Build or Buy a Single Speed

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iendicott

Well-Known Member
Location
Peterborough
Now got my road bike all sorted was looking at investing in a Single Speed for work \ fitness and smoothness of cadence.

Now I really like the style of the Specialized Sirrus Sport or the Raliegh AIRLite SF3.0, is there a Single Speed that is the same style as one of these or do I have to build one from scratch which is not a bad thing ?

I liked the look of the Orbea Diem Black until I found out the price was circa £1700 and I don't think it's even a SS.

Thanks Ivan
 

Rob3rt

Man or Moose!
Location
Manchester
Specialized make a fixed/SS called the langster, Its stealth (matt) black and has a compact frame and is made from aluminium, lots of people ride and enjoy them.

Personally I'd go for a Dolan, I think they do a SS with mounts etc for a rack in a similar price range!
 
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iendicott

iendicott

Well-Known Member
Location
Peterborough
Hi Rob3rt,

Looked at the Langster, it's OK there would be alot of thing to change on it, also looked at the Giant Bowery again alot of things I would change on it.
I have seen a Dolan single speed and they are lovely so good call.

How hard is it to convert say the Specialized to a Single speed ? I Suspect it would be cheaper to build it from frame up.

Thanks Ivan
 

Rob3rt

Man or Moose!
Location
Manchester
Hi Rob3rt,

Looked at the Langster, it's OK there would be alot of thing to change on it, also looked at the Giant Bowery again alot of things I would change on it.
I have seen a Dolan single speed and they are lovely so good call.

How hard is it to convert say the Specialized to a Single speed ? I Suspect it would be cheaper to build it from frame up.

Thanks Ivan

TBH, I dont see any point in buying a modern road bike and converting it to single speed, the seat stays and dropouts will be real wide, it would look really ugly and the dropouts wont allow the chain to be tensioned so you will need to buy a chain tensioner.

Personally I will never buy another off the peg fixed wheel bike again. I will always build my own from now on. Same most likely goes for any bike to be honest. Not always the most cost effective way to get a nice bike, but its the only way you will get a bike that suits every one of your requirements and demands. Unless of course you get super lucky and find an off the peg bike that suits you perfectly, I've never seen one that would suit me though.


I ride a Fuji track, its steel and it has track geometry, so its not really the sort of thing you seem to be looking for, but I really like it (but I changed a lot on it).
 
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iendicott

iendicott

Well-Known Member
Location
Peterborough
Cheers Rob3rt for the advice.

Just seen the old 2009 Giant Bowery Mashup as well and at around £325 it's a bargain. Alot can be done on this bike !
 
I've got this one: Ridgeback Solo. Takes guards and a rack too.

I've got one of those too. Cost me £340. Available still for £399 from Evans.

Good bike. Comes with guards, and, yes, takes a rack. No good if you want something flashy, but a damn good bike otherwise.
 

frank9755

Cyclist
Location
West London

Very tempted.
I think I might nip into Evans and get one...

I do need a fixed bike.

Yes
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