Is my cynicism justified?

[ClichéGuevara]

Looking through the local gumtree for a frame/donor for a fixie project, when I saw the bike on the link.

http://store.dunlopsport.com/dunlop-fixie-track-bike-700c-933073?colcode=93307308#customerreviews

Half the fun's building it anyway, but am I right in thinking it's a guinea plus of trouble, or could it be worth a punt to start me off?

 

[Andrew1971]

I bought a very similar one for £189 from argos when they had them.
Mine is not to bad . But i would say AVOID the reason's being
1) Bottom bracket bearings are cup and cone. mine wore out within 2-3 month's
2) The wheel's the spoke's and spoke nipples started to rust first time in the rain. I can see day light through the rim on mine.
3) The tyre's on mine were crap one skid down to the canvas.
4) One wheel tug only.
5) The general quality is rubbish.
Hind sight i would not have got mine if i had known. Then you might get lucky or not.
You could build one yourself from an old racer frame and be a lighter than that one
And be cheaper in the long run.
Andrew

 

[ClichéGuevara]

Cheers Andrew, it sounds as I expected.

I'm glad really as it would have stolen some of the fun of creating one.

 

[Cycleops]

You are right to avoid it. It can only be crap at this price. If you want a ready-to-ride buy something like a Charge. Remember, the joy of quality remains long after the euphoria of low price is forgotten.

 

[Andrew1971]

Yes as Cycleops say's spend extra and get some thing worth while and decent. The only way for me is to upgrade mine now i have it.

 

[User269]

I wouldn't pay as liitle as that for a saddle, let alone a whole bike...................

 

[robjh]

I haven't even followed your link, but I think cynicism is justified in most circumstances.

 

[Beebo]

Dunlop sports brand is owned by Sports Direct. Need i say more?

 

[windym]

Why not buy an old Reynolds 531 framed bike, make sure it has horizontal drop-outs, then use the SPNK Shimano rear freewheel converter to fixed. Or a single-speed converter, choose the cog you want for gearing and fit a 47-50 tooth chain ring. Strip the rest of the bike parts sell, give away or keep to later restore the bike, you should be able to do this for under £200.

Andy

 

[Phixion]

Getting an old Reynolds 531 is expensive as hell and has been for a few years.

Thank the fixed gear craze for that.