Single Speed Bike for Commuting: Help Please?

Dominic Evans
Dominic Evans Posts: 6
edited February 2012 in Commuting general
I wish to get a more hassle free single speed bike for my commute and would welcome your thoughts on a) what to look out for when buying one AND any ideas what are the best ones to buy. Budget <£800. Thanks

Comments

  • flybywire
    flybywire Posts: 575
    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gen ... e-ec031843

    owned the 2009 version that was in orange and very versatile.. also surprisingly agile uphill :)
    comes with mudguard eyes and v-brake mounts
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    OP asks for help, first and second poster recommend a Genesis Day-one, OP realises it's the right answer and buys it, THE END

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • flybywire
    flybywire Posts: 575
    Or a nice used specialized tricross single if you can find one. :wink:

    not made anymore
  • monkeycowboy
    monkeycowboy Posts: 186
    I have a Felt Despatch, 64" with mudguards and panniers, its lasted me a good 6000 miles without any problems.
  • fossyant
    fossyant Posts: 2,549
    Pearson Touche or your LBS's equivalent.
  • mountaincookie
    mountaincookie Posts: 292
    Have you considered building one? I too am looking to go ss for the commute, I've bought a late 90's dawes (501 steel) bike and a few bits to convert it to ss - deffo cost under £800!

    Of course - if you're not into building bikes and £800 doesn't hurt, then go for a genesis day one - english, stylishly understated, and english, and red and good reviews....if I had money spare to buy a commuter - that'd be the one I got ;)

    If you don't go stock and build one you need to decide what ratio to go for, slidable dropouts on frame, screw hub or freehub
  • flybywire
    flybywire Posts: 575
    or build ... http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOP/on_one_pompino_frame

    reckon >£500 with quality kit & choose flat or drop bar
  • kieranb
    kieranb Posts: 1,674
    or do a conversion, I got an old rigid MTB and converted to SS for commuting, I have been using it for the last 2 years, easy to look after.
  • choldy
    choldy Posts: 28
    I bought a cheapy Viking off ebay, I've commuted on it 5 days a week since last April, at around £160 new it does the job and looks ok
  • roger_merriman
    roger_merriman Posts: 6,165
    Stanley222 wrote:
    Specialized Langster is good but the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op do a SS for a very good price that will leave you plentgy of money for decent lights and gear!

    It's a nice bike I have a track 10 but doesn't seem to be a track 12 i've never seen another so I'm guessing they where never good sellers. you can get cheaper and you can get tarter so I guess for most it wasn't a good buy.

    i use mine as a fast commute bike which is sensible enought to pick up bits and bobs, but fast and light enough for trips into the North Downs.
  • clarkey cat
    clarkey cat Posts: 3,641
    I really like the look of that Genesis Day-One - but if I had £800 to play with I'd go and get fitted up for a Condor Tempo.
    Dolan Mythos
  • mountaincookie
    mountaincookie Posts: 292
    So, Dominic Evans, got a verdict yet? ;)
  • mayor of simpleton
    mayor of simpleton Posts: 48
    Hi
    there is a fantastic trek 3rd district on ebay at present. It was near me so went for a look it is mint condition .
    have a look its a bargain
  • maveco
    maveco Posts: 67
    +1 for that. I have that for my commute - is brilliant
    flybywire wrote:
    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/day-one-cross-2012-cyclocross-bike-ec031843

    owned the 2009 version that was in orange and very versatile.. also surprisingly agile uphill :)
    comes with mudguard eyes and v-brake mounts
  • symo
    symo Posts: 1,743
    I have genesis day one cross; great bike. Would like a Pearson Touche now though.
    +++++++++++++++++++++
    we are the proud, the few, Descendents.

    Panama - finally putting a nail in the economic theory of the trickle down effect.
  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    I have last year's Day One Cross, £399 from Evans.

    At that price it's unbeatable.
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
    https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
    Facebook? No. Just say no.
  • flybywire
    flybywire Posts: 575
    bought this used Nov 2010 from stw £285 with 'guards http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/5358138/

    winter commuter in '09-10 http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2876902/ new £350
  • simple.simon1
    simple.simon1 Posts: 3
    I've had a trek soho s for the last few years and have done a few thousand miles on it. Have also used it for a couple of longer rides / sportives including a 100miler. Have just looked though and can't see it on the Trek site so would have to hunt around for one. Recommended though.
  • owenlars
    owenlars Posts: 719
    Looks at the Foffa web site


    http://foffabikes.com/

    or Tokyo Fixed

    http://www.tokyofixedgear.com/

    Having said that I've had a Touche for three years which is great

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