I got myself a new job, 8 flattish miles from home. I’m bike commuting most days on an old Bianchi road bike. I can’t help imagining that it’ll be more fun to ride a fixie instead.
I don’t want to convert the Bianchi - the frame is a little big for me to be honest, and the dropouts are pretty vertical. I think I want to buy a new fixed gear bike, with a flip-flop rear hub, brakes, and (preferably) a carbon fork. I’m 6’2" and 210lbs. Does anyone have suggestions? I could probably spend 800 bucks, if I can sell my infinitely better half on the idea that I’ll save that much in gas by riding every day instead of driving…
If you are shopping for a fixed gear bike, you might want to wait a couple months. I predict 2008 model year will be the “year of the fixed gear” and you’ll see a bounty of options and styles from several companies.
I’m retiring my 61cm Panasonic track bike to get one of these new purpose built urban bikes this year.
yes
screw plastic forks fortframes.com
nice steel frame and fork
check the red sheet or clearance list for a good deal
$800 gets you a very nice fixed bike
IMO, a fixie should be a unique expression of the rider, not some mass produced aluminum joby. I agree with the others that an all steel frame is the way to go.
There are some gorgeous fixies on velospace; good place to pick up some ideas. I’d give my left nut for a clean San Rensho single speed.
But but but… My Bianchi - lugged steel, Reparto Corse build, with a steel fork - is just a brutal ride on the front end compared with my De Rosa Merak, an aluminum frame with a Reynolds carbon fork. I think the carbon fork soaks up a ton more vibration than the steel one does. Can I get a fixie with a carbon fork and still look myself in the mirror?
Can I get a fixie with a carbon fork and still look myself in the mirror?
Only if it is a 90s steel Colnago Master. What size is your lugged Bianchi? How old is she? Pics?
She’s lovely, been to Tour de Tucson twice, round Lake Tahoe several times, over much of the Death Ride course, and all over the Bay Area. The De Rosa is the new hotness though, light, fast and fantastic to descend on.
Can I get a fixie with a carbon fork and still look myself in the mirror?
Only if it is a 90s steel Colnago Master. What size is your lugged Bianchi? How old is she? Pics?
No question – Biachi Pista. Great looking bike, flip-flop hub for single speed or fixie, very smooth ride.
The 2007 runs $550. I hit the bargin bin at Nashbar and got an aluminum road bar ($15), Nashbar aero brakes ($15), and Nashbar pedal - platform on one side, SPD on the other ($15) and fixed her up perfectly for commuting.
+1 for the IRO. Cheap and work great. Ive had my IRO Angus for a year or so, and have it as my “beater” bike and crash all the time and it has yet to break.
I agree they’ve got some great ideas, but that is the tip of the iceberg for 2008 offerings.
There is actually a great deal of thought that you can put into a fixed gear. I’ve used one on and off for 14 years as both transportation and training. I’m eager for this year’s Interbike for sure.
