Recommend me a single speed commuter (please)

robst3

I need a new bike for a short flat 1mile commute and everyday trips to the shops etc (I generally view walking as a massive waste of time). I want single speed for simplicity of maintenance and to minimize the amount of cheap parts that will need replacing down the line.

I'm on a strict budget of less than £400. I like the look of the Charge Plug and Specialised Langster but want something with mudguards so I don't get a soggy bum when it rains all summer.

Can anyone recommend anything else?

roger_merriman

You'll probably find that both will fit crud roadracer.

other bikes are this http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-track-12?bct=browse%2fbicycles%2froad-bikes had a older version, road drops. £350

or Fuji track which I'm planning to buy £350 looks like it has better clearance only fixed and has track bars.

jockywilson

On-one pompino is a good commuter with mudguard and rack mounts. You should be able to get one used for less than £400 if you keep your eyes open but if you've got a shedfull of spare/used parts you can get a new frameset bundle for £350 from the on-one website. You'd need to source bottom bracket, crankset, chain, handlebars, freewheel, brakes & levers, saddle, tyres and tubes, and pedals though.

edwap3

Hi,

I've been using a Revolution Courier Single from EBC for the last couple of weeks and it's been great.

I'm running it fixed but it comes with both single and fixed options on the hub.

My daily commute is 6 miles downhill in the morning and 6 miles uphill at night. It's very simple and very solid (under my 17stone weight).

Right now they have a 15% discount - that I didn't get when I bounght it three weeks ago - but that's just the way it goes.

I also fitted mudguards for £25.

P.

unclejimbo1983

My Langster has been a dependable steed to me, but like you say it won't take normal full length mudguards. I've fitted SKS Raceblades but they don't protect your calves from spray off the back wheel, so probably not ideal if you'll be riding in normal clothes anytime.

Considering the length of your commute, you might want to aim towards the "old school" end of the market - i.e. upright seating position, full mudguards and chainguard. Personally, I'd be tempted to get the cheapest bike possible (that had decent brakes) and run it into the ground (barring sensible safety maintenance) - even a total nail will survive 2 miles a day for a good few years. It's easy to get carried away discussing buld quality, but frankly there is a probably a guy riding along in rural China right now carrying 200kg of rice on a bike that cost less than the shirt on your back so everything is relative.

Caveat - This is me talking rationally about your money. Obviously if it was my money I would spend every penny I had on the fanciest, shiniest bit of kit I could possibly afford and ride every shopping trip like it was the final mile of a TdF stage! We all know this is actually what happens when bike purchases are concerned!

robst3

unclejimbo1983 wrote:

It's easy to get carried away discussing buld quality, but frankly there is a probably a guy riding along in rural China right now carrying 200kg of rice on a bike that cost less than the shirt on your back so everything is relative.

I like the analogy! Although as you said i've ended up spending far more than necessary - just took delivery of an olive green Charge Plug Grinder. Saved a bit as it is a customer return from Rutland and so has some scuffs etc. Seems good so far, first commute tomorrow morn!

Thanks for all the advice.