Basic but effective single speed bike wanted

[HokkaHokka]

Thanks 3narf
Unfortunately, not over keen on drop bars - I quite like the look of bullhorns but will probably just go with risers.
Any other view on the above listed options or any other possibilities would still be helpful.
Will be looking at making a purchase over the next week if possible.
Thanks

HH

 

[3narf]

I have flat bars with mountain bike bar ends, that setup suits me. Plus it was what I had lying about in the garage.

Have a look at my 'New Look' thread for a pic...

 

[HokkaHokka]

Hi

Just seen another cheaper option:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2013-Viki...821&pid=100005&prg=7588&rk=4&sd=120995703652&

Do you think is likely to be a significantly worse bike than the Beatnik or others?

Thanks

HH

 

[HokkaHokka]

Hi

Thanks for all of the advice so far.
I'm very close to getting the Beatnik:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/beatnik-2013-single-speed-road-bike-ec041520

By the time I get mudguards fitted it's going to cost around £300. Which I know is cheap for a bike but still feels like a lot of money to me!

But before I commit, I just want to check if the following cheaper items come close in terms of quality:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281121023467?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
or
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VIKING-FI...03652?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&var=&hash=item1c2be7eb64

Thanks again. I really appreciate your help.

HH

 

[Ricki]

Hi @HokkaHokka I have recently purchased a single speed with the same dilemma as yourself. I got told to avoid the Raleigh flyer as that was a bike I looked at. I've just ordered a 2013 schwinn cutter for 260 through a cycle to work scheme. You can pick one up online for around 300.
Searching online found this after first search
http://www.evanscycles.com/products...=mkwid__pcrid_20025555656_kword__match__plid_

 

[Ricki]

It says soiled but judging by the picture this is because they have changed to charge rims... Which I don't think is a bad thing

 

[Ricki]

Sorry if I left it too late have just checked the date of the thread :s

 

[HokkaHokka]

Hi,
Thanks for the heads up!
It's a bit big for me. I'm only around 5'9
Thanks though

 

[markmywords]

If you can squeeze a few more pennies I'd go for a Fuji

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/track-21-2013-track-bike-ec041929

Aluminium frame, decent spec for your money, stiff and responsive.

 

[HLaB]

Hi

Just seen another cheaper option:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2013-Viking-Trekking-Fixed-Wheel-Single-Speed-Fixie-Road-Commuting-Bike-Flat-bar/130850842382?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222002&algo=SIC.FIT&ao=1&asc=15990&meid=8419683433693033821&pid=100005&prg=7588&rk=4&sd=120995703652&

Do you think is likely to be a significantly worse bike than the Beatnik or others?

Thanks

HH

EBay is blocked but I have a Viking Road FX (the drop bar version). Its a very heavy bike but after 5000miles (since May/June2012) other than that I cant really fault it. I put clipless pedal on it to mitigate that in part but its still damm heavy and I like to think I'm a strong cyclist; certainly wouldn't reccomend it as a begginners bike.

 

[martint235]

I really like the Merlin. Just trying to find out if the 59cm is big enough for me!!

 

[HokkaHokka]

I really like the Merlin. Just trying to find out if the 59cm is big enough for me!!

Did you ever get the Merlin - recently qualifiied for Cycle to work scheme so thinking about taking the plunge.

Thanks

HH

 

[Roadrider48]

The Merlin one looks pretty cool to me.

 

[martint235]

Did you ever get the Merlin - recently qualifiied for Cycle to work scheme so thinking about taking the plunge.

Thanks

HH

No they didn't have it in my size and had very little information about what they did have. I went for a Mango Bike instead