Looking at getting a fixed/singlespeed bike on a budget

[JamesRandle_]

Hi im looking to get a single speed or fixed bike to get around town on whilst at uni and i don't have much to spend (probably upto £200) so i thought it would be best to ask for recommendations for what would be a good buy and what to stay clear of.

I've found this bike for sale locally

its advertised as a raleigh flyer from the late 80s, i was wondering are these a decent bike or would this be one to steer clear of?

any advice would be greatly appreciated

thanks James

 

[NotFabian]

How much is it?

 

[JamesRandle_]

It's £200 Ono

 

[NotFabian]

Last year I bought an old Raleigh road bike in good cond. with Reynolds tubing, it was still geared etc, I paid £55, and stripped it myself, bought a fixed/free rear wheel for £40 and now have a cracking fixed gear bike I use mostly for commuting.

So you don't necessarily have to spend much to get a decent end result.

 

[JamesRandle_]

i might go and have a look at it tomorrow and see what its like in person

 

[just jim]

I would haggle on that one. Downwards, to a price more realistic and to your budget. If it doesn't work out another steel frame will be along soon!

 

[swee'pea99]

That's bonkers. Those go on ebay all the time for well under £100. You're paying a big premium because someone's done the conversion for you. It's not hard to do it yourself. I'd do that, starting off with something with Reynolds 531 tubing, which will probably set you back something like £100 - £150. If you can't face it, then look on ebay, doing a search for something, say, within 25 miles of your postcode, then get there on the bus, or get a lift.

I really wouldn't buy that Raleigh. It's a bit of a clunker, and not worth anything like £200.

 

[Smurfy]

Before committing to a Raleigh there are things you should be aware of, as these issues affect availability of spares such as headsets and bottom brackets.

http://sheldonbrown.com/raleigh26.html

Also worth noting that for just 50 quid more you could have this:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-courier-single-13

which is a reasonable starting point into the world of fixed-wheel and single-speed, and at the current price of 250GBP very good value for money.

 

[JamesRandle_]

cheers for the advice guys I'm going to head to a local bike shop tomorrow to see if they have any in stock

 

[Born2die]

There is an airlite 2011 on here for £200 at the moment not sure if its still there though

 

[JamesRandle_]

There is an airlite 2011 on here for £200 at the moment not sure if its still there though

i cant view the for sale section on here yet due to being a new member, but i ordered a bike today

 

[Born2die]

Good for you what did you order in the end?

 

[JamesRandle_]

I ordered an se draft lite