Fixie bikes for everyday use

[Valv.Piti]

I want a fixie for everyday use. I don't know anything about it. What can you guys recommend?

I've looked at this:
https://www.bikester.dk/fixie-inc-floater-sort-473016.html
https://www.bikester.dk/fixie-inc-floater-singlespeed-bla-379514.html

Looks pretty nice I must admit and not too expensive (thats around 240-280 Euros),

 

[Jspear]

Just wait for King Boonen to respond.

 

[42x16ss]

They look ok, front and rear brakes are a winner. Some don't like them when riding fixed but I like to know that I can stop when I want to. I can't read the specs but it looks like they have a flip-flop hub with a fixed and a free side.

If the wheels are built well it could be a great commuter. At that price, even if they aren't, just replace them with cheap track wheels and it's still decent value.

 

[King Boonen]

For a commuter it looks fine to me. the parts are likely to be fairly cheap and the welding isn't great but it's aluminium so should be pretty light. as 42x16 said, the wheels will matter the most. High spoke count is good, easier to sort out any issues and harder wearing, I would probably drop them into a local bike shop to get checked over for tension if I bought it. The frame doesn't have replaceable drop-outs so it will have a limited lifetime. I would recommend fitting a chain tensioner (something like the Surly Tuggnut is good as it is finger operated but cheaper ones can be found) so you're not having to dig into the dropouts to get the tension set right. I'm guessing the gearing is 46/16 (doesn't say what the cog it, just the chainring). Which is a pretty standard starter gear. If you are only using it on the flat you'll probably want to run something bigger like a 46/14 once you get used to it. Cogs and chains are very cheap though so easy to change about and see what suits. Chances are you will be able to move down a couple of teeth at the back and run the same chain if they have reasonably long dropouts and it's currently in the middle, you'd just have to adjust the brake pads. I tend to run my rear wheel as far back as I can while still allowing me to go down 1 tooth at the back, but that's because I use it for long rides.

What's the secondhand market like around you? At this price most of these brands are very similar, you'll get a lot more for your money secondhand if you know what to look for.

If it's something you are planning on using for training I would suggest looking to spend more money but for a commuter it looks ok to me.

Always ride fixed with at least one brake, preferably two. even if you hardly ever use them it's an insurance policy and skidding ruins expensive tyres!

 

[King Boonen]

Re:

Just wait for King Boonen to respond.

Going back to my fixed wheel this weekend, got bored of riding with gears

 

[Jspear]

Re: Re:

Just wait for King Boonen to respond.

Going back to my fixed wheel this weekend, got bored of riding with gears

I don't understand it for long rides, but kudos to you. You're tough.

 

[Valv.Piti]

Thanks, I'll probably just end up buying it, I want something new for once (always end up spending to much time looking around also) It has 10 years insurance policy on the frame so I will be good.

 

[42x16ss]

Re: Re:

Just wait for King Boonen to respond.

Going back to my fixed wheel this weekend, got bored of riding with gears

I don't understand it for long rides, but kudos to you. You're tough.

It's great for long flat base rides, just get comfy drop bars and and brake levers.

 

[King Boonen]

Re: Re:

Just wait for King Boonen to respond.

Going back to my fixed wheel this weekend, got bored of riding with gears

I don't understand it for long rides, but kudos to you. You're tough.

It's great for long flat base rides, just get comfy drop bars and and brake levers.

Yep, although the rides I use mine on are far from flat

 

[aphronesis]

Where brakes are also key in case you snap your chain on a descent and/or in the middle of heavy traffic. The latter maybe less an issue in northern Europe. Continental chilis slide well w/o wearing the tire in a commuter context.


I'd second KB's suggestion of checking the used market (if you have one), the fixed is a community with a lot of people looking to let go of good bikes and parts at reasonable cost strictly because they have to.

 

[Valv.Piti]

So I just took my fixie for the first ride today. Stiff headwind and false flat to work isn't fun at all, that sucked big time, but thats not really the bike's fault. Would have like smaller gears tho...

Anyways, its so weird to go fast downhill on such a bike. Holy cow I was close to crashing today, its a little challenging. Fun ride!

 

[avanti]

Re:

So I just took my fixie for the first ride today. Stiff headwind and false flat to work isn't fun at all, that sucked big time, but thats not really the bike's fault. Would have like smaller gears tho...

Anyways, its so weird to go fast downhill on such a bike. Holy cow I was close to crashing today, its a little challenging. Fun ride!

When I use a fixie for casual riding I use around a 70" gear. Never had a problem in Lancashire although I had to walk up some hills (one reason I use mountain bike shoes).

 

[sienna]

Re: Re:

Just wait for King Boonen to respond.

Going back to my fixed wheel this weekend, got bored of riding with gears

I don't understand it for long rides, but kudos to you. You're tough.

It's great for long flat base rides, just get comfy drop bars and and brake levers.

I ride a single speed on the free hub side. I find I get a good work-out pushing up the hills and spinning on the flats. My usual ride is 35km with 400m climbing.

 

[dhungerf]

I picked up a CREW District this year. 329.00 delivered I love it