Jamis Beatnik fixed

[princeperch]

I fancy getting myself a cheapy fix on the cycle to work scheme just to see what all the fuss is about

the bike needs to be cheap enough to be locked up in london on occassion and to also be locked up over night outside my flat in the (secure) court yard

evans are selling an old model of the above for 250 (on sale) - looks basic but pretty good value, and will only cost me 12 quid a month on the scheme (net). run it for a year then flog it on for what I paid give or take..

had a look at one in the flesh yesterday and it looks alright - bit basic but to be expected - and considerably cheaper than a langster or charge plug etc

I'd never heard of this brand but it appears to be established ? anyone got a view on it?

[DrMekon]

It's hi tensile steel, so it will feel like a farm gate. It's running 46 x 16 on 25mm tyres, which puts it at 75" per pedal revolution - overgeared for anywhere but flat and windless.

The gearing situation can be fixed easily with a couple of chainlinks and a new cog (I'd run 19 if you live somewhere very hilly, 18 if somewhere normal, and 17 if you live somewhere flat - I run 63" which is what you'd get with 19 all year around, but most run 67 or 71 in the summer).

That frame isn't going to be much fun tho'.

Can you stretch the extra £50 for a Fuji Declaration? £300 here

http://www.velodromeshop.net/index.php?p=product&a...

edit just to add, you'll need SPDs or clips and straps - running fixed without securing your feet is a bad idea.

FWIW, I ride fixed by choice most of the year, despite a reasonably hilly commute (>500m of climbing a day). Keeps me focused, and definitely has helped my climbing. Descending is the scary bit - I've had a couple of moments where I've been lucky to get away without a big spill. Don't let the bike get away from you.

Edited by DrMekon on Wednesday 17th April 14:33

[princeperch]

thanks for this.

I actually went and took one for a test ride this lunchtime and was quite impressed - the ride is firm but not too bad - so I've put a deposit down on one.

The saddle is also pretty comfortable and the brakes (I wasnt riding fixed) not so bad.

I'll be giving fixed a whirl though and see how I get on - its 12 quid a month net - for that sort of money I dont mind parking it up in London and risking it getting nicked...

It also looks pretty cool in black. It doesnt seem that anywhere else is selling them in the UK but they seem to have good reviews over the pond...

[shouldbworking]

My money would have gone on the vitus vee-one 29er. Mostly because I want one :/ or a dee one 29er

[AyBee]

DrMekon said:

It's hi tensile steel, so it will feel like a farm gate. It's running 46 x 16 on 25mm tyres, which puts it at 75" per pedal revolution - overgeared for anywhere but flat and windless.

The gearing situation can be fixed easily with a couple of chainlinks and a new cog (I'd run 19 if you live somewhere very hilly, 18 if somewhere normal, and 17 if you live somewhere flat - I run 63" which is what you'd get with 19 all year around, but most run 67 or 71 in the summer).

I run 48x16 on 23mm tyres in London all year so 46x16 will be fine.

[princeperch]

£144 all in for this bike is very good value imo (on the cycle to work scheme) - it felt v tight when I took it for a run (that said I've never ridden a single speed before so have little to compare it too)