How to Spot Bad Beginner Fixed Gear Bikes
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- Опубліковано 13 жов 2024
- There's a lot of entry level fixed gear bikes out there, but most of them just aren't worth your money. A lot of fixed gear bikes entice beginner riders with flashy deep wheelsets and color combinations, but in the end, these bikes are of lower quality and won't ride as well or as long as other options.
Here are key elements of beginner fixed gear bikes to look out for and avoid if possible.
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when u see ur bike in the thumbnail
rip me
Lol
I recently ordered a 7 speed Zyclefix but it hasn't come in yet. I'm hoping I don't feel the rip. Still probably an improvement from the walmart bike i had though.
Same
F
Lul
Thanks for the thorough video and explanation. Just to add to what you said:
1. First of all, any decent fixie that is worth buying and riding weighs no more than 10 kilograms (or 22 lbs). Even this weight is a bit too much but is you use lights, brakes etc then it is OK. I'll elaborate on this below.
2. If you need a commuter fix bicycle for cheap, often the best option is to build one yourself, or order it to be built, is you can of course. The cheapest complete bicycles will always have the worst quality components.
3. Never save on the wheelset. All other components, including the frame, may be low-level ones but the wheels - hubs spokes, rims, tires - should be as good as you can afford. For a fix, go for sealed ball bearings, narrow double-walled rims with brake surfaces, and good spokes. The tires that you use keep you from falling and other related injuries so go for a good brands, at least for a front tire. If you prefer to skid brake, buy a cheaper rear tire as it will wear out relatively quickly. If you use a regular brake, go for the front one in all cases, the rear one is optional unless you're heavy. Most caliper road brakes will do, provided the reach is compatible.
4. Remember I talked about the weight? Here is the trick. The lighter is the bicycle, the easier it is to ride it. Even a couple of pounds can make a difference in speed and riding comfort. But the most important thing is the material of the frame and the fork. Never buy hi-tensile framesets. Hi-ten is good enough for slow commuters and touring cycles, but it is too flexible and heavy for a fast ride. For an affordable fix bicycle that lasts you want either Cro-Moly (alloys like 4130 or similar, google it if unsure) or good aluminum. Cro-Moly is considerably lighter than hi-tensile steel, more rigid, and dissipates less energy while the rider rotates the cranks. Aluminum is even more stiff and less flexible than steel, but is harder to weld and too soft when thin, so the shape of the frame and fork becomes crucial if you go for this material. Comparable Cro-Moly frames are usually a bit cheaper than similarly shaped aluminum ones. Carbon is too brittle for a street ride and can be damaged by many things, so better avoid it for fixie.
5. If you don't have enough money, you can take a look at old track or road Cro-Moly frames. They have decent geometry and are usually sturdy enough for a long daily ride. The bottom bracket on road bicycle frames is lower than on track ones, though, but not that much. Many people ride road-to-fixie bicycles every day.
All of the above is also true for single-speed bicycles. Use a flip-flop rear hub with a freewheel option if you feel too tired after a fix ride.
Best of luck to all riders!
thankyou
Wow this is such valuable information thank you!!
I built my own fixie for $350. Used a quality used frame ( Fuji Raleigh or nishiki) and installed Eighthinch and origin 8 parts. Works great and looks awesome.
It'd be useful to have a list of companies that produce good value bikes at each price range
Simon Alford he’s have to do actual research for that
Hondanumber9 thats no excuse..if you show problems at least show solutions lol
Simon Alford well as if he didn’t add in enough wabi cycles advertising to advice you
@@ezio2682 adblock for life
RollinRat shut it too lazy to get scammed i trust a youtuber more than google websites
Get bad bikes. These "Bad" bikes are more durable than what influencers give them credit for. Ride it to the ground and learn what you need in a bike. Cheap bikes are rad.
agree.
in the first minute he specified that he meant bikes that arent aligned with their price rather than the price itself
I built my fixie from an old 80s road bike. sure I cant do any dope fixie tricks, but my fixie has an awesome unique feel and look. I wouldn't get rid of her for anything.
Still have it?
old road bikes are the best
I have an old, beat up 70s Peugeot converted to a fixie and I love it. The way it's set up is to look more or less like an old road bike with drops, brakes (oops), toe clips with leather straps, and a Brooks saddle. I too wouldn't get rid of her for anything!
The tire clearance on old touring bike frames makes them great for a Tracklocross bike.
@@milady1733 same I built mine on an old Peugeot 103 carbolight frame the serial number identified it as 1973, I was born '73 also, love that bike! It had taken a while to get it as good as it rides and looks but well worth the effort, time and money spent
As a beginner, I have no idea what you're talking about through a lot of this video. Geometry? Unicorn forks? You sound like you really know what you're talking about but you may want to dumb it down for beginners.
Unicrown fork.
@@brandonshukuri6487 Lmaoo
Hey man unicorns gotta eat to.
Exactly my thought. The video shows you what’s BAD but not what would be more preferable.
As a beginner, I found this video very helpful. I'm looking into a basic fixed gear bike and I see now how to avoid overpaying.
My first and only bike shop purchase was a SE Draft Lite with deep Vs and hi-ten frame, just like all the bikes you mentioned here, and I LOVED IT. I had a daily 16 mile round trip commute, and a lot of days I'd ride for a workout after work. After three months of over 100 miles/week, I got right hooked at the bottom of a hill and ruined the fork and headset (the front wheel didn't even go out of true), so I got a Pake fork and a Cane Creek 40 from the same bike shop and used the opportunity to put some bullhorns on it. The wheels did eventually get crunchy, and the press-fit crank started failing so I put handbuilt wheels and a SRAM S300 on it. Then I got hit by a service van turning through a gap in stopped rush hour traffic (bike lane was wide open, but we couldn't see each other), and that taco'd the rear triangle and sent basically all that was left of the original Draft Lite to the bike collective graveyard. So yes, that bike was garbage and had to have almost everything replaced in its short two year life, but the silver lining is that by the time the frame got wrecked, I never had to buy another complete bike, thanks to the mechanics I had befriended and tools I had collected along the way. Since then, I've gone through a Pake Rum Runner, two Surly Steamrollers, an old Lotus Classique conversion, and lots of gearings, tires sizes, and handlebar styles. Now I'm riding a lugged Sillgey that is still rocking the cranks and wheels that were on the SE when it died. A bunch of other bikes too, but there will always be a fixie in the stable, and it was the crappy one that started it all. No regrets.
Dude you're a shredding legend and you did it right.
Everyone that gets serious gets into at least one accident. I have never been in one with another vehicle or cyclist. I know it's coming. Once I get on the bike I never think about it, but comments like yours get me thinking
You should do a video really explains what geometry refers to and what all the numbers mean
🤔
Actually inseam length is a very bad metric since the proportion of leg and torso length varies wildly between people and saddle height is much better adjustable than length, bar position etc.
For beginners nothing beats a good bike shop and often isn't actually more expensive than ordering online if you aren't going for online only manufacturers. Other than that: Ride as many random bikes as possible and find out what is comfortable and get your measurements from that.
most important measurement in frame geometry is reach.... inseam length is not right way to choose frame size
#HaroGang
This is also a really dumb argument against a cheaper bike. An expensive bike can just as well be the wrong size if you don't know about the size that is right for you.
J
My first fixie was a pure fix, I rode ir hard and after 4 years it’s still going strong with little maintenance. Nowadays I ride a Peugeot Course 2, with sugino 75 crankset, origin8 wheels and it’s much better.
Just saying that my pure fix was my first bike and I did SOO many skids and wheelies and it held up fine.
And it still rides smoothly.
Blayne Hurtado I agree I've been having mine for a while now and it still rides smooth. I don't get this guy's point because even thought it was a bit pricy it had held up with me so
Blayne Hurtado Wheelies are easy though. Can't do anything else on one.
Jose Sanchez more so quality of products, how many quality upgrades can you make on your bike? Can you fit a high end crank and bottom bracket in the frame? What about your headset and fork? With high quality bikes companies keep that in mind. Lots of entry level companies will charge entry level prices but not consider that you may want to upgrade your hubs, or someday want to upgrade your drivetrain etcetera. I think with this video he’s not saying they are “bad” bikes more so bad companies.
@@JoseSanchez-wr8lx I would say that you are not riding it very hard or very long. Put 30 hard miles on it, for 5 days straigh and watch that hub let loose.
I just use a fixie from an old road bike frame with fixie parts that my dad built, and it's still functioning for 5 years.
Surprisingly still working well
Unless the bike explodes under you or if they over price their lower tier shit, then there are no such things are bad bikes. My opinion.
You are so correct! Bought a zycle fix bike because of a pinch and needed something to float around on. Long story short, started to get a little more serious because transportation to work was warrant. A standing uphill battle into wind was quickly defeated when crank arm snapped in half introducing my face to the asphalt, instantly becoming bitter friends. In all my youth I've never feared this; maybe a chain, but crank arm? So cheap, so disappointed in myself not doing due diligence. And now, my face, ribs, hands, knees and confidence are chafed. Glad you are here to spread the word. Gracias Mucho!
DannyLorean I bought the zycle fix prime track bike, and I haven’t had any problems
@@dluf1073 problems occur out of nowhere. that's why they're problems. so just be aware when your face meets asphalt because your crank snaps in half. not to mention, rims that untrue when rolling over cracks in the sidewalk. and the crunchiest of crunchy bicycle drivetrains. just wait. maybe not now, but... SOON!
DannyLorean welll fuck
I got my Critical Cycles for roughly 200 and I've pretty happy with it, knowing that it's crappier and almost half the cost than the likes of the Kilo TT.
they seem pretty honest sinve they do have the geometry of the bikes on their website
I love my critical. Paid about 200 for it, and have slowly upgraded it as I've become a more serious/informed rider. The company has great support too
cool might buy one
I bought a critical about two months ago and right off the bat I was pretty impressed till the bearings failed within a week... other than that so far so good
I too have a Critical, not a bad bike by any means just heavy. I had a few things break due to over tightening screws, but I got some specialized drops (family member got aero bars) along with a new stem and a replacement specialized seat for $30, added some new pedals and enjoyed it.
I mostly got it to wait out paying down a better bike and it did a good job, I put a couple thousand miles on it and it didn't have any issues. Their prices are pretty reasonable, I'd still ride it if it wasn't so heavy but that's the trade off when comparing it's price vs my Fuji.
Re: non sealed bearing hubs: If the hubs are adjusted when the bike is initially assembled they should not have problems, period. Some wheels are better quality than others, but if the person who assembled the bike used a cone wrench and took two seconds to adjust those bearings, the wheel should run fine for a long time and only need repacking and cleaning and regreasing rarely. If it feels gritty it was probably not adjusted right to begin with!
It annoys me that so many people don't do this. I've seen guys come in my friend's bike shop with bikes they got thirty years ago and the hubs are smooth like butter. I've seen guys come in with bikes that are six months old they got elsewhere and the hubs sound like ratchets. If it is done right, it lasts.
New generation of disrespectful uneducated and unwise people.
My friend crashed the shit out of one of these pure fix bikes and the wheels actually stayed in true and were fine while the bike frame was absolutely bent in, the fork smashed back into the frame and bent lololol.... but the wheel was totally fine
This is helpful Zach. What do you think about Sole bikes?
I mash hard on my purefix, after a year and a couple month's, finally cracked around the bottom bracket, also mentioned hi tensile steel is crap
I bought a Thruster, second hand and in need of maintenance. In the process I spent a couple of extra dollars and customized and improves the machine. With even less expenses than buying entry level expensive fixie I achieved an almost state of the art bicycle that weighs less than original new one and has faster drive system and suspension seat-post and saddle. In the process I learned new procedures and even got the tools that I know will be used in the near future either for maintenance or further improvements. Definitely worth trying the adventure.
LOL so it's good quality if they publish their geometry, but there's nothing in the video that tells people what is important or what to look for. And a cheapo bike is too heavy... but how heavy is that?
This guy is a fucking goof he has no clue what a good fixie is
It's all about quality, he's pointing out things that crappy bikes have that demonstrate lower quality
@@samuelmarmolejo4378
Would you be so kind as to show us what is a good bike?
I'm asking because you must know since you made such a strong statement.
@@riverviewrider3760 you looking for a link cause that's not gonna happen do your research build your own.
@@SimonWoodburyForget I actually agree with you 100%. I'm in sales, and for that very reason I don't like buying in a store because they try to pressure you into buying something THAT DAY.
I often times do research day, then purchase day. But in sales they don't like that, they want your research day and sales day to be one and the same and will tell you almost anything to get that sale. Now, if you are lucky you will get someone helpful that will give you all the answers you need with no pressure, but that's rare because at the end of the day, they are a business and they need to make money.
I find it funny that all these people say they have answers but no one wants to actually share the answers. Then we have assholes like Gary Oak going on and on about doing research yourself without telling what you need to look for. You don't need to tell all the details, just point us in the right direction. You obviously have the time because you responded like 4 times going off topic about buying televisions like an idiot. If you don't have the answer just say so.
The whole point of watching this video was so that I could figure out what is a good bike from a bad. Now I've been riding for awhile so I know how a good bike feels, having said that, I just bought me a Pure Fix india matte black and gold fixed gear bike, and it actually fits me pretty well and rides great. It was in freewheel when I bought it, but I switched it around to fixed.
The bike frame is also WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY lighter than any bike I have ever owned. I live in an apartment and can carry it up the stairs and open the door outside while holding the bike with one arm. I'm really skinny and not so strong, wearing roughly 130lbs (I don't eat much) but this bike is WAAAAY under 25 lbs. My old road bike is about 30lbs and was super light and easy to carry. In comparison though, this bike is so much lighter and easier to pedal.
So having said that... WHAT MAKES IT A BAD BIKE?
I ride about 150 to 200 miles a week (maybe more if I'm with my cycle group). So if you guys have questions about how the bike is holding up let me know. So far, I have had zero problems with my Fixie.
for people who dropped here without any idea of what to buy other than a shitty steel generic brand : fabricbike, vitus, cinelli, look, or any brand that make track or crit specific bikes, you can also go for an old peugeot but search for a track frame not a road conversion, you can spot it looking at the rear wheel fixation, on a track bike it's straight and horizontal on a road it's curved to attatch the derailleur, whitout this you cannot get a proper chain tension
Been riding my pure fix for 5 years now, bought it to get around NYC, and it’s still holding up well.
Its obviously the latest technology in a low price package.
A new Ford is obviously a new Ford.
A new pure fix bicycle is obviously a new pure fix bicycle.
Bike riders can't even see its a bicycle.
Its obviously the latest version, something to value.
Something to prevent someone stealing cause you know its a great thing.
You buy NEW and you buy enough of them.
You're exposing you're extremely thrifty.
Thrifty ruins your life.
I'm really sic of these people who buy 1 and complain it got stolen.
Stop buying smokes and alcohol and buy 3 pure fix bicycles and live a luxury lifestyle.
I don't want to hear another whinger.
Being thrifty makes you uneducated and unwise.
I have 6ku fixie but I use it as single speed (flip flop freewheel hub). Anyway I rode ~500km on it for 2 months and had zero issues so far. It seems like a good simple runner and I love it.
I bought a fixie from city grounds about a year ago and to this day it still works and rides in pristine condition. City grounds in my opinion is a great and reliable website for fixie and also have the price range worth what the bike is for
Exactly you who gives a fuckk… this dude is completely missing the purpose(and of the functionally of what a bike does) lmao why kind of video is this?!?!
i think it the welds and the quality of alignment is often overlooked on these bikes... i have owned 3 state bicycles and although they got the job done and were solid bikes i found that the rear triangle on each never aligned perfectly. i found that i always had to either choose between aligning the wheel vertically or horizontally which wasnt great for tire wear. I eventually broke down and just bought a Langster hoping that specialized had a higher standard or quality control. Not trying to bad mouth State as they did replace the first frame i noticed it on with no questions asked, but it did seem to be a trend on my other bikes from them.
When I need a bike cheap, I go on craigslist and find used "vintage" road bikes. Basically, a vintage road bike is a multi gear bike, usually around 10 speed, with thin, usually 90psi, tires. Good examples would be the Schwinn World Sport, or various bikes made by SEARS, or Panasonic, etc. I can find them locally on craigslist in great condition for under $100
That's what I did, sorta. I bought a Trek 420 from a previous LBS, liked it so much I stripped all the crap off of it (basically down to frame/forks) used a Specialized/Mavic MA 40 front wheel, laced a Sturmey-Archer S3X to another Mavic MA 40 hoop, added a Shimano Ultegra crankset, bullhorn bars, and reborn as a fixie.
GormyGorm yeah,used bikes from Switzerland or Germany are usually cheap and good
GormyGorm Gotta deal with those old school non-indexed shifters though and they suck.
bingo, lots of old fixer upper bicycles to be had on craigslist, take your time look around sometimes you can find a old road bike that spent most of its time hanging in the rafters of a garage for less than one hundred dollars
Had a single speed world sport for years, it was amazing!
Having a good relationship with your local bike shop (LBS) is probably the most important for beginners.
I’ve had the Purefix Papa from my LBS for over 4 years. Several years as a daily commuter. I’ve found it to be low maintenance and reliable.
Another happy owner.
Zach is wrong most of the time.
We demand the opposite perspective videos.
The latest bicycles are the latest bicycles.
There's no doubt about it. You don't get to question it.
I rode a pure fix for 4 straight years everyday and I never had an issue
Joseph Currier same here, and the bike stays outside during Germany’s winter, and the bike is riding like a charm
They’re bike snobs that’s why
Triple6 snobs?
Pure Fix was my first fixie and it was a great hike for what I paid for it. It also made me fall in love for the ride and simplicity of a single/fixed hear bike. Like others have said, I ride the hell out of that bike everyday. Eventually it did start to loosen up to the extent that it needed constant tightening and maintenance and I've now stepped up a notch and there is a difference but my current bike cost twice as much!
Same
There is a critical factor not mentioned by Zach that dictates the brands and models one can consider - your fitment! I have 37” shirt sleeves, 34” pants inseam, and size 16 feet, so right off the top 95% or more of low end brands do not have a frame large enough for me. The Pure Cycles Pure Fix XXL frame is 64cm, and the only single speed sub-$500 bike model, let alone brand, I could find that large ($450 w/shipping on sale fall 2022).
Hey Zach , thanks for all the vids, recomendations and all. As a mechanic, I do appreciate accurate information such as you give on your channel. Keep the good work.
Its wrong information.
I ordered the 6ku track bike for $250 as my first bike. What's your opinion on that bike or company? Bike seems pretty light 18-22lbs? I'm getting the 52 so I wonder how much it actually weighs. I figure I get a cheap bike for now upgrade it on the way then maybe when I get better I'd just pick up a better frame and use the new parts I've invested. I'll basically upgrading everything on the bike besides the frame lol.
I've had a pure fix for almost 5 years now, my first bike, finally had to replace the wheels about 2 years ago because I kept it outside in the elements but since I've got the new wheels, (same factory wheels just different color) I haven't had any issues 🤷♂️ luck of the draw I suppose.
I’ve worked with bikes for years and I absolutely love Pure cycle fixie bikes. They are perfect for the novice bicyclist or the people who prefer a simple bike that requires minimal upkeep. They are lighter in weight than most other bikes. The fact that they are single geared make it easy to care for requiring no adjustments in that area and require less mastery for newbies who just want to ride and enjoy the scenery and fresh air. You can still get a great work out and boost in mood. A more expensive bike is really unnecessary unless you want to a mountaneous region regularly or off roaring trail riding, then you need gears and maybe suspension. If you don’t plan on super hard rides and just want to ride around town it is perfect which is why I chose it for my kids when I realized gears were way to complicated for them. I have a blast in pure fix and really love the smooth simplistic ride they provide.
I still have my PURE FIX Frame, Fork, Rimset I'm using it for 11 years, my rear hub broke last week after skidding downhill my cog and lockring disassembled.
I decided to keep the frame and fork and upgrade Wheel Set.
Btw other parts are also 11 years old, stem, seat post etc..
I'm planning to upgrade everything but stick to PUREFIX frame and fork.
It's heavy but I like it, I don't use it to race, just to burn some calories and to train my legs 👌🏽
It's good, it depends on how you look at it
100% agree, I always recommend beginners to go buy a used bike. They get so much more quality from a well looked-after used bike than a brand new purefix that weighs double what it should.
I spent so much damn money on modifying my pure fix bike. In the end, the only thing that remained after $300 bucks was the garbage high-tensile steel frame, and after working for a day or so I was able to buy a really nice Reynolds steel unlabeled frame. But once finally happy with my bike, I built up an entirely new bike on the frame of the pure fix. In the end, I was able to sell the original pure fix for double its price, but I still I don't think it was worth the literal weeks of work I put into it.
Pick up a pure fix Zulu for 450$ in 2013 and use this from daily to get around town. It's 2017 and still in great shape. Longest ride I did was 30 miles on it and did just fine. ( yes I was burnt out ) but all round best bike I have owned and I am a big guy and it can hold my fat ass 😂
I have a Pure Fixed and have put just under 1000 miles on it in the past 3 months since I bought it. Runs great, no issues. The saddle they come with is garbage, so its worth getting a nice one. Other than grips, & saddle it's all stock Pure Fix. Coming from Bmx I was kinda surprised it had open ball bearings, and more surprised to learn from some bike shop guys that is pretty normal on a lot of road bikes. My wheels have stayed true. Anyway it rides fine, and once I found my saddle positioning and bar height I ride comfortably for long periods at a time no problem.
I bought mine in almost new condition on craigslist for $125 so it was definitely worth that. Check craigslist, I have seen several on there since mine for 150-250 here around Seattle. Seems like mostly college kids get em then realize they want some cash more than a bike.
6ku track frame bike. $250 to $300 depending on their promotions. one of the best bang for the buck. owned one for two years now rigid aluminum frame, good durability.
eeshunique yessss m8 to bad my track got stolen
Good to hear, getting one for Christmas and very excited
Really helpful. I'm a keen cyclist, and know my way around standard road bikes but fixies..... Recently had a session at a velodrome (here in the UK) and was blown away by the sensation of riding a fixed gear: lightbulb moment (even though I'm 70 years old!!!). Different brands here in the uK, but same situation with poor quality entry-level flashy-looking bikes, which had left me scratching my head about what to go for. Your videos are great., and having watched this one I reckon I'll have a look at Dolan or Fuji. Thanks!
Thank goodness I got my Pure Fix as a gift. So yeah, it was worth my money (;
If you want a cheap decent bike (of any kind), just buy a used one on Craigslist. For new bikes, I probably wouldn't go any cheaper than $800 or so (for singles speeds like those in the video). Anything less and it's not really worth it since you can get something way better used.
I've been riding an All-City Big Block for the past few years and it's been great. The only problems I can mention are that the clear coat is a bit thin and wears prematurely (though I ride in a lot of rainy/muddy weather) and the seat, while really nice, also wore more quickly than I'd expect.
Kilo TT is the best beginner track bike. Quality components, accurate geometry charts and a sexy build . I had mine in high school for 300$
clicked on this video because of the title but then amazed by the fact you're on SDSU campus! cheers from France, from an SDSU alumni ;)
City guy that goes less than 10 miles a day. These bikes arent bad at all. Buy one.. It's worth it. And the color schemes are cool too ;)
I used to be a modern road bike rider. I am not very familiar with steel frames, but I am looking for a cheaper entry level steel single speed bike for commuting purposes. I am deciding between a Fuji feather and a Creme Vinyl Solo. I wonder what is the biggest difference between Hi-Tensile and Chromoly? And which is better, a lugged frame or a welded frame? Because the Creme has lugged frame but only the seat tube is chromoly; while the Fuji has full chromoly but welded frame.
For the aesthetics, I kinda like the Creme better. In addition, Creme has a bottle cage mount, where I could mount my folding lock on, while Fuji doesn’t offer this. But I am not sure if the frame quality is good or not when compared to the Fuji. Please let me know what you think, thanks!
I bought a Pure Fix because the company is L.A. based... And I live in L.A... Also its a good bike for the money. You can't beat Pure Cycles warranty.
@K A "Coming to LA was the worst decision most of us made."
😔👌
Best cheap fixie/single I owned for 9 years was an se draft. I put probably 4k miles on that bike in a very mountainous region and it never let me down
I bought an on-sale PureFix SS in the company’s early days, and I commuted on it 7.5 miles each way to work at least three days a week for several years. I wanted something cheap that I wouldn’t be too upset about if it got stolen or mangled in a crash. I eventually installed fenders, rear panniers and a front rack/bag, and I rode it fixed with no brakes for half of that time... because I’m an idiot. It took me a while to dial everything in (Gator Skin tires, spoke plugs instead of a rim liner, etc.), but it was a relatively dependable ride during those years. I got hit by cars a few times (it’s a question of “when” not “if” for cyclists), and the bike bounced back better than I did. I’m not sure I’d do it the same way again, but I definitely think you can get a good bike for not a lot of cash.
Prooving what we know.
I just look at the bike and in 2 seconds i know Its a great bicycle with the latest technology in all the right places it needs to be.
Its way better than previous models.
Those previous models lasted over 30 years.
Buy a set.
Buy more.
Buy the old-fashioned versions too.
1 bike is limiting.
3 bikes is luxury.
Thrifty people ruin their life.
Same kinda story with cars. People keep buying brand new Toyota Camrys that have been on the same platform basically since 2006 with updates since Toyota can just rely on the ignorance of the typical mainstream consumer. Camrys are good cars and you won't miss much if you buy one but for the same money, you can get a brand new Mazda 6, way better interior quality, looks tons better, refined chassis for much better handling and more fuel economy. Sorry, went a bit off track. I'm really looking into getting into biking again since I'm in college. I'll probably get a road bike for now but once I'm confident enough, I want to get a good fixed bike as well. Thank you so much for these great videos! I was looking at Pure Fix bikes but something always felt off about them, now I know why
Hi Zach, what do you have to say about the PureFix Premium line? They've upgraded a lot of things compared to the original line: double butted 4130 chomoly frameset, sealed bearing hubs, shallower (lighter?) wheelset, lugged fork. At $450, that seems like a reasonably higher quality, yet still entry level, fixed gear bike.
I think this video generalizes a lot. To check if your fixed gear frame is good or not, press on the pedal with breaks on and look at how much middle of the bike moves to the side compare to the rest of the bike. If it moves mopre than 1'' (assuming you are pressing super hard), that bike is bad. Check wheels by squeezing nearby spokes together, if the wheel makes a lot of screacking noise it is a bad wheel, and if it is silent it is good. As far as frame material, it can be missleading, because I find that weld/build/heatreatment quality during manufacturing is more important than composition of steel used.
I've had a purefix for 5 years and I loved it. Some people just want a working bike
just found your channel Zach and im liking what im watching, definatley earned a sub, another bike brand to mention is Aerofix cycles, i bought a complete from them with off brand components and never really had a problem with it, it lasted me a whole year of riding fixed and definatley got me stronger to be where i am with my Aventon today. Aerofix makes both complete steel 4130 chromoly completes and also sells track like aluminum frames which i really do recommend as they ride very nice. My current bike is an Aventon 2016 cordoba with Shimano BB, 3T bars, X-speed post, retrospect saddle, 3T stem, shimano MTB cleats/peddles, sugino crankset, a Sunrims wheelset with an allcity cog/ a front spinergy that i rotate out when riding, and vittoria and continental tires.
BUY USED!!! I got a 6ku for $30 and it just needed some tubes and bar tape
Liked your video and the one statement I really liked is that you are honest. Elderly retired person looking to start bicycling for exercising and relaxation. Just subscribed to your channel seems you have a lot of useful information. Thanks
I've owned a Pure Fix and was unhappy with it after the first few rides. The thing is a tank. However, this was not my 'beginner' bike. Whenever anyone asks me for a beginner bike recommendation, I always refer them to bikesdirect.com. In fact, the low end Mercier Kilo TT complete is only $50 more at $399.
I fully understand your reasoning, but here in Hong Kong purefix is by far the most affordable option. I asked around the local fixed gear shops and they price their single speed bikes starting from 600 USD up, geared bikes at 1000 USD and up. In an average bike shop, road bikes (with all the stickers and stuff) are averagely priced at 1000 USD, some offering an entry option for 500 USD. I guess this reflects the demand of the local customers, all looking for high quality stuff. Back in Hungary, 200-250 USD could get you a custom build (looking awesome) bike with vintage frame, but quality parts and wheels. So, considering the above market conditions, if I just want to look cool and go for short rides during the weekend, purefix seems like a reasonable option.
I just got a 2011 Fuji declaration bike for 50 bucks
I rode a pure fix for 3 years around every inch of Denver and it really did me good.. I had a homemade single speed with the same style as a pure fix in Atlanta and also was a proper bike. Now I’m looking at building my own with a bianchi frame.
Hi Zach,
what do you think about Mango Bikes?
The bike in my picture is a Windsor "The Hour", bought for about USD 300.00, raced on the track many seasons with plenty of races won, no problems at all. My only complaint is the crankset hole pattern left me few options for chainrings, so I changed that for a Sugino track crank. Another comment asked about Fuji track bikes, and they are good value, good quality.
PLEASE if you do buy a fixie for the street, by all means put a full set of brakes on it - front and rear. Don't be stupid. On the track, you don't need brakes, but that's a far different environment from the street. You might be OK taking the chance and feeling cool riding without brakes, but you don't have the right to do that to the person who runs you over.
If you buy a cheap bike expect to replace your crankset(expensive) and true your bike a million times(annoying) within the first couple months.
You are correct, dealing with this right now, got a cheap bike 5 months ago and now its having lots of problems. im just gonna change the frame and all the parts basically. it will most likely cost me double what i payed for the bike.
Tunago what do you consider cheap?
I bought a complete bike for 200€ or less than $250, I say it's cheap because the wheels on my current bike cost 220 alone.
my brother bought a bike for 50. fixed it with more than 100 dollars. and then sold it for 10
Great business model
I still have my pure fix. It's the Juliet. I've had it for 3 years. You are right about the hubs and cranks etc... The frame is great though, very durable. I threw better rims and rubbers (gatorskins) and cinelli drop bars. It's still running strong. Of course with maintenance and im riding with cleats.. that's what a first bike should be if your going fixed; a kind of mash up of different parts to give it your own style... I also prefer steel frame than any carbon fiber or lighter material. It's just a very original classic look. Great vid man 👍
I have had pretty good luck with my pure fix wheels
macmurfy2jka Me too I've had my bike for about 2 and a half years. Upgraded to sram s300 cranks, cinelli mash bars, cinelli stem, and a cinelli saddle. Don't know what to do next. Wheels or frame
Yup wheelesets are pretty decent been riding mine for 3+ years and still going.
Why TF Is This Asian Dude Down Talking On Purefix and Zyclefix Dudes A Hater I've Had A McCargi Track Frame, A Roadie, A ZycleFix, And 2 Purefixes Including BMX's McCargi, Haro, DK, STLN, FIT & A Hoffman
My first bike cost me 51.37USD here in Philippines. That was way back 6 yrs ago. NOW I could not imagine how did I fell in love with this hobby and ended up subscribing to this channel! hihi
Loved your bias opinion about Purecycles,when you buy a bike online or in-person from purecycles they show the size/geometry that would be fitted to your height stop thinking like they force you to buy a bike to uninformed people,BTW the wheel set is not even heavy I can do wheelies and tricks on those steel frame bikes from purecycles:)
I just converted a ~40 year old Dawes Galaxy into a fixie. Everything bar the frame, forks and handlebar needed changing... cost me around £200 ($246) in total and rides great! :)
What do you think of Fuji bikes? Looking at the fuji feather... (thanks in advance for any help bro!)
Thanks!
ok Zach i have to piggy back on that great question. but first i got to say you're the man and i love the videos. keep them coming brother! I've definitely been looking at the Kilo TT Pro based on your recommendations but how would it compare against the newest Surly Steamroller and the Fugi Feather mentioned above? what order would you put them in?
fuji is goooood
Did you get a Fuji? I’m also thinking of getting a Fuji Feather.. was also looking at a surly cross check (though thats not a single speed bike) but its too pricey - double the price of the Fuji..
nah didnt get a Fuji. i've stuck with my cheap-o hiten beater steel bike. if/when i upgrade probably going with the Kilo TT Pro like Zach says. he knows what he's talking about. I would be a fool to think i know better than him.
I have one of these colorful fixed gear bikes, it doesn's completely suck, but as you say, components are not made for hard work. Already thinking about changing pretty much everything, frame, wheels and fork included haha
how come fixies are so expensive? my MTB has ceiled hubs, an alu alloy frame, nice parts in general... (plus the transmission, suspension, hydraulic brakes)
and it cost me 450€ (~$500).
I don't get why the are so expensive
My mountin bike was 500$used ....
Bro thank you so much for the review, it takes a lot of balls to speak against those dishonest brands
Bought a no name fixie flip flop hub (looks like a pure fix) and love it. It was a few years ago but I only paid 99$. Best money spent ever! Now has sunlite north road handlebars. Soon will have upgraded wheels. Upgrades are easy when initial cost was so low. Favorite bike next to my mtb converted to 3 speed cruiser. Sold my Road bike , it was collecting dust.
had both vilano and purefix...purefix treated me well ...Vilano? complete shit lol
6ku just as good cheaper.
danielbazyuk fr like purefix isn't that bad it's the rider
but purefix cost way more. that could go to saving up for a quality used fixed gear.
I agree -- Vilano is pure shit. I had a lemon. The front rim kept puncturing the tube.
I've had the pure cycle single speed for about 5 years now and I love them ❤
Hey Zach, I found this fixed for $92.63 it has drop bars and the back wheel is black the front wheel is red it has no logo on it and no brake but I can put brake just plus $7.58 so all of it cost $100.21 dollars.
EDIT: By the way, it cost in rm (Ringgit Malaysia) so yea I change it to dollars it cost a lot more than I thought and I live in Malaysia if you give a link or something else to me I can't buy beginner fixed gear because it maybe can't send to my country.
As an experienced cyclist I bought a bike just like what you are describing while I was in Taiwan. Yes it is Hi-Ten, with cheap deep dish wheels but I love riding it. I had so much fun on the bike. True I only paid the equivalent of about $100, but it is fun simple bike to ride. Even more fun was riding it to the top of a mountain while when everyone else had carbon Specializes or something. Don't be a bike snob. These are great bikes, look great, ride perfectly well and are plenty enough bike for most city dwellers who dont want the complications of fragile gears to maintain. They certainly have their place in the biking world. The only problem I can see is the price those guys are selling them for. You'd want chromoly for that price!!! but in my opinion and experience, hi-ten still rides more compliantly than alloy even though it is much heavier.
Oh and there's nothing wrong with unicrown forks. Most 90s rigid mountain bikes had them.
when you type in your own bike and this vid comes up.
Hey Zac. This is a great video and you point out some good points. I am a person who sells bicycles in NYC cause I love bikes and most of the time, I love the people who ride them. There are some points that you are leaving out or might have not thought of. From looking at some of your video's, I can see that you know a well made bike and you are a bike lover, but not everybody wants super fancy bike with expensive parts because people are worry about their bikes being stolen. I myself do ride a Pure Fix bike, custom build of course, and I have to say that pure cycles has come a long way and are making great things. Think about this if you will - If you had no experience with bicycles and knew nothing of them and you wanted to be cool, what would you be riding? There are are lot of bikes out there for beginners and I think it is important to give the beginners a chance to advance if they so chose so and spend lots of money on fancy bikes such as you and I have done. Love the beginners and their bikes because the more bikes there are out there, the better the world becomes. THIS IS STILL A GREAT VIDEO.
Is city ground a good website to buy a beginners bike?
good question! I was on the city ground site today and now am confused if they have decent(not the best) quality for the Golden Cycles Velo-7 Sport Hybrid Bike that cost $279. Has anyone bought one of their bikes??
I bought a pure fix. 2 years ago. Never replaced a single part (excluding tubes) and geez it still runs like a champ. Ive wrecked it so many times. Very durable bikes. My only complaint is the front fork tends to bend easily. Or at least for me. But i bent it back and still running. I bike almost everyday about 10 miles on average so probably have realistically close to 5k on my bike. Only thing i did to keep it workin well was using lube on the bearings and swapping out grips
I have hiten steel and i am still using it for work regularly,; my bikes helps me for almost 7 years. Is it a bad bikes?
It's only bad if you aspire to elitism, PS don't be elitist
Is there much of a market for used fixed gear bikes? I don't see many listed on the net. I'm a fan of used bikes. I bought a used KHS TC Comfort back in 2003 and it still runs great. Thank you for dispensing your bicycle wisdom.
i got mine too weeks ago and it’s been running fine and i got it for 219
I have a good quality aluminum frame fat bike, but I wanted to get a regular all-purpose man's bike, too. It was low-end and I knew before I bought it that it would need work. It's now three months old, and I've had to replace the tires and tubes (on the first day). Then the front derailleur came loose and couldn't be tightened because of the soft metal the clamp bolt was made of. I installed a new derailleur. The chain was so bad I put a good one on. Now the large chain ring has gone bad. Three consecutive teeth are half the size, which makes the chain crunch over them with each turn of the chain ring. Those components cost me as much as the bike, but I've gone further by changing the handlebars for something more comfortable, and switched the twist shifter for levers. The bike carries the name of Schwinn, and it came with a lot of good reviews, which is why I took the chance. I now have a pretty good bike but it's a good thing I can do my own wrenching or I would have ended up with a cheap $600 bike. Sad for people who buy a bike for looks, as the video points out, then finds it a piece of junk.
hey zach, what do you think about " windsor the hour" off bikes direct? im planning on getting that one but i want to hear what your input is.
Windsor the hour is a good bike. not sure if "the hour" bike you have would be the same as the one I bought back in 2012. I searched recently and the geometry looks way different but I'll assure you that the frame itself is very good. I crashed it when I got it a week after. my fork was replaced and the frame wasn't bent. keep in mind I got a scar on my head and yeah I hit the bike that hard on a boulder. I'd say buy the Windsor bike or go for a Mercier kilo TT which is also good. ride the bike for a bit then upgrade the fork, stem, bars, seatpost and saddle, crankset, wheels and tires and the lockring and cog and so on. I basically kept just the frame on my Windsor "the hour" from 2012 edition and dumped a butt load of high quality parts on the frame and I'll be honest with you, there is no reason to spend 4k on a track frame if you aren't competing. also the bike is only as fast as the rider itself. yeah a light weight bike will allow the rider to ride faster but most of this is preference and the way you ride and how fast you can ride a bike. it's like giving a seasoned single speed rider a shitty bike but he will outride a rich kid with a fancy bike simple because he wouldn't have the skill set. so I'd say yeah the Windsor is a pretty good bike for the money lol.
I have been looking around and do you know of any bikes that are similar quality to the Kilo TT Pro? Drop bars haven't been my thing lol and sadly $600 plus is difficult for me to achieve currently. Thank you and awesome videos!
i actually like state bicycles
udyiskool same, I'm getting a black label frameset soon
Built my wife a black label she loves, and I have their SSCX and SSMTB I enjoy. Wheels suck, but everything else is solid.
Yeah, just noticed homie has to have had experienced some sort of traumatic experience the rest of us haven’t, all his videos kinda throw sbc under the bus
Vilano rampage. $179. At that price I could not find one thing to complain about, the wheels are wobbly out of the box a simple adjustment of my break and I'm still rolling months later making money with Uber Eats. What is nice about getting a inexpensive bike is you have no choice but to enjoy the satisfaction of upgrading Parts haha, love the show man
Is my fixed gear bike still cool if know one sees me ?
absolutely NOT.
It's all up to you if you like it and it works for you then your good. I got mine in Craigslist and yeah they need replacement parts then you can get good parts to replace and then it's going to fit the way you ride and your taste
petayV8 no it isn’t. That’s why you need bright colored wheels or tires, that way more people will spot you and see you’re riding a fixed gear bike.
ha ha, very funny.
Only if you ride in the forest... grasshopper..
Well done on making it to 10 minutes. It took saying the same thing about form over function over and over but you did it
i agree pure fix is a rip, 350 bucks 4 months later the forks litterally folded onto the front wheel. so i took the wheels of and stuck it on a letour frame. then the spokes start falling out of the wheel. dont buy pure fix youll regret it.
Can you elaborate on "forks folded"? Did you hit something? I've been riding a pure fix for 3 months now..
Door Face ya know it was weird i didnt hit anything or anything like that i was a bicycle cuorier working in downtown cinci so theres alot of stress on the bike all ready, i was just riding then i slowly started sinking until my wheel got jammed into the top of the forks. i looked at the forks and they had folded near the top. it was weird
Wow wtf, So they just sorta melted huh? Well at least they didn't just snap on you.
yeah it was crazy i just swaped the rims and handle bars onto a new frame. i couldnt afford to fix it at the time
Did you ever call for their warranty? sounds like a manufacturer defect that is easily replaceable and covered under their 1 year components warranty.
Zach- quick question. 3 and a half years ago i bought a pretty cruddy single speed on craigslist, did some general maintenance, replaced some parts and rode it well for over 3 years. It was great, but unfortunately with some of the lower end parts it was becoming an expensive and consistent tune-up and I eventually just opted to go in on a brand new bike (got a surly, it's been great). Now my surly is my commuter/every day, but I have this old frame laying around in my shed and i REALLY wanna rebuild it myself from scratch, most likely into a beater/polo bike. Long story short, my question is: how do I know if the frame and fork of the old bike are worth using as a baseline for a DIY build-from-scratch beater/polo bike? Or in other words, is it primarily the parts on cheap fixed gears that make them cheap, or is the frame potentially a dangerous/cheap piece too? I don't really have the dough now to shell out on a new chromoly steel frame, and I love the idea of up-cycling my old bike (saw a ton of miles on it, would kill me to dump it) into a beater/polo machine. I just don't want to do all that work just to find out the frame may give out or is unsafe... the only thing I know about the frame is I think it's a critical cycle black standard frame. They say steel on their site, not sure how to know if the steel is real. THANKS!
Purefix bikes never screwed me over like vilano and zycle especially vilano those bikes are crap and the pure fix is 350 because you get thick slicks
After whole years i have a question sir! What do you thinking about Creme vinly solo? Thanks! I am living in Turkey so not that easy to find fixed here. it must be maybe only one option to me but i searched anyway. Will be good something hear from you to... Thank you.
are you familiar with jamis bike? is it a good begginers bike?
Zach Gallardo how about the jamis beatnik 2009 model, because I'm planning to get a used one, is it a good choice? btw great vids bro, im a fan😄👍👍
Jerico De Guzman i had a Jamis trail x2 mountin bike loved it
Watched this worried I was going to learn I paid way to much for my bike. Learned I paid an appropriate amount, which makes me feel a little smarter.
Can you make a single speed fixe 6ku bike into a fixed gear?
yes
I think they have a flip flop hub too which allows you, with the simple flip of the wheel, to switch to fixed.
I have a gray and purple 2012 S&E draft lite that I’ve got from city grounds for about 180.00 in 2012 and they were on sale from 299.99 and got it for 180.00 and still riding it and never had a problem with it
and haven’t had a problem with it
I got lucky with my pure fix had it a long time ride to everyday skid and stuff it's in great shape but my cousin got one and his pure fix broke in 2 months