Top products from r/FixedGearBicycle

Nice bike! And welcome to the club haha

I prefer these kind of straps as they provide a bit more support and makes you feel more secure. *you’ll need pedals with wider slots that are big enough for the straps to fit through.

If you end up sticking with fixed gear, tear that brake off, and decide to ‘clip in,’ I’d highly recommend getting Speedplay Frog cleats/pedals and shoes, i have DZR shoes and I few even safer using these than I do the straps. Plus, pulling up with one leg and cranking down with the other gets you zoomin.

Ok anyway stick with it and have fun!
Don’t skid your tires too often or you’ll be spending a l out of $$$

Firstly, congrats on the ride! Keep it up!

I have the same bike (color and everything) so I can offer a few tips for the new(ish) rider with this rig. Treat it well and you will be happy with it for a long time. I have over 1200 miles on this bike.

First, as everyone has said, foot retention. I have the Pure Fix straps from amazon. If you can swing it I suggest upgrading the pedals as well when you buy retention. I have a nice slim platform from fyxation. About $25 but you can get something better than what is on that bike starting around $12 on up.

2nd, Seat. Keep doing 40+ mile rides and you will quickly realize the stock seat has to go. I have a charge spoon I paid around $26 for. Non-bike friends tell me how uncomfortable my seat looks and I tell them that you should see the original seat that came with the bike! I love the charge.

You see the black streaks from your brake pads on your wheels? Eventually that will cause a streaking noise that is horribly embarrassing if anyone is within a one hundred yard radius. It will also stop like shit. I taped off the rim and sanded the paint off of that edge, then replaced the pads with a really nice pad/shoe from amazon for about $10 a set. No noise, no black marks on the rim and nice braking.

Tires. Keep an eye out for a nicer set of tires. The stock ones will get the job done for a while but they are cheap. Keep an eye out on steepandcheap.com or theclymb.com or wherever. I picked up a set of Vittoria slicks online somewhere for around $16 each and it was a world of difference.

I did replace the brake levers but I broke one of the stock ones. The stock levers are cheap but no rush to replace them if you dont need to. Again, there are a ton of better options out there starting at around $15 when you are ready to upgrade.

I also replaced the bar tape but it was mostly because I was not happy with my install. The stock tape is fine.

I hope this helps a bit. I just wanted to show cheap bikes like this can get a lot of flack round these parts but a few reasonably priced upgrades can make this a nice bike that lasts you a long time.

Here is a few shots of mine. Disregard the blue bottle cage, its on there from a 50 miler i did a few weeks ago. my bike

I wouldn't get a brooks. They are pricey because they become super comfortable after some use, but the downside is that they are theft magnets. If you get one, lock your saddle with a cable, or take it in with you, but these things go missing on my campus all the time. I'd just ride the stock for a while, when you want to upgrade, go into your LBS and nab one from them.




As for locks, U-lock+Cable in conjunction will be best. If you pick one, do a u-lock. Kryptonite is well-recommended. They have a few models:

The New York is the big boy, nigh indestructible lock. But probably not necessary for a windsor the hour.

Here's what I use, but I sort of regret it. It feels cheaper (because it was cheaper) than other kryptonite locks I've used. The lock itself is fine, but I have trouble with my key after a few months of use (have to jiggle it around for a bit for it to disengage). If you're on a campus or in a smaller town, it'd be fine.

Just ordered this. My buddy has one and it's brilliant. Super light and small (smallness is actually a benefit as far as security). Can fit in your back pocket.

Also: http://sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

I'd second this. I bought a bike specific tool kit and its nice but not 100% necessary. A regular ole toolkit + bike specific pieces like the BB/Chain/Lockring tools will work fine. The Pedro Trixie tool is pretty sweet as a tool for the riding or home as well. That said, this Bikehand Toolkit had everything I needed to build a bike up beside headset stuff.

An alternative to these would be the S300 SRAM crankset that would fall closer that price range new but still has great build quality and the external BB. Super stiff. I've ridden both.

I use SPD clipless pedals, along with these shoes. I prefer MTB clipless shoes because they have a recessed cleat and are much easier to walk in than road-oriented kicks.

The difference you notice when using a clipless system is astounding, and I would never go back to platforms/cages. So much more efficient and natural feeling.

I have mine on the ends, as I spend the most time in that position and I live in a sort of hilly place that requires a bit of braking.

Aesthetically, placing them next to the stem is the best way to go, plus it's a little easier to mount and feed the cable through.

If you do decide to mount the levers on the ends, I reccommend the Cane Creek 200TT levers. Be warned however, they use mountainbike "barrel style" brake cables.

Happy riding!

Put the front brake back on. Then start saving for a great saddle. I'd go Brooks with the matching real leather bar tape. Don't put Thickslicks on this bike. They aren't bad tires, but those huge white logos won't do anything to make the bike look better. Add a chain tensioner and get a lockring tool. I like the Trixie from Pedro's.

http://www.amazon.com/Pedros-142724-Trixie-Fixie-Tool/dp/B001Q221GM

Unsure what exactly your post is asking. Please clarify?

You should check your threads first before considering getting a new rear wheel.

If the threads are alright, go ahead and tighten everything down (as recommended by bikesdirect). First the rotafix method to tighten down the cog. Then use a lockring tool to tighten down the lockring.

If the threads are trashed, you can easily find a wheel that is less than $150 (assuming you mean this since >150 means greater than $150). There are some typical "favorites" on FGB like velocity deep v or mavics.

SKS Raceblades. I've got them on my bike which has something like 1/2" clearance between the tire and the downtube. They fit perfectly.

Pretty lucky to have gotten the bag that’s for sure! Rack is from Origin 8

Origin8 Classique Cargo HD Front Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B135SSE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QDNSBbDF7YFCZ

no, those are MTB pedals, not road pedals. see my list in this thread for some compatible shoes. these are good pedals if you intend on sometimes riding with shoes that don't have cleats in them. Since they are flat on one side and clipless on the other side. And the flat side is wide enough to be comfortable and keep your feet secure as well.

• Fork: JRFOTO Carbon Fork
  
• Wheelset: Weinmann DP18 (already had these)
  
• Pedals: Shimano PD-M520L
  
• Saddle: Charge Spoon
  
• Crankset and BB: SRAM S300
  
• Stem: Not sure of the brand. Took it off of a Surly Steamroller.
  
• Bars: Fyxation Rodeo Pursuit Bullhorns
  
• Bar Tape: [Cinelli GEL Cork] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0067ST9XS/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) (I'd never wrapped bars before and this tape is one of the easiest to wrap)
  
  So pretty much the only thing that's the same as when I bought it is the seatpost and seatpost clamp.

From my own personal experience, I've had this Vilano and it's been running excellent for me since last December. Get some foot retention and you're ok to ride. People talk shit about bikes in this price range, but not everyone has a $2k budget to drop on a whim. And while buying a used bike can be beneficial because you get a "better bike" for the same price, if you don't know what to look for when buying it, it can very quickly become a deathtrap.

I went on a 30-mi ride and ended up getting a really dry mouth, so I ended it there. Yesterday, I did 33-mi and ended it in order to get back at a decent time for breakfast. Having a water bottle on-hand definitely helped out and this set-up felt solid.

Saddle Rail Adaptor

Water Bottle Cage

Water Bottle
(Not pictured, but I highly recommend it!)

Perhaps Tektro or Dia Compe. I've used Tektro in the past, they're great.

Edit: I've used both of these on different bikes

Velo Orange also sells a pair I've used on Nitto Northroad bars: http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/dia-compe-inverse-brake-levers-22-2.html

Tektro: I use these on bullhorn bars like pictured in OP photo: http://www.amazon.com/Tektro-RX-Reverse-Brake-Levers/dp/B001CJX4WO/191-0082638-2564130?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

If you want some cheap bullhorns, These are pretty good.

Thanks!

More info on my Basket/Bars combo

I quite like it. It gets the job done for most minor tasks I have and for most things I need to carry around!

Agreed. My dad's carried a small chain breaker on him for the better part of a decade and I can't say I've ever seen or heard about him using it. I think building this around a 15mm wrench would be more useful IMO. This has socket wrench capabilities, but it doesn't look like the sockets actually fit into the kit so that just takes up more space.

And TIL that this is a thing.

i got a cheap bike mostly for the aesthetics of it ( https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/65/16/38/6516385675b4139a2dd0797e36e177c8.jpg ) that i just started riding fixed, and i really like it so far. But i somehow think an upgrade would do me good. What would be your #1 priorities to change on the bike? Im ordering a new saddle next week http://www.amazon.com/Charge-Spoon-Saddle-Brown-Cromo/dp/B00GJPJ8NU and also some straps. Other then that, what would YOU buy/change and why?

Is there any way it wouldn't work with my bike? I got a Big Block, will it be just fine?

http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-165mm-Black-Courier-Crankset/dp/B00554174Y

This looks pretty tempting.. I just want to make sure they would be fine with each other

How would does the sizing work on SKS Raceblades, and is the fit pretty universal with most fixed? The bike I am riding is 58cm with 700 x 28 wheels.

http://www.amazon.com/SKS-Raceblade-Bicycle-Fender-Set/dp/B0019JNTLS

Have any of you used the origin 8 classique rack? Is it any good? If I don't have eyelets should I be fine? Should I spend way more and just get a soma or even a BLB rack?

clip ons will be your best bet. here you go. sks raceblade wont keep you as dry as full wrap fenders but totally worth the dryness.

also, always wanted to give these a shot...
crud road these were designed for race-bikes turned into commuters, probably would work.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

the donut stem cap?

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

Quick tool question hopefully. Looking to further flesh out my bike tool box with more fixed-specific tools so that I can work on the bike more independently. What lock-ring tool(s) would be the most versatile to pick up? Is this one the go-to? I have a Crew District, with the stock wheelset and have had bike shops swap cogs and freewheels for me up until now, but want to get a bit more hands on with it. Also, the freewheel I currently have on their is an ACS crossfire, fwiw. From what I am seeing, that one needs it's own removal tool, also? Or do there exist more universal options?

Honestly it's probably cheaper to just get a wrench and some tire levers.

Edit: Well it is at $25. Amazon comes through again.

My first fixed gear! Yeah all you need is a cog and a lockring, make sure the measurements are the same! buy a lockring wrench too and you can do it yourself.

Compatible Cog, Lockring, Wrench(spanner)

I found a cheap mount on amazon.. I cant remember the brand name.. Something like Minour maybe. It was like 6 bucks and was the only single bottle mount i could find.

Edit: here is a big link to it (on my phone) http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YOQQFU/ref=ya_aw_oh_pit

The way I figure, you have to find where the old tire blew out to make sure you know where the hole was and make sure the glass/wire/thorn was cleared from the tire. Once you know where the leak is is on the tube, you may as well patch it. Either I check the tire as the tube is setting, or I use my spare tube and have the now patched one as a backup.

A total blow out one inch rip or so, will not be patchable and so you'll need a full tube. In that case you'll most likely need a tire boot or a piece of cardboard to cover part of the tire.

A mini pump will let you carefully ride the bike, but a larger bike pump and tire gauge means that you can fix the bike and have fully inflated tires. Some of the smaller ones become a real chore despite being rated to 120lbs, but my area has many gas stations, bike shops and places to inflate, so even then you can just get it part of the way and finish the job down the road.

Something like Portland Design Works 3wrencho would be nice, But I just use a standard 15mm wrench. Someday, I'll chop it in half and stow it with a mini cheater bar, but that day has not come yet.

I am thinking about getting the same SPD Pedals that I have on my other Masi. There are amazing because they offer a few riding options.

I'm currently using these Talon Fly II's with SPD-M520's. The pedals are great but the shoes do have quite a bit of flex, I also made the mistake of getting them a tad larger than I normally wear.

Yeah I'm on the hunt for a new frame right now, I'm hoping someone will buy mine with the carbon fork for $350. At that point I have $600 to drop on a frameset, but this frame might not sell.

Thanks! Here it is:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00B135SSE

Same. Most days I lock up with a Kryptonite Evo Mini. If I need more security, I use a Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit Mini.

I hear good things about these saddles.

It does the job for something that's easy to take off and on.

Here it is on Amazon.

These work great for these types of bars and are dirt cheap.

Definitely. I'm really surprised that is missing with everything else looking class. https://www.amazon.com/Bikelangelo-Donut-Designer-Headset-Stem/dp/B01B4DRCCU

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P2BGRSQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lnfDybG6SF59X

This basket. It's my first time using risers and I like them so far

I like this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NNX4Y8?cache=a895fb864a9006d1dc999ea582d9fd21&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1405371530&sr=8-4#ref=mp_s_a_1_4. It's less than $15 and lets you carry 1 or 2 bottles

Looks like a charge spoon

Origin8 Cassique.

I like it, it's light, really beefy, and it can hold a lot of weight.

I've always been a fan of the ol' Beaver Tail.

I want to put bullhorns on my Specialized Sirrus SS. Does that make sense for the geometry? Also I would want to put the tektro rx4.1 levers on the ends. Would that work with my v-brakes?

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/sirrus-single-speed-mens-spec/p/173615?color=271962-173615

Tektro RX 4.1 Reverse Brake Lever Set Blacká https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CJX4WO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5RyFDbNPB1V6Z

At that price you may as well get these which are more likely to hold up

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Sport-Pedals-Cleats/dp/B000WYAENC

Not so sure about the OD around the tips but here's it's Amazon page
Retrospec Bicycles Pursuit Bull Horn Style Lightweight Alloy Handlebars for Track Bike, Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E1IDFYU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BHeyCbP814AQ9

Protip: Next time, run the brake cable along the bottom of the handlebar all the way to the stem, securing it with electrical tape. Then, put your bar tape over that. It looks clean as hell.

PS. I also recommend these time-trial brake levers, they plug into the end of the bar instead of strapping around it.

First time riding with a front rack (Origin8 Classique Cargo), and it wasn't a bad ride at all. However, getting used to the new handling along with the temp and winds, gave me quite the workout.

When you check amazon for these levers it also lists what other people have bought with these levers.

You could try to buy one of those, or contact a webshop/lbs regarding the inner diameter.

I think I got this mount off of amazon, and then just used a regular cage.

I bought this one last summer. http://www.amazon.com/TRACK-FIXED-FIXIE-SINGLE-SPEED/dp/B004WA685K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426106179&sr=8-1&keywords=fixed+gear+bike And it's basically what you'd expect for 200 bucks. The brakes are kinda shitty, seat is okay, pedals are cheap, but overall a solid bike to beat the shit out of without worrying if it would get stolen. I did have a slight issue with the rear tire leaving the rim a couple times, but that stopped after putting it back in a couple times.

Damn I honestly don't know. Still kinda noobish when it gets down to all the measurements on my bike.

Here's all the info about the stock components on my bike: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/thehour.htm

And here's the crankset and bb: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00554174Y

https://www.amazon.com/Charge-Spoon-Saddle-Brown-Cromo/dp/B00GJPJ8NU/ref=asc_df_B00GJPJ8NU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312125954623&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16859101760930284814&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9060401&hvtargid=pla-549116791095&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=63589537658&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312125954623&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16859101760930284814&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9060401&hvtargid=pla-549116791095

It's an Origin8 and then he put a basket on it.

https://www.amazon.com/EVO-Brooklyn-Handlebar-w-Basket/dp/B00P2BGRSQ

I got these, what do you think?

I switched to clipless about a month and a half ago.

Shoes

Pedals

The pedals came with the correct cleats.

https://www.amazon.com/Tektro-RX-Reverse-Brake-Blacká/dp/B001CJX4WO

I have these on my Origin8 Bullhorn I

these are the bars

40cm wide

I use the Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit through my front wheel and frame, then loop this cable into itself through my saddle and back wheel and lock the end up in the U-Lock.

~$70 for a bigger piece of mind.

Get this one, attaches to bolt axle and brake hole

amazon. They are made of plastic

It's a SKS Raceblade fender or something similar:
http://www.amazon.com/SKS-Raceblade-Bicycle-Fender-Set/dp/B0019JNTLS

I'm thinking about this. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YOQQFU/ref=pd_aw_fbt_sg_img_2?refRID=02QB3KHQQDQTT1C29J82

This is the mount and this is the bottle cage

https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Classique-Cargo-Front-Rack/dp/B00B135SSE

These will do. http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Sport-Pedals-Cleats/dp/B000WYAENC

Not OP, but seems to be this one.

omg even if you don't get the seat, do you have the donut stem cap?

Not as long as the Pedro's Trixie is $23.50.

so this would work i plan on ordering tonight.
http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-165mm-Black-Courier-Crankset/dp/B00554174Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371339953&sr=8-1&keywords=sram+fixed

SKS Xtra dry 3

Those on this bike...
http://www.amazon.com/TRACK-FIXED-FIXIE-SINGLE-SPEED/dp/B004WA685K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411693268&sr=8-2&keywords=vilano+single+speed

as for tools what would i need? i was planning on buying this http://www.amazon.com/Pedros-142724-Trixie-Fixie-Tool/dp/B001Q221GM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top to

http://www.amazon.com/SKS-Raceblade-Bicycle-Fender-Set/dp/B0019JNTLS

i ride with a pedros trixie tool and one of these everyday: http://www.amazon.com/Portland-Design-Works-Wrencho-Coated/dp/B003M2TLLC

Wouldn't something like this be easier?

Tacx Behind the Saddle Water Bottle Clamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NNX4Y8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IdRdBbJ7437GT

I have a Minoura seat mount.. it works good, cheap at $7 (no cage), its just heavy

I also have a xlab delta that works ok too, more of a pita to mount.

i don't really like seat mounted because I prefer to have my bag there.

I have one of the Origin 8 cargo racks. I don't love it, but it gets the job done and it was cheap.

nothing special really

http://www.amazon.com/SKS-X-Tra-Bicycle-Fender-Black/dp/B000X61N2A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1290926211&sr=8-1

Cinelli cork tape: $16

Origin8 straps $21

Levi's 511 $40-$45

If you're going clipless this budget may not allow, but I agree with M520s.

Hell yeah thanks for the pointer! I'm comparing the X-Lab combo to a cage mount and cage. I think the separate cage+mount will be 1/3lb total instead of 1/2lb so leaning that way right now

Well I entered, I'm digging that fork. Really missed a chance to put on one of these bad boyz though.

Wonder if u/mjfarsi can put one on in time.

The Cage itself is just a Topeak adjustable one. with a Minoura saddle mount. On the first time out the cage rattled a bit and the bottle fell out when i hit a particularly nasty road transition. but after i stoped and adjusted it a bit tighter I had no other problems with it.

Amazon Links
Cage , Mount