ss for a beginner

[simini]

I am looking into getting a single speed which i will mainly use to commute to work which is a 6 mile each way trip. a few of my mates ride but they mainly use just for show and doing neat moves which i probably will end up doing too

So basically would like some help in how much i am looking at to be spending also don't mind in just getting a second hand one and where to look.

 

[Theseus]

Do you mean single speed or fixed?

Prices range from dirt cheap if you put together your own from bits to as much as a road bike with full kit.

My cheapest was one built on a frame donated by a collegue who had been hit by a car. Needed a new fork, hubs, sprocket, spokes & rims. I recycled some brakes, tubes & tyres. Used the original crank & chainwheel (it was a originally a hub geared bike so no front derailler).

My most expensive is a Pearson Touche on the C2W scheme which was £550 basic price, but I pumped it up to £600 with better tyres and mudguards. I see that the basic price for this is now £600.

I am sure you could spend a lot more if you wanted to

ETA: Oh! and welcome.

 

[RedBike]

You can spend as much as you want. Since single speed / fixed bikes became fashionable the prices of some have just gone sky high.

I would think about a budget of £500ish new.

For commuting it's perhaps worth looking for something that can take a mud-guards, perhaps a pannier rack. This will somewhat narrow down your choices.

My shortlist for a single speed commuter was:
Genesis Skyline
Ridgeback Solo (This is what I got)
Planet-x Pompino
Cotic Roadrat
Specialized Tri-cross

I sort of fancied a go at single speed CX as well, which explains the last three on my list.

 

[fossyant]

Go fixed, no point with ss. My fixed was custom but on ctw fortunately

 

[Oddjob62]

Go fixed, no point with ss.

Agreed. I went ss for about a week then went to fixed (about 4-5months ago) and have never looked back (except for right turns, overtaking, etc )

Have had 2 fixed gears in that time, first one was an old Raleigh that i converted, and now i've got a Dolan track that i built up from 2nd hand parts.

 

[Vikeonabike]

Just ordered a Kona Paddy Wagon from JE James for £474 quid. It was the most comfortable of the £500 Fixed/ss bikes I could find...Always loved Kona since I rode a Cinder Cone in about 1989.... Its's Steel rather than Ally which is a bonus...
Vike

 

[Bigtwin]

Try both before you go fixed or SS. I ride both, but have very competent riding friends that can't stand fixed, and see no advantage over SS. Indeed, around town on the flat I can't really either, but people get very evangelical about the issue.

Very much horses for courses.

 

[swee'pea99]

Can you handle a spanner? If you're reasonably confident with some basic tools and up for a bit of self-training (re-dishing a wheel, eg, tho' in reality not difficult, is not something most casual riders have done) your best bet is to get an old 531 framed bike off ebay for £80 and convert it yourself.

 

[Dalestar]

If you get a flip flop rear hub (i got mine from On-one) you can have fixed and SS. Best of both worlds to help you decide what you prefer.