HI
I've had a Create 2010 since late September this year. It cost me £210 with delivery off
eBay and another 150,- to get it running properly. I had to change so many of the original components, I nicknamed the bike FRANKIE, after Frankenstein. Here is a list of things I needed to change:
1. Grips
2. Saddle - second hand San Marco
3. Bottom Bracket - got a 2nd hand Shimano
4. Back wheel - replaced by manufacturer, will get Mavics as soon as I get enough cash.
5. Freewheel - replaced by manufacturer, then bought a Shimano 18t
6. Chain ring - got a Sugino 42t off eBay
7. Crank set - got a Shimano Ultegra 2nd hand off eBay
8. Pedals - got old school vintage one, also 2nd hand, ebay again
9. TYRES!
The original back wheel didn't last two months. It had to be sent back to the manufacturer and replaced by a new one. The new freewheel that came with it was simply rubbish - it kept getting stuck. To be fair, however, I have to admit Create has amazing customer services. They are fast and really pro-active, but still that doesn't make up for the fact that they are selling a horrible product.
Again, on the bright side, I learned a lot about bike mechanics. So much I was able to do most of the customisation myself - except for the BB fitting as I don't have a torque wrench. I am now building my own fixie out of a 1980 Releigh with Reynolds 501 tubing. I'll still keep the Create - after all the time, effort and money I have to confess I got attached to the thingy. But the Releigh has definitely stolen my heart. You can tell that, even though it is an old bike, all the components are far, far superior to my Frankie's.
My suggestion if you are considering a Create: go on eBay or Gumtree. Type: Langster or Charge Plug. Cough up 250 quid and be the happy owner of a good quality bike!
Just my two cents!