singlespeed on the cheap

I've just ordered one of these:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=9453&f%5FFullProdu ctVersion=1&f%5FSupersetQRY=C416&f%5FSortOrderID=1 &f%5Fbct=

(assuming that 'orrible url works :/)


I'm not expecting anything very wonderful at that price, but it should
be light and low maintenance for zipping around town.

If I get the hang of riding fixed do I really need the rear brake? Or
should I just leave it on in case I want to use the freewheel at some
point?

Paul Rudin wrote:
I've just ordered one of these:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=9453&f%5FFullProdu ctVersion=1&f%5FSupersetQRY=C416&f%5FSortOrderID=1 &f%5Fbct=

(assuming that 'orrible url works :/)


I'm not expecting anything very wonderful at that price, but it should
be light and low maintenance for zipping around town.

If I get the hang of riding fixed do I really need the rear brake? Or
should I just leave it on in case I want to use the freewheel at some
point?

The URL works for me. Looks like a nicely specced bike for the price.

I ride a Pearson Touche with fixed on both sides (yet to flip is over to
the larger sprocket) and have both front & rear brakes. depending on how
I want to ride downhill, I either let the bike go and spin like crazy
and need the brakes to control the speed/stop at the bottom before the
lights or I do a controlled descent using the pedals only. One way I
/need/ both brakes, the other I don't /need/ any. I suppose it depends
on where you ride and how you ride it. If you intend to use the
freewheel then you will have to put the brake back on, it is not an
overhead to leave it on when riding fixed.

The fixie I am building on the other hand, will not have a rear brake as
the frame is only designed to allow for roller brakes & I was not able
to find a suitable hub that allows both.


--
Don Whybrow

Sequi Bonum Non Time

"Lord, please make me the kind of person my dog thinks I am."

"Paul Rudin" wrote in message
...

I've just ordered one of these:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=9453&f%5FFullProdu ctVersion=1&f%5FSupersetQRY=C416&f%5FSortOrderID=1 &f%5Fbct=

(assuming that 'orrible url works :/)


I'm not expecting anything very wonderful at that price, but it should
be light and low maintenance for zipping around town.

If I get the hang of riding fixed do I really need the rear brake? Or
should I just leave it on in case I want to use the freewheel at some
point?

Funnily enough I've just received the EBC catalogue and spooted the bargain
fixie. It hasn't tempted me because I already have a fxie that's largely
unridden.

I don't think that you are getting an inferior product. EBC sell competent
kit at realistic prices.

I haven't got my head round how some manufacturers manage to sell single
speed bikes for higher prices than higher specced geared bikes - a triumph
of marketing??

vernon wrote:

I haven't got my head round how some manufacturers manage to sell single
speed bikes for higher prices than higher specced geared bikes

Which ones?

Paul Rudin wrote:

If I get the hang of riding fixed do I really need the rear brake? Or
should I just leave it on in case I want to use the freewheel at some
point?

It's better to have it than not. I'd just leave it on whether fixed or
no. Is there any point in removing an existing brake other than as some
sort of fashion statement?

On Mar 15, 11:09 am, TheMgt wrote:
vernon wrote:
I haven't got my head round how some manufacturers manage to sell single
speed bikes for higher prices than higher specced geared bikes

Which ones?

Not a really fair comparison but a new Pompino will set you back £449
- exactly the cost of a Specialized Allez 24 from Evans (although I'd
take the Pompino, and wouldn't use Evans again if I could help it).

That said, the Langster is £400 and you get most of an entry level
Sora group-set for £50.

To the OP: buy two it's a steal! Looks like a nice bike - reasonable
spec - can always upgrade the wheels if/when they wear out,

Regards,

Duncan

On 15 Mar, 08:34, Paul Rudin wrote:


If I get the hang of riding fixed do I really need the rear brake? Or
should I just leave it on in case I want to use the freewheel at some
point?

If I ride fixed, will I look like him ?

http://altabikes.no/

Paul Rudin wrote:

I've just ordered one of these:


http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwP...ductID=9453&f%
5FFullProductVersion=1&f%5FSupersetQRY=C416&f%5FSo rtOrderID=1&f%5Fbct=

(assuming that 'orrible url works :/)

yup the wee brackets make it so, at least on newsreaders that support
that.


I'm not expecting anything very wonderful at that price, but it should
be light and low maintenance for zipping around town.

assuming it's flat enought yes, though it's fairly light so should be
fairly zippy.

If I get the hang of riding fixed do I really need the rear brake? Or
should I just leave it on in case I want to use the freewheel at some
point?

i'd leave it there it's not likely to need much fettling nor be heavy.

roger
--
www.rogermerriman.com

TimHenderson writes:

On 15 Mar, 08:34, Paul Rudin wrote:


If I get the hang of riding fixed do I really need the rear brake? Or
should I just leave it on in case I want to use the freewheel at some
point?

If I ride fixed, will I look like him ?

http://altabikes.no/

Is that real or has the photo been edited?

TheMgt writes:

Paul Rudin wrote:

If I get the hang of riding fixed do I really need the rear brake? Or
should I just leave it on in case I want to use the freewheel at some
point?

It's better to have it than not. I'd just leave it on whether fixed or
no. Is there any point in removing an existing brake other than as some
sort of fashion statement?

Well - I guess part of the attraction is having something minimal. But
you're right - there's little point in taking it off if it's already
there, even if it's never used.