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Singlespeed - Road commuter recommendations?

spincrazy

I love to climb
Jul 19, 2001
1,529
0
Brooklyn
So I've been out of the game a bit. I've been riding a converted Chameleon and it's a bit too small for me and I think I want 700c.

I'm thinking that I'd like to buy a complete bike, singlespeed/flip flop. I'm getting old so I'll most likely never ride fixed but we don't need gears in flat NYC. I've looked at a few options, but most of what's out there complete is build with junk. I've become accustomed to nicer parts and non boat anchor wheelsets. It'll be my daily rider/commuter so I'm not looking at having something really nice, but I'm not seeing a midrange.

So, with all that, have you all got any suggestions for me? Feel free to point me towards used, custom built stuff. I'm 6ft with average length legs. I've previously ridden a 58cm but might be able to get busy with a 56 or 57cm frame.

Thanks
 

KavuRider

Turbo Monkey
Jan 30, 2006
2,565
4
CT
I have a single speed road bike I use as my car right now. Grocery runs, commuting, group rides, whatever. I'm pushing a 46x16, as its pretty flat out here (stock gear).

I like it, but I think my next commuter will have gears. That gear combo I have is tough to get started from a stop, but then I can spin it out pretty quick on skinny tires. So its kind of the worst of both worlds. Plus, I can feel it in my knees when I have been pushing too hard.

Just my opinion. I do like the silence of a single speed and the simplicity.
 

Tame Ape

BUY HOPE!!!!!!!
Mar 4, 2003
2,284
1
NYC
I'd recommend the Surly Steamroller with a freewheel and rear brake. Or take a look at the SS CX bikes on Bikesdirect. All are worthy.
 

keeferinoxiv

Chimp
Sep 7, 2008
7
0
Anyone have an opinion of the Kona Band Wagon? Any year.
Awesome bikes. My first single speed was an old 70 something bike that was left locked up at my school for the entire 4 years I had been there and I saved from the trash. My plan was to just completely rebuild it to stock but it was too far gone. So I saved as much as I could and just converted it to a fixie. I loved that bike and love my new se/dc pk ripper fixie.
 

spincrazy

I love to climb
Jul 19, 2001
1,529
0
Brooklyn
Hmmm. Seems my subscription to this thread failed. Wasn't notified of responses.

I ended up going with an All-City Big Block complete. Thanks for the suggestions.

Tame Ape, how's stuff? Where you living? I'm in BK now as well. I looked at the Steamroller and decided to pass.