Single speed bike - which one?????

[DJPetrolHead]

Ok so I'm buying one but unlike my race bike I am lost as to brands etc!! I see Fuji, Spec, Charger etc ...... Help me
Which one do I buy for say £400

[Disco You]

Why do you want a single speed?

[DJPetrolHead]

Fancy one and gona use it to do a commute in the morning - so around 8 miles each way per day. Been recommended getting one and low maintenance

[anonymous-user]

You can get the Dolan FXE frame for £120 at the moment and despite its lack of rear brake bosses, you can still run a freewheel and rear brake. You should be able to build up a On One Pompino frame fro under £400 as well, just keep reminding yourself its a winter bike and spec it accordingly...
Dolan
On one

www.velosolo.co.uk and www.velodromeshop.net are pretty good for components and helpful though most of it should be available from ribble, wiggle et al, stems, bars, wheels etc

Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 14th December 17:55

[Jimbo.]

pablo said:

You can get the Dolan FXE frame for £120 at the moment and despite its lack of rear brake bosses, you can still run a freewheel and rear brake. You should be able to build up a On One Pompino frame fro under £400 as well, just keep reminding yourself its a winter bike and spec it accordingly...
Dolan
On one

www.velosolo.co.uk and www.velodromeshop.net are pretty good for components and helpful though most of it should be available from ribble, wiggle et al, stems, bars, wheels etc

Edited by pablo on Saturday 14th December 17:55

For single speed bits there's also http://www.charliethebikemonger.com. Just try not to get carried away.

EDIT: A quick bit of Googling suggests that the Dolan FXE does have a rear brake mount, albeit only for regular drop brakes therefore little/no clearance for mudguards should such things matter. You (pablo), sir, may've just found my next build! I've been on the hunt for a nice SS road bike frame. A big, wet, sloppy kiss awaits

Edited by Jimbo. on Saturday 14th December 18:09

Edited by Jimbo. on Saturday 14th December 18:09

[47p2]

This looks a heck of a bargain for £175.00

[okgo]

My mate has a charge plug and loves it, i have a genesis flyer and love it

[47p2]

I can't get enough of my S/S, I've owned it 6 weeks and done over 600 miles on it and over 30,000 feet of elevation

Looked like this when I bought it


and now winterised with mudguards


and at long last I get to use the track bike at the velodrome

[jimbop1]

Disco You said:

Why do you want a single speed?

This! I really don't see the attraction.

[Jimbo.]

jimbop1 said:

This! I really don't see the attraction.

Low maintenance, a quieter/smoother drivetrain, and can work wonders for your fitness (strength, cadence, sprinting etc, etc).

[47p2]

jimbop1 said:

This! I really don't see the attraction.

You really don't know what you're missing...

Lack of gears is not as bad as it sounds, you just have to MTFU and stomp a bit more on the pedals
Of course if you're used to a compact chainset then you may find it tough going for a while, but once you have the hang of it nothing will stop you getting to the top of that climb or passing that speed camera at 31mph.

I'm quite happy to be spinning at 120-130rpm or grinding at 30-40rpm to achieve my goals. The S/S is a different beast to a geared machine, but I enjoy every ride and don't have to worry about salt and crud ruining everything

[Jimbo.]

47p2 said:

You really don't know what you're missing...

Lack of gears is not as bad as it sounds, you just have to MTFU and stomp a bit more on the pedals
Of course if you're used to a compact chainset then you may find it tough going for a while, but once you have the hang of it nothing will stop you getting to the top of that climb or passing that speed camera at 31mph.

I'm quite happy to be spinning at 120-130rpm or grinding at 30-40rpm to achieve my goals. The S/S is a different beast to a geared machine, but I enjoy every ride and don't have to worry about salt and crud ruining everything

Don't forget the ENORMOUS sense of satisfaction leaving people with gears behind

[jodypress]

Jimbo. said:

Don't forget the ENORMOUS sense of satisfaction leaving people with gears behind

Now that I just don't get. Whenever I come across a fast single speed rider I can just match their speed with several gears left, change up and just pedal away

I do compliment them on their effort before waving goodbye

[Eski1991]

Have a look at Surly 1x1 or other frames they offer.