Road bike or Fixie

[Phaseshift]

I'm trying to decide whether to get a road bike or a fixie, I live in santa clarita/valencia, ca. I'm going to be just riding to and from school and to the gym the most I'll probably ride on a regular day is 10 miles and that's being generous. However maybe on the weekends I'll take longer trips.

I'm 5'9 180lbs with a lower back problem. My L5 is not herniated but it is pinching some nerves down there and I'm hoping this can help with it.

Also I don't plan on racing or anything like that, but I do plan on moving to san francisco next year so I would need a bike that I can use up there as well. Also if this helps it gets a little windy here in Valencia...I don't know what that means but if it helps a bit it's all good lol

[JCavilia]

What he said. If you're going to move to S.F. you really don't want a one-speed bike. In fact, if you're going to be living and riding in the City, get a bike with a triple crank, so you've got some really low gears when you need them.

[nightfend]

Get a regular road bike. Especially if you plan on riding in a hilly area. Also, get a bike that accepts larger tires, say 28mm at minimum. For commuting, the wider tires make a big difference in durability and flat protection as well as the ability to handle bad roads.

[Phaseshift]

thanks guys, so for my height what would be ideal? Also I don't have a big budget and I thought I would just get a used one, is it possible to get a decent bike under 300?

[smoothie7]

My vote goes to the road bike and then after a while maybe look into a fixie but the road bike will be more versatile

[Phaseshift]

so I came back from my LBS and he was really informative and told him that I wanted to stay under 500, although they didn't have any used or any bike under 500 he suggested the KHS Flite 220 which is around 580.00

I was wondering, if I get a used back like a Centurion or Bianchi or Schwiin around 200-300 and put 200 into it will it be better than the brand new KHS FLite 220?

[Bocephus Jones II]

so I came back from my LBS and he was really informative and told him that I wanted to stay under 500, although they didn't have any used or any bike under 500 he suggested the KHS Flite 220 which is around 580.00

I was wondering, if I get a used back like a Centurion or Bianchi or Schwiin around 200-300 and put 200 into it will it be better than the brand new KHS FLite 220?

Any sub $1000 road bike will be relatively heavy and have lower end components, but it will get your around. Any thought of looking at Craigslist for a used bike? For your money, you'd get a lot more bike.

That said, the spec on that bike looks pretty decent for the $$

New Alloy 6061 Frame


Adrenaline Spec Build Kit:

Frame: Alloy 6061 w/replaceable derailleur
hanger
Fork: Hi-Tensile unicrown w/Crmo steerer
Headset: Threadless 1-1/8\"
Rims: Weinmann XTR16 Dbl.Wall w/CNC side
wall
Hubs: Formula alloy QR, Cassette
Tires: Kenda Kontender 700X26c
Front Derr: Shimano FD-2300
Rear Derr: Shimano RD-2300
Shifters: Shimano ST-2300
Chain: KMC Z8
Crankset: Shimano FC2350 Alloy 50x34 Compact
Cassette: Sram PG-850, 12-26T, 8-speed
Seatpost: Alloy Micro-adjust, 27.2x350mm
Saddle: KHS Road Padded
Handlebar: Alloy drop 31.8 O/S
Stem: Alloy threadless, 31.8
Grips: Cushion Tape
Brake Levers: Shimano ST-2300
Brakes: Alloy dual pivot, Long Reach

[Jay Strongbow]

I'd go with none of the above. Between your bad back, budget and the type of riding you'll be doing I think a hybrid would be best. Sounds like a no brainer actually although I probably shouldn't assume your back would be better off with a more upright position than a road bike would provide. yes you can achieve a very upright position on most road bikes but at that point there's really no point in spending the extra money buy and jerry rig a road bike when a cheaper hybrid would give you that.

[charlox5]

I was wondering, if I get a used back like a Centurion or Bianchi or Schwiin around 200-300 and put 200 into it will it be better than the brand new KHS FLite 220?

With your budget, this is the route i'd take. The "old" stuff is still plenty functional. Also, if you find that riding bikes is just not possible with your back condition, you won't lose too much money when you sell it on CL like you would on a bike that you buy at retail from the LBS.

A continued service relationship is built into the LBS retail price, and there's definitely value in it--but if you're moving up north, you only have so much time to take advantage of that.

I'd be looking for Bianchi's, Centurions, Nishikis, Miyatas, Univegas, Treks, Specialized, Cannondale, Giants--except for the rarer, collector's favorite vintage bikes, you have a sporting chance at pretty much all of the decent vintage bikes on CL with a $500 budget. And, if you find you really enjoy riding, you can save up for a new bike, or you can upgrade the steel frame bike with newer components without much trouble. As it turns out, SFbay's CL bike section is rife with a bigger selection of cool, cheap parts, frames, and accessories.

[Camilo]

By the way, I don't personally feel that riding is actually going to help a lumbar back issue. What you need to do is get a qualified PT to recommend specific exercises (probably core, flexibility and body mechanics exercises) to strengthen and protect your back. This will improve your ability to ride and enjoyment of it.... not vice versa.

The reason I recommend a PT consultation is that first, it doesn't cost a fortune, even if you're paying cash and many (most?) insurance plans cover it even without a referral from a physician.

Second, my experience is that improving back issues really does require some expert analysis and advice and then some disciplined dedication over the long run (probably forever) to get it strengthened and keep it up. You would probably only need one or a few appointments to get yourself on track, assuming you have some discipline to follow up.

My core training (taught by an athletic PT, by the way) has really improved my back and has resulted in me being a stronger cyclist - more comfortable on the bike, better hip flexibility which improves positioning and strength on a bike, etc. Good, proper core training also includes flexibility, usually through the active exercises because flexibility improves strength and reduces strain.

I don't necessarily agree with the recommendation above to get a hybrid - for some of us, a more upright position, with the majority of weight on the butt is worse for the back than the road bike position where you ahve a good portion of your weight supported by your core and arms.

A good athletic-minded PT (be sure to screen for that... not all are familiar with the stresses and needs of a bicyclist, some are more oriented to disabilities rather than injury recovery) can help with your back and also rcommend a type of bike.

[maveric]

City bikes in in long beach has GTs on clearance for 400. New.

[Phaseshift]

With your budget, this is the route i'd take. The "old" stuff is still plenty functional. Also, if you find that riding bikes is just not possible with your back condition, you won't lose too much money when you sell it on CL like you would on a bike that you buy at retail from the LBS.

A continued service relationship is built into the LBS retail price, and there's definitely value in it--but if you're moving up north, you only have so much time to take advantage of that.

I'd be looking for Bianchi's, Centurions, Nishikis, Miyatas, Univegas, Treks, Specialized, Cannondale, Giants--except for the rarer, collector's favorite vintage bikes, you have a sporting chance at pretty much all of the decent vintage bikes on CL with a $500 budget. And, if you find you really enjoy riding, you can save up for a new bike, or you can upgrade the steel frame bike with newer components without much trouble. As it turns out, SFbay's CL bike section is rife with a bigger selection of cool, cheap parts, frames, and accessories.

I see a lot of Centurions, Nishikis on craigslist, you are right about taking a look at how my back would be affected once I start riding. Thank you for that insight I didn't think about that.

[Phaseshift]

So I took a look at craiglist here are some centurions that I found, I would like your guy's input:

Bike 1:
Centurion Accordo:

CENTURION 54 CM 12 SPEED ROAD BIKE

Bike 2:
Centurion

Centurion Road Bike ''51cm''

its a 51cm so it might be too small for me

Bike 3:
Centurion

54cm Centurion Road Bike

Bike 4:
Univega Gran Rally

Univega Road Bike

Bike 5:
Nishiki

Nishiki Road Bike ''53cm''

[charlox5]

I like #4 and #5. #1's not bad either.

#3 has 27" wheels which limits your tire choices (though, the others may be fitted with 27" too, you should make sure they are 700c. 700c wheels have a 622mm diameter and 27" have a 630mm diameter)

I like #4's Shimano 600 groupset, also looks like its in good condition. #5 is clean, though the colors are a little too "SC" for me.

[Trower]

I would agree with the above The Univega being my first choice, and the Nishiki being #2 both look nice and in great shape.

[Phaseshift]

is the price right for number 4 and 5?

[charlox5]

is the price right for number 4 and 5?

$350 is more than I would pay for the 'vega, but somewhere around $250-275 is pretty good if it's in good condition.

[Trower]

I would say 300 to 350 is fair for the vega, its in good shape, nice tubes, and a good groupset.

[charlox5]

here's some more links
Lemond Alpe d'Huez 55cm
for sale Nishiki Road bike 56 cm
BRIDGESTONE 300 | ROADBIKE | 53 CM.| 10 SPEED | MADE IN JAPAN |
TREK 400 Matrix
Trek 400 - Road Bike (54 cm) - LIGHT

[Phaseshift]

here's some more links
Lemond Alpe d'Huez 55cm
for sale Nishiki Road bike 56 cm
BRIDGESTONE 300 | ROADBIKE | 53 CM.| 10 SPEED | MADE IN JAPAN |
TREK 400 Matrix
Trek 400 - Road Bike (54 cm) - LIGHT

thank you for this list, out of those which one would you choose? Including my list as your list put together.

ALSO!

I FOUND THIS ONE!

Univega ROAD BIKE (54 cm) - Shimano 600 components

[Phaseshift]

I'm actually going to go with this one

Univega ROAD BIKE (54 cm) - Shimano 600 components

going to go see it and get it tomorrow for 250, then stop by my local LBS and have him take a look see. I wish I could bring my local LBS cause he knows a lot but i don't know him like that.

Now I'm going to need necessities and i think its best to start a new thread.

[Phaseshift]

I'm actually going to go with this one

Univega ROAD BIKE (54 cm) - Shimano 600 components

going to go see it and get it tomorrow for 250, then stop by my local LBS and have him take a look see. I wish I could bring my local LBS cause he knows a lot but i don't know him like that.

Now I'm going to need necessities and i think its best to start a new thread.

okay so darn it I just came accross this

Save up to 60% off new Shimano Road Bikes - Motobecane Record | Save up to 60% off new road bikes

...how is that compared to the Univega with Shimano 600

[BigTex_BMC]

The Bay Area is full of great rides, go with the road bike, plus San Fran is somewhat hilly, you'll blow out a knee trying to climb some of those streets on a fixie or ss, unless your a hipster, in that case I say go for it.

If your fixated on getting a fixie, ss, or coaster check out SE Bikes, they go what i think is a cool selections, and they are extremely affordable.
Single Speed Series
I really like the Draft Coaster.

[charlox5]

okay so darn it I just came accross this

Save up to 60% off new Shimano Road Bikes - Motobecane Record | Save up to 60% off new road bikes

...how is that compared to the Univega with Shimano 600

Bikesdirect is a good way to get cheap bikes with more modern equipment, but i think this is a better choice in your price range:

Save up to 60% off new Road Bikes - Gravity Liberty 2 | Save up to 60% off new road bikes

The shimano 2200/2300 stuff is just too far downmarket for $450, imo. And you're still facing instant 20% depreciation if you find you've gotta sell.

I think there's more value in the 'vega, also i think the components are better, even if they're older. But, if you want modern-style shifters and an aluminum frame, B-D isn't a bad way to go. Then again you could always upgrade the univega if you want brifters/commands.

[Phaseshift]

I would avoid the Bikesdirect route, the used bikes you have available around you surpass them for sure! Plus good steel, like the vega, would give you a much nicer/more comfortable ride!

The second vega I put up

Univega ROAD BIKE (54 cm) - Shimano 600 components

is the one I decided on, however the crankset isn't shimano 600...I've been up since 4am just reading cause I'm excited. So I was looking at parts on ebay, if I wanted to change the crankset to a Shimano 600 is there anything else that I need to change in order for the transition to work?