As much as I hate to admit it, a lot of production fixed gear bikes that are coming out these days are pretty awesome. As cool as it is to build one of your own (and take my word for it...it
is cool.), Sometimes having a manufacturer's warranty is nice...plus you can't beat the buying power of a company that buys their wheelsets by the container load if you want to upgrade components. So if you're looking for a brand-name fixie...or just want another commuter, here's a few that will catch your eye.
Felt Racing Curbside.
Felt's Curbside is one of the coolest looking bikes I've seen yet this year. It's a pretty lightweight and versatile urban bike that, like most others, comes with a flip flop hub so you can ride it fixed or free. It comes stock with a Felt
Beernuts tool (like to
Jethro tule) that kind of screams "bling bling, baby."
Weaknesses? Well. It's cool looking, so be careful where you leave it unlocked, and also watch out for that tool-If someone knows what they're looking at...it's a tool to steal your wheel set.
Giant Bowery.
Giant's fixie, the Bowery, seems to be a fairly normal, run of the mill bike. The Bowery features a little bit less of an aggressive geometry compared to other fixies on the market, but since the bottom bracket is set much lower than usual, cornering could become a problem. The Bowery boasts a very robust frame, meaning it's pretty sturdy, but also makes it feel like a tank to ride. 36-spoke wheels are great for city riding, too...they're built to last.
Trek Soho S.
This bike makes me drool. Trek's Soho Single is a very practical city bike for anyone. It has a less aggressive geometry than many other bikes of the type on the market, making it pretty ideal for any normal person. ghosted graphics and a matching chainguard add to the dark sexiness of this all black bike, and the one of the biggest advantages is the Bontrager hardcase tires with triple puncture protection. Drawbacks? Well...I haven't found any, besides that the stock pedals broke on Adam's.
Bianchi Pista.
The Bianchi Pista is one that many fixie "enthusiasts" always seem to fall back on. This fixie has a very track-oriented frame with track bars, a track crank, and a track wheel set. Bianchi makes a pretty decent bike here, and so far I can't find much wrong with it, other than reviews saying that the crank is pretty terrible. It's a good bike if you're looking to be bent over a lot because of that track geometry, though...and if you want to be like every other hipster in the hood, than this is the bike for you!
Freeman Transport Collapsible fixie.
This one's cool. Ever have a need for a bike in a bag? Well, there are
Dahons for that. Ever have a need for a super fly, nifty fixie in a bag? Freeman Transport has you covered. That's right-a collapsible fixie. I haven't read many reviews, but from what I've seen, this thing is pretty much awesome. Each one is built exclusively for you...fixed or free, carbon fork or steel, orange or black don't matter. They get the job done right. It comes with a canvas bag that you can fold it up into and throw on your back, too! All for the low price of $2,500.....
Specialized Langster.
The Langster is a very pretty bike. It comes in a variety of colors and themes, each one creatively designed around a famous city. The one at the right...somehow...is the "Las Vegas" model. the bike actually comes with a Sugino crankset, and a carbon fiber fork, which are both a plus. The Langster is actually a suprisingly light bike (most likely due to the carbon fork), and aside from every Specialized I've ever owned falling apart in the first year and the Toupe' being the most uncomfortable saddle I've ridden, It's not too overpriced.
Schwinn Cutter.
Yes, that's right folks. Schwinn. But at an MSRP of $329, it might just be the best bike in the price range of many. The bike isn't by any means lightweight or high-class, but it is what most of the population is after. The cutter is what most city riders are looking for in their transport at the most entry level price-a bike that's reliable and can be locked up safely outside, put away wet time and time again after a long commute and found in the same condition the next morning. (not STOLEN.) A bike for utility purposes, not performance. Tires and saddle might use an upgrade, but for the price-it's hard to beat.
So that's that. A few mass-produced fixies to satisfy your taste buds for now. Interested in more? Try checking out these:
Gary Fisher TritonSE Bikes Premium AleCannondale CapoKona Paddy Wagon
Commuting by bike doesn't sound like a bad idea, does it? So Here's a few tips if you're just getting started, or maybe toying with the idea of going by bike.
