

Plus Plug, without doubt, best looking of all three

DO IT!

My favourite OTP under £500 has always been the genesis flyer. Its not the trendiest looking fixed gear bike, but it apparantly has is a nice ride. If you are after somethiing that rides like a road bike (massive generalisation of road bikes, sorry), it's a good bet.

If you want something 'trackie', the bianchi pista is popular for a reason.

If you want something more 'street', the plug is apparantly a lot of fun.

If you want a do-it-all utility bike the On-One pompino is braze-on tastic.

There, narrowed down from 3 to 6, oops ;)

What does this have to do with me? I asked a serious question. Sorry if I ruffled your feathers or whatever. LeMond calls the Fillmore a track bike (or used to, back when they had a website), but I wouldn't call it one. I did all sorts of research before I bought a bike. So I wouldn't say I went on an 'ignorant gut feeling.'

That wasn't aimed at you as much as everyone. Perhaps I should have written 'one will choose one's ignorant gut feeling over any good advice anyone can give one. So choose and enjoy.' as to avoid 'someone's' feathers all ruffled up!

Peace

I'll throw my hat into the ring in support of the Fillmore. Been riding mine 8 miles a day for almost a year and it's been nothing but solid and reliable. The Plug is great too, but definitely noticeably heavier. I've heard good things about the Swobo, so it'd be worth a try before getting that voucher.

My favourite OTP under £500 has always been the genesis flyer. Its not the trendiest looking fixed gear bike, but it apparantly has is a nice ride. If you are after somethiing that rides like a road bike (massive generalisation of road bikes, sorry), it's a good bet.

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Great bikes. Look a bit naff, but built well for the price and ride nicely.

A track bike is a bike that can be used on the track which could be a range of geometry. As long as the BB is high enough to be allowed on a track then fine. The Fuji doesn't come with brakes, has a track based fixed gearing and a higher BB than a road bike so to me would suggest it is for a track. Not sure why it needs to look a certain way?

I was mainly referring to the front fork and the bb height. That said, I can see from the picture that was posted that the bb is higher than I remembered.

A track bike is a bike that can be used on the track which could be a range of geometry. As long as the BB is high enough to be allowed on a track then fine. The Fuji doesn't come with brakes, has a track based fixed gearing and a higher BB than a road bike so to me would suggest it is for a track. Not sure why it needs to look a certain way?

Also when you buy one new there is a sticker on the frame that says "This bike is designed for use in a velodrome and is not intended for road use, if you are planning to use this bike on the road..." or words to that effect.

Hi All,

This is my first post on here so take it easy :)

I'm just about to buy my first fixed gear and i've got it down to these 2 bikes....

Fuji Track 2008 @ £295
Charge Plug @ £440

What i what to know is will the Fuji be too hardcore for me as i will be using it to get to and from the pub, dicking around the town and the odd trip to work which is 12 miles each way, or should i spend the extra £145 on the Plug which from what i can understand seems to be a more comfortable ride?

Thanks

If you are just going to use it for going "to and from the pub, dicking around the town and the odd trip to work" then save your money and get the fuji. Its a perfectly decent bike and there is nothing hardcore about it.

Agreed. Keep the spare money to spend either in the pub when you get there or on bits for the Fuji once you start wanting to customise it a bit.

Thanks guys i think that was just what i needed to hear, £25 on a front break £120 on beer....

Cheers

The reason I think the Fuji is good (and therefore parted with my cash) was because the "cheap and nasty" elements are all going to be replaced through general use anyway. So it's the frame I worry about. There are few things more infuriating to a cyclist than getting a 'decent' frame with 'decent' components only to be left replacing the 'decent' components with better ones on an ultimately average bike based on the 'decent' frame. Go for a good frame, get on your bike and upgrade it as you need to... kinda like the old days before 'builds'. hahaha

My golden rule for buying any type of bike has always been: 1st Frame, 2nd Wheels, 3rd all other components.

I was buying my first fixed wheel a few months ago and went for the FUJI 08 over any of the Charge bikes. Why? The frame is strong and light and the money I saved goes towards upgrade wheels and components.

Have to say I love the handling of my fuji more everyday.

hey! i own a charge plug racer and would say that even though I love it for its looks (the chrome) if I had a time machine I would probably go back and get a fuji. The charge is really tough & sturdy with 28mm tyres but you'll probably have to replace parts sooner than you'd think on a bike with that price tag. The fuji has a lot of potential to replace some parts when you eventually get the bug and its more of a ''canvas'' to play with colours etc if you want to eventually do that. However i don't know about other people but I really didn't like the saddle on my flatmates fuji, but then again the charge one is damn comfortable in comparison so...

that fuji saddle is the worst saddle i have ever sat on imho. that is the most essential upgrade on a fuji track, and then tyres.

Hi All,

This is my first post on here so take it easy :)

I'm just about to buy my first fixed gear and i've got it down to these 2 bikes....

Fuji Track 2008 @ £295
Charge Plug @ £440

What i what to know is will the Fuji be too hardcore for me as i will be using it to get to and from the pub, dicking around the town and the odd trip to work which is 12 miles each way, or should i spend the extra £145 on the Plug which from what i can understand seems to be a more comfortable ride?

Thanks

Personally if I was looking a bike for short distances, I'd go for the more "hardcore" one.

Comfort's for sportives ;)

However i don't know about other people but I really didn't like the saddle on my flatmates fuji, but then again the charge one is damn comfortable in comparison so...

Very first thing I did with my spare cash was replace the fuji saddle with a nice leather Charge one