[Mr. Peabody]

Hey all,

I'm new to this forum and am seeking some singlespeed/fixed frame advice.

I'm considering building a ss/fixed road bike (I've bent too many der. hangers, and I love my old singlespeed, converted 80's Schwinn )

Stock frames are my preference, and yes, I know that custom is an option from a number of different builders (IF, CoMotion, etc.). Steel is nice, but aluminum is good too; I'd prefer to stay away from exotic materials (carbon, titanium, etc.) due to cost and other issues. I'd like standard or compact road geometry, not track geometry (like on a Bianchi Pista).

So: Steel, stock frame, ss/fixed compatible, standard road or compact geometry...please let me know what frames you like/dislike, or what you'd advise based on your personal riding expertise.

Many thanks.

Mr. P.

 

[tamu]

I dont know much, but would like to see Giant Bowery, and Specialized Langster discussed here..

other than that you can anwyas get an old road bike that has long slanted drop outs..

 

[MB1]

Gunnar Street Dog.

A plus for you is that Schwinn heritage. I put 20,000+ miles on one before I upgraded to a Waterford (MarkS is riding it now), LenJ has one but is just about to upgrade to a Kirk (j's haiku is gettin that one).

A really good ride.

http://www.gunnarbikes.com/streetdog.php

 

[Mr. Peabody]

Thanks MB1, I was wondering about the Gunnar Streetdog; I seem to hear only good things about that frame, so I might put that one on the list.

I just found out about the Lemond Fillmore. I wasn't aware of it, but at around $950 for the whole bike, it looks decent when you consider the frame and spec. (especially compared to the Specialized Langster, which for $700.00 seems a bit overpriced considering its parts list).

Anyone have input on the Lemond please?

 

[BianchiJoe]

I'm the local Surly cheerleader, so I have to put in a plug for my all-time favorite frame, the Steamroller. 4130 steel, no unneeded braze-ons, room for big tires, elegant flat-top fork, all for about $400 new. Build it the way you want it.

Also look at the Milwaukee Orange One if you want something slightly more obscure, or any of Tony's fixed offerings from IRO.

Kogswell, NYCBikes, Soma, or Fisso are other under-the-radar brands, or go more mainstream with Jamis, KHS, or Raleigh.

Have fun!

 

[KonaMan]

Check out Van Dessel's Country Road Bob. SS w/flip flop hub. Can go geared (but why would you???). Canti brakes, set up for cross if you so desire.

 

[Mel Erickson]

MB1, how's the clearance for larger tires. Gunnar says clearance for 25c. How about 28c or larger? If 25c is the max it would be somewhat small for my tastes.

 

[djg]

Thanks MB1, I was wondering about the Gunnar Streetdog; I seem to hear only good things about that frame, so I might put that one on the list.

I just found out about the Lemond Fillmore. I wasn't aware of it, but at around $950 for the whole bike, it looks decent when you consider the frame and spec. (especially compared to the Specialized Langster, which for $700.00 seems a bit overpriced considering its parts list).

Anyone have input on the Lemond please?

I have a 2005 LeMond Fillmore--it's a really nice riding bike, IMO. Road geometry, definitely, which is what you say you want. I really like the OX Platinum frame better than I liked their 853 frames from a few year ago and the thing is pretty nicely tacked together. Back to back, I liked it much more than the (admittedly cheaper) off-the-rack fixie competition available at the time. Parts are a bit of a mix, but everything is entirely functional and the wheels actually seem pretty good. I may sell mine, but only because I'm converting a Serotta frame that I really, really, like. I think the Fillmore is a very good bike for the money.

 

[Len J]

The old one'shave clearance.....

MB1, how's the clearance for larger tires. Gunnar says clearance for 25c. How about 28c or larger? If 25c is the max it would be somewhat small for my tastes.

for up to 32...but the new one's only clear 25"s.

I'd get an old one.

Len

 

[Len J]

Second the street dog......

A plus for you is that Schwinn heritage. I put 20,000+ miles on one before I upgraded to a Waterford (MarkS is riding it now), LenJ has one but is just about to upgrade to a Kirk (j's haiku is gettin that one).

A really good ride.

http://www.gunnarbikes.com/streetdog.php

and you can get it with either a steel or carbon fork.
and best of al, unlike many of the SS/Fixie's out there, it comes standard in Road geometry so you can mimic your road setup easily.

The list price on this bike has not changed since 2003.

Len

 

[desurfer]

I'll plug the Bianchi San Jose. I'm 150 miles into mine so far and I love it!

http://www.bianchiusa.com/06_san_jose.html

 

[Mr. Peabody]

I have a 2005 LeMond Fillmore--it's a really nice riding bike, IMO. Road geometry, definitely, which is what you say you want. I really like the OX Platinum frame better than I liked their 853 frames from a few year ago and the thing is pretty nicely tacked together. Back to back, I liked it much more than the (admittedly cheaper) off-the-rack fixie competition available at the time. Parts are a bit of a mix, but everything is entirely functional and the wheels actually seem pretty good. I may sell mine, but only because I'm converting a Serotta frame that I really, really, like. I think the Fillmore is a very good bike for the money.

Thanks for the input djg,

I think the Lemond might be close to what I'm looking for; the price seems right, now I just need to get to my local shop to test ride one in my size. I checked the geometry on Lemond's site, and it seems pretty standard. I was under the impression that most Lemonds have top tubes which are slightly longer than usual, but I may be mistaken. I know fit is difficult to assess from one rider to another, but what's your general experience with the bike's fit/feel? Also, since you mention the parts spec., is there anything you'd suggest swapping out from the start?

Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks.