I've picked one.....

[fossyant]

Gone and done it....

Went to Will's Wheels in Stockport, explained to one of Will's shop assistants that I wanted a fixed road bike...............
"JUST LIKE THAT ONE" - pointing over to one of Wills own make bikes.........he then passed me over to Will at that point.

Had a good chat with Will about specs...

Going for alloy, smooth welded frame/carbon forks in bright red (a little like the Pearson Touche frame in looks) Ritchey finishing kit, guards, shimano brakes, imported US crankset (can't remember what but fairly aero looking) and specced up hand built wheels (Open Pro CD or CXP 33 rims).

Cost will be about £900, although have the 'quote' for £1000. He said we'd spec everything when I've got the voucher, work out a discount (I've known him a long time) and if I didn't spend it all, he'd give me the cash - I responded..."Oh I'll spend it !"

Can't wait...probably going to take a few weeks to get the voucher, then a couple of weeks to get it built.

 

[snapper_37]

Enjoy it Foss, sounds cracking

 

[Crackle]

NIce one Fossy. You gotta piccy or a link?

 

[fossyant]

Erm..nope, not really.....it's the red one in this pic...... in the window on the left.....

Forgot to take the phone......still in my rucksack.....

Must say it's a smart frame - very neat, deep gloss....

http://www.willswheelsshop.co.uk/

 

[Crackle]

Looks a nice red but beyond that and the fact it's a fixed with two wheels, you can't tell owt else

Looks a proper shop though.

 

[thomas]

What voucher if I may ask?

 

[fossyant]

Cycle to work Scheme....

If your employer will do it, you go to a bike shop, get a 'quote', take it into work, wait for the paperwork, get said voucher (i.e. bit like a cheque to the bike shop), go back to shop and buy bike.

You then pay for the bike via salary deduction. Good bit is it's a deductable expense - i.e. you save tax and NI, and, if your employer is VAT registered, the VAT as well.

I save about 30% - Tax and NI only....but a bargain.

 

[fossyant]

Looks a nice red but beyond that and the fact it's a fixed with two wheels, you can't tell owt else

Looks a proper shop though.

I know...but no pics....proper shop though !

 

[magnatom]

Hmm, a fixie. Mmm. Haven't got one of those!

 

[BentMikey]

Nice one Fossy!

Maggers, got your arse in gear yet and bought that bike? What's 'kin taking you so long?

 

[downfader]

I thought with fixies they were harder to control? I'd feel petrified to use one on the roads. Single speed I'd be fine with though.

 

[BentMikey]

I thought with fixies they were harder to control? I'd feel petrified to use one on the roads. Single speed I'd be fine with though.

Not really, just don't stop pedalling. If anything, I think a fixed wheel encourages you to look further ahead, and plan ahead more in time. Perhaps one disadvantage is that you don't want to be pedalling super close to the kerb, and then hit a pedal, because you'll bounce.

 

[fossyant]

Well....I will have to take it easy to start with - i.e. get used to fixed - I have ridden Manchester once and got on fine once I remembered I could not stop pedalling.

For me, the gears will be set up to go 18-25 mph - so 72 inch, and I'll use MTB spd's XT's of course....

The ability to brake or control speed without brakes appeals, although I'll keep both as Manchester roads are full of idiots. If I ever get good, I'll just lock the rear with me legs and frighten drivers.. (yeh right)......

Maintenance wise...no mechs.... joy............

Hard work...it will be as it's hilly where I live - but Will's folk know about this...my choice of 72/68 is OK !

I just fancy the change...it will be a commuter...MTB back to dirty stuff/fun and kid duties, and road bikes doing fast stuff...this will do fast stuff commuting, but is intended to be hard work...like the MTB....

 

[John the Monkey]

Looks good Fossy.

Our scheme has been given the nod too, I'm thinking of something with fatter tyres to replace my (too small) hybrid (Genesis Croix de Fer looks nice), or maybe a folder for days I take the train all the way to town...

 

[fossyant]

John, I got away with it - I did the 'I'll do it' email when the volunteer option came up, plus I work with the "Environmental Team" on other stuff.....nothing better than a bike mad nutter, getting a custom something...and selling the scheme..all winners...plus I'll give Will a mention...fab shop........

Pics will follow....now got to push the quote through the "system".... I am the 'FIRST' person to do it.... so we will see....