Basic but effective single speed bike wanted

HokkaHokka

Hi,

I commute 3 miles each way to work every day with a gradual uphill stretch on the way back.
I'm after a no frills single speed regular freewheel bike (not road or race type) that is comfortable and reliable and will not attract thieves when locked up outside the gym.
Under £300.
Any recommendations please?

Thanks in advance!

jockywilson

The Vitus vee 1 always gets good reviews

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=67794

Or with bigger wheels

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=81000

HokkaHokka

Thanks for the advice - I'll be considering that one!!!

Any other recommendations? It doesn't need to be a known brand.

Thanks

raymondo60

jockywilson wrote:

The Vitus vee 1 always gets good reviews

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=67794

Or with bigger wheels

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=81000

+1 - Hate to repeat myself but the Vee 1 is the top SS Fun Bike - absolutely love mine!

MyPace

This looks good to me, proper 'guard/rack mounts etc..
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... -single-13

bigmonka

MyPace wrote:

This looks good to me, proper 'guard/rack mounts etc..
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... -single-13

+1. I've got the 8-speed disc-brake version of that bike and really like it.

HokkaHokka

Hi,

As a 37 year old fella, I like the look of the Edinburgh Cycle bike a bit more than the Vee (which looks a bit BMXie to me!)
I may possibly wait for it to go on sale though as I'd prefer to spend a tad less if possible.
I was looking also looking at Charge Plug but would feel nervous parking it outside the gym as it is a bit too eyecatching.

If anybody has any other single speed advice, feedback or suggestions I would be most grateful.

Thanks to everyone who have kindly contributed so far.

Phixion

I think any new single speed would be a target for thieves as single speeds are trendy, especially over the last 5 years or so.

Saying that, have you seen this: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jam ... e-ec041520 £270 is cheap as hell...

snipsnap

Merlin have introduced a single speed/fixed at a reasonable price

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/b ... -bike.html

Looks really good too

goonz

That Merlin looks awesome. I want one.

HokkaHokka

Some really great suggestions - thanks very much!

Does anyone have any thoughts, or experience with any of the suggestions so far?

Also, what about this? :

http://www.pythonbikes.com/SingleSpeed_DUKE.html

Any good?

Many Thanks!!!

Big_Paul

The Vee-1 does look like a bit BMX like, adding a rack and guards changes it a lot, had a couple of issues with the rear wheel, the hub bearings needed tightening up and the rim has went well out of true, don't recall it getting a bang. Brakes screech like hell in the wet, embarrassing in the extreme.

HokkaHokka

Thanks for all the advise so far.

Would this be a good option?

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Raleigh-Flyer-2 ... tAodYjUA5w

Or not as good as others mentioned so far?

Thanks

HH

HokkaHokka

Hi

Thanks for all of the advice so far.

I'm very close to getting the Beatnik:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jam ... e-ec041520

By the time I get mudguards fitted it's going to cost around £300. Which I know is cheap for a bike but still feels like a lot of money to me!

But before I commit, I just want to check if the following cheaper items come close in terms of quality:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281121023467? ... 1423.l2649
or
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VIKING-FI...0 ... 1c2be7eb64

Thanks again. I really appreciate your help.

HH

dork_knight

Unsure what the quality is like but there's a Schwinn which is sub £200:
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/45566/Sch ... Fixie.html