How to Avoid Wasting Money on a Bad Beginner Fixed Gear Bike and Buy a Good One

If you're looking to buy a complete fixed gear bike, you need to know that there are more bad beginner bikes than good beginner bikes. If you don't do your research, you're likely going to end up wasting money and end up with a bike that sucks to ride. Here, I'll show you how to spot the difference between bad and good beginner fixed gear bikes, so you can get on a bike you'll have fun riding for years to come. To make it extra easy for you, I compiled a list of the best complete fixed gear bikes for every budget.
The bike I ride, channel sponsor, pretty cool people:
wabicycles.com/
Mildly ironic Reasonably Dangerous cycling shirts:
www.zachgallar...
1. $500 Mercier Kilo TT
www.bikesdirect...
2. $600 Mercier Kilo TT Pro
www.bikesdirect...
3. $720 Fuji Feather (but get for $400-500 it used or on sale)
www.fujibikes....
4. $700 State Black Label V2
www.statebicyc...
5. $995 Wabi Classic
wabicycles.com...
Get a shoutout at the end of each video by supporting the channel on Patreon: / zachgallardo
Brandon Black
David K
Gio Dezera
Julian Corona
Ryan Witt
Scott Palangi
Zane Kolnik
Epilektrik
M.
Martin Mohr
Michael Greif
Michael Rutchik
Nick
@nicodache
Seungwan Kim
Young Architect
0:00 - There's More Bad Than Good Fixed Gears
1:13 - Sponsor: Wabi Cycles
1:54 - How to Spot Bad Beginner Fixed Gear Bikes
7:19 - How to Spot Good Beginner Fixed Gear Bikes
10:50 - Mercier Kilo TT/Kilo TT Pro/Fuji Feather
12:18 - State Black Label v2
13:29 - Wabi Classic
15:19 - Patreon Fixie Famous Shoutouts
Connect with me:
/ zachygallardo
#fixedgear

[@silentcyclist]

I did not waste money when I bought my first heavy and cheap fixed gear, with heavy rims. Still have it and loving it, I use it as my winter and rain bike. Yes, it weights a ton, but it's fun and reliable. Who cares what other people think about it.

[@paullacey2999]

And You have hit the nail on the head.Dont be suckered into all the nonsense that you need to pay silly money.After all a Ford Fiesta does the same as a Lamborghini except being slower,and cheaper........

[@dr3pm2ster31]

Same for me and I just upgrade things that are broken bc the owner before me didnt care much about it. It's still fun to drive even with all the hills in my area.

[@User-rj2dk]

You need sealed bearings

[@silentcyclist]

@@dr3pm2ster31 Hills make you stronger.

[@and6239]

Agreed. Scrappy entry level bikes are fine, so long as they aren't dangerous or overpriced. Not every rider cares about the soul or quality of a bike. Some are just cheap transportation.

[@Tegart.pottery]

Picked up a State Core-Line this winter, online. As a newbie to fixed gear I wasn’t even sure I’d like it, but wanted a cheapo for commuting and for something different, fully acknowledging the fact that it’s not top line. I used my other bikes more seriously. Completely happy with my State so far, it’s great if you don’t have a lot of money. You’re first bike doesn’t need to be the best bike.

[@JoshuaBorrow]

I've had my state core-line since summer 2020, moved it from the UK to the USA, and it's a solid commuter. The heavy AF wheels are actually a lifesaver on sketchy roads, they're indestructible. I've not had to replace a single component yet. I even went back to State to get a 4130 All Road because I was so impressed.

[@Buddhakingpen]

The new 4130 looks really good to me. Kinda reminds me of the surly steamroller or kilo wt. Even comes with 38c tires and wide clearance! I still trust the sugino cranks that come on the kilo than the house branded ones that come on the 4130 tho, and considering they cost the same, the wt is probably a better buy, but the state bikes are always available, and the wt has been kinda hard to get after covid

[@nothelpful9229]

same

[@JohnDoe-xj6mf]

Seen some ripers on state bicycles in our group rides in okc, I'd say based on that they're better than portrayed in this video. I enjoy his buddies videos mind you, but I don't like it when people take action on their own misunderstanding assumptions

[@nourizakaria642]

1200 for a fixie??? u could get a decent roadbike for that money

[@armandtaljaard595]

I love how so many of these bike youtubers stress that it does not matter what you ride aslong as you are having fun, and immediately proceeds to crap on cheap bikes and how much of an idiot you are for buying one.

[@Raluph1]

You’re not having fun properly!!

[@DasMouse117]

I remember buying my first cheap fixed gear. It was a hard time. My beater bike got stolen, bought my dream bike… got stolen. Bought a bike that could at least roll… got hit by a car. With only $200 left to my name I bought my first cheap fixed gear. 10,000 miles later it still my go to bike 😅

[@stinkyhippie7750]

snobbish shit honestly.. If these bikes were used like BMX or MTBs I understand you want to have specific purpose parts, same with a track bike or a road bike. but these fixies are still mainly casual road use, plus most countries do not have proper bike lanes etc such as we have in The Netherlands. I think bikes are more of a novelty in the USA so therefore they are being tricked out to the max to kinda compensate for the fact you do not have the actual roads and means to ride the bike as a daily driver as most do in The Netherlands for example where we rely on bikes as our daily commute but not mix max every part as they are a tool of transportation for us vs what you see with this guy where it is a part of his " lifestyle"

[@paullacey2999]

My Elops 500 from Decathlon is a superb cheap bike for £250.Ive had it nearly a year and its been trouble free.It gets used more than the mountain bike I also have,so it cant be bad....... Any bike that gets someone out riding can only be a good thing😇😇😇

[@paullacey2999]

@Capri I ride it a lot...Its got a 16t rear cog but it is hard on the knees!Orange handlebar grips and pedals complete the changes.Great bike and although a bit heavy I will never part with it,unless Decathlon do a bright green one...

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

My first fixed gear was a converted road bike. The seller was a friend who had just moved up to his first true track bike. It was an affordable, good quality way to get into the world of fixed gear cycling. Good advice in your video. Ya gets what ya pay for. . .

[@travisissoocool]

Going from 23 lb to 15 lb is a about a third of a weight reduction. Seems significant until you account for the weight of the biker and realize that dropping the 8 lbs is only 3% reduction.

[@dawnkeyy]

I reckon i can start feeling the weight affecting my cycling at about 5-6lbs and above. Obviously 2-3lbs affects it, but it's not very noticeable.

[@neutronshiva2498]

You are better off taking a dump before your ride. Will make about the same weight difference.

[@marcisdzerve9558]

A difference you can really feel is in the wheelset. Lack of Rotating mass works wonders for acceleration.

[@Knautschfriese]

To be honest: when that „cheap“ bike gets someone into cycling, it is NOT bad. At least that is one person that is not driving a car. And it doesn’t matter if it is a cheap bike. It gets someone from a to b, and it has way less parts that can break than a normal bike. It is easy to fix, and maintain.

[@luiscardenas1431]

I’ve had a 6KU Milan 2 since 2016 when I was in high school. Things I’ve done since I bought it were swap out crank arms (stock arms wore out quickly), upgrade tires to thickslicks, remove front brake, added cages, added bullhorns, and added front basket. Awesome bike for anybody trying to start fixed riding.

[@Monstertruckzero]

I definitely bought a cheap OEM aluminum track complete last year as my first bike ($350-ish) before I knew anything about the culture - or your channel. Thanks so much for being a great resource as I grow my knowledge and riding ability! I’ve since upgraded nearly every component - probably quadrupling my initial investment - but at this point I’ve got a machine I love to put miles on, and I feel like I’ve got a good understanding of how each upgraded component is improving my experience. Thanks again for being such a useful space for all of us looking to learn.

[@singletona082]

I wouldn't call this guy a great resource for anything other than more money than sense. However I'm glad you've been having a great lot of luck on your bike. Don't let people like this loser dictate minamum prices. Will better components come with more money spent? Sure. but so long as it rolls you can have fun on anything.

[@Monstertruckzero]

@@singletona082 do you have any other channels or resources you think I should be aware of?

[@singletona082]

@@Monstertruckzero Kev central is good for department store level bikes. Spindatte is pretty chill. Berm Peak (and berm peak extras) are solid. Your Own Adventure Bruce Chastain is the guy I'd seen literally bike across florida on the bike dude in the video we're commenting on threw a hissy over not being fun.

[@Monstertruckzero]

@@singletona082 TYSM 👏

[@singletona082]

@@Monstertruckzero Seriously hope you keep with the insanity man. Biking's fun no matter the price bracket. Your bike's better than mine by a long shot (impressed by the find dude.) I do have plans for better, but for now? what i've got works. Lemme know if any of those chanels tickle your fancy.

[@totallypixelated]

UK eBay is awash with lovely hand made British road bike frames and forks from the 70's and 80's, as well as the more mainstream Raleighs and Peugeots, at reasonable prices. To my mind, a DIY fixed gear conversion (or letting your local bike shop build one for you) based around these is the way to go for bang for your buck.

[@scubawithatuba]

I have had a Pure Fix for 10 years now and it's never given me a problem and I ride it almost daily plus it's been through a few crashes too. Maybe it's because I'm pretty light, lol.

[@scubawithatuba]

@@tashapeterson4351 haha, thats awesome to hear! I recently sold it to a guy who was going to cruise with his kids, it has years of life left in it! I still miss it and i have a lot of cool bikes, lol.

[@dan_lazaro]

Wow I've been a pro for years now but since I call fixed gear bikes "fixies" I am now a noob. Great to know

[@singletona082]

Dude's a snob with his head up his ass and is willing to bash on anything that isn't wabi either to kiss sponsor ass, or because he's a hipster. does it ride? are you having fun? congratulations. You're good.

[@LinearGiraffe]

Lmao. I've been riding for 13 years and now we're beginners? What crap.

[@JohnDoe-xj6mf]

The more you know. Now, catch me on a fixie

[@themadscientest]

I've had my 2012 Feather in yellow (best color it ever came in if you ask me) and love it riding single speed, kinda gathered dust for years because I got it right as I started doing the unspeakable (driving) but it's back on the road. I swear the Feather is the BRZ/86 of bikes, it has all the sporty track ready style but can still handle being a daily.

[@beentrill24]

Proud owner of a Kilo TT because of you Zach!!! Best bike I've owned so far :)

[@doubled79446]

Same lol What color did you get?!

[@Dragon_rls]

Good choice.

[@Ms.Circle432]

Oh and thank you for all the valuable information 😊 I gotta admit, I was one of those people going for looks and knew nothing about the details. After watching this video I definitely appreciate the more simplistic and calmer look too especially if it’s funner to ride.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Great breakdown.

[@donntrotter]

Good supple side breakdown

[@user-xt7mq7pm4u]

I have "pure fix india" for 6 years and it's awesome. Just symply love it!!!!! And I don't care if it's bad bike because he brought me a lot of good memories!

[@silentcyclist]

Зак это мажор, который хочет впечатлить людей вокруг своей возможностью потребительства. Главное чтобы тебе нравился велосипед, остальное это суета.

[@logic6737]

The state black label v2 was my first fixed gear, I loved it so much that I just recently bought another frame because the I out grew the frame. Definitely recommend it as a beginner fixed gear bike.

[@benjaminstevens4468]

I absolutely love how companies for “normies,” often have spec lists with entries along the lines of: “-beautifully crafted, with premium-quality high-tensile steel and love, for ultimate durability and performance.” And: “-gliding on our precision, loose-ball hubs, for a ride that is unparalleled in smoothness.” Yes, A ride.😂

[@singletona082]

there's a reason i just mentally blanked out ALL of the fancy sales speak. 'oh this has a suspension? NOPE! This has a- NOPE! Basic assed Bike. Frames. wheels. Chain. Brake. THAT'S IT. Have i hada few headaches? Sure. However i've also learned and actually appreciate it when my own body isn't betraying me. it's fun to just... Go.

[@armored_sandwich]

got a 6KU nebula as a beginner fixie. now turning 4 years old. only got the grips changed, and the 2 years in, got the chain replaced. but the frame is superb.

[@jayceinfinitealgharhythmns9814]

I got really lucky and brought a decent fixed gear bike by a company that’s no longer in business. Baseline Bicycles, great frames. The components were crap but the frame and fork is 4130 chromoly and is super durable and everything eventually fell apart and have been replaced.

[@JoeBManco]

Hey Zach, Fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie, fixie...

[@peatyxxjxxx1494]

The reason people get into fixed gear bikes is the simplicity of the bike, the style and the challenge. High end fixed gears to me seem more at home on a track or race environment. They remind of Ferraris owners either like to look at them or drive them hard on a track, they don’t really make sense for everyday use. I fixed gear bike is simple and one should know how to replace the components so that they can easily upgrade their bike instead of spending a bunch of money upfront for something you may not even love. I would also opt for a rear wheel with flip flop hub just in case you still want the feel of riding a single speed without the danger of trying to stop.

[@OGLobster]

Love the fact you highlight mango bikes are flashy bad beginner bikes. I bought one when I was a beginner and I regretted it. Spend loads of money repairing it and could have spent that on my current bike which shits all over the mango.

[@singletona082]

Funny thing is I've had a huffy comfort cruiser for a couple years now. Deraileur did a thing. Cable snapped when i tried to install the replacement. 'Sodit i don't have the money right now' (stuff came up) and figured 'eh why not just shorten the chain' and after futzing around (and getting in touch with my southern engineering solutions roots. IE Rednecking a single speed freewheel by knocking the lock ring loose, stripping the unneededgears off, using the plastic spacers that came with, and fabricating another spacer out of a spare bit of scrap fence wire) I'veo nly had the chai ndrop... ONCE in the past two months, and it was dead easy to slip back on. Vs when i hadthe chainline dialed wrong it being a screaming sobbing mess to get the thing back whenever fialure hit. I have ABSOLUTELY no doubt your bike is intrinsicly better than mine. But I got given that bike by my folks at a point when they were dead assed broke too, and i love the stupidh eavy thing. So I'm gonna ride it into the ground, learn from it, and anything I add on? I will salvage for the next thing in line (I purchased a cheapie set of cranks to fit on the square taper. Lighter than the included crankset, and let me put on a chainring of my choosing.) Keep riding man. Stay awesome out there.

[@Dirt-McGerk]

> 3rd option, if you're somewhat technically inclined: do research into recognizing what are good 2nd hand roadbikes to buy and what factors/flaws to keep in mind when buying 2nd hand and convert them to fixed/singlespeed yourself. It's pretty straightforward as long as you look out for horizontal rear-wheel dropouts in the frame, that will save you a lot of headaches when trying to maintain chain tension.

[@gladiatormaximus4913]

I’m pretty guilty of that, but we all had to start somewhere. I started out with a beat up Thruster. I fell in love with bikes after riding it. The stock 48/18 ratio was smooth. I never knew that your whereabouts were across from where I work! Small world!

[@brendaleetv]

I bought a Golden State Vader fixed gear bike in Vader color and its awesome! I did replaced the wheels with some flip/flop slight deep dish at a lighter weight, and its fun no issues. Got it off a guy for $99.00 USD practically brand new!

[@Aubreykun]

Those cheapo ones seem to charge a lot because of the fact they have a warehouse full of their options and have to pay someone to assemble the custom-picked pieces either on the bikes or into the shipping box. Plus overhead for returns and warranty purposes. It makes "sense" from the company side because if they don't have the space for volume discounts then the cost per part approaches towards retail. And from the consumer side I guess you don't have to deal with the walmart-tier "assembly" and risk of nonfunctional or broken bits, plus the customization on top. There really is a purpose for what people call BSOs but spending so much to impress non-cyclists seems like it isn't one of them. But on the flipside, spending a ton to impress cyclists also makes little sense, and it's less useful for impressing non-cyclists who don't have the info to understand why "phil wood" makes the hubs "more bling" vs "those fancy GOLD ones".... Basically don't spend money on impressing other people, spend it on things that make your bike nicer to ride or touch or look at or whatever.

[@fentuz]

you're giving quite a bad review to Mango bike, but, they are British and a cheap in the UK. All the US bike you sited are horribly expensive in the UK... This is simply down to shipping and import duties...

[@mangobikes4256]

Hi @fentuz - yeah for sure shipping is part of it. Not sure we're cheap in the UK but defo good value. We also don't fit with the Fixie-clique either. He highlighted the Level2 Single Speed, good luck finding the Miche Pistard Air for less than the $200 he reckons we should be selling at. appreciate the comment! Thanks.

[@andrewblakesley4202]

Cheap used MTB, single ring kit from Amazon or eBay and simply use the existing chain with the rear mech. Most rear mechs can be adjusted to hold the perfect alignment and the chain will stay put. You'll have a low-maintenance, bomb proof bike.

[@electrocit673]

Funny thing my Favorite frame is a vintage road bike (Centurion Super Lemans) I converted to fixed gear/ dual speed. It is Double Butted Hi-Ten steel the frame weighs 5 lbs 8oz. Very light for a Hi-Ten frame, as light or lighter than some 4130 frames. The ride is buttery smooth with it's long stays. But I totally agree that 99% of Hi-Ten frames are not Ideal or desirable. Nice info in the video for any beginner who want to know what to look out for what not to buy.

[@benedikthassel]

sound dope. i ride a vintage Bianchi Frame with some Campagnolo Lambda Strada Rims with a 3 speed hub. the strength of those old frames are unbelievable unless they look so fragile 😅

[@unordinaryRT]

In my opinion, I’d recommend getting like a mountain bike. There’s lots of good mongoose ones at Walmart. They are very good for the price. But if you were trying to buy a bike, get gear ratios/and or speed modes. You can change how hard you pedal and they are very fun to ride.

[@drizzy1011]

I bought a Purecycles Purfix at the time for my first bike in 2014. My OE crank arms failed and my pedals stripped themselves out in a month or so. I Got a new crank from a local bikeshop as well as bottom bracket and fell in love with riding. I swapped out the "Deep V" style heavy wheelset as well. My bike has since been reliable for over 500+ miles. I didn't know much about single speed bikes or maintenance at the time. I now notice how heavy and cheaply made my bike is. Thanks for the content I hope my experience helps someone, riding bike is amazing!

[@robertmyers5269]

Good to see a new newbie bike guide from you. You helped me get back into cycling after a long absence. Got a Kilo TT Pro on your recommendation last year and am quite happy with it. Of course I'm turning back into a bike nerd who immediately changed the pedals (didn't turn freely. got a pair of MKS Campy Nuovo Record clones) and wish it had lighter rims and more supple tires (it comes wiith Kenda 23c and I've gotten three pinch flats).

[@jrcullen2307]

As a newer rider. I appreciate the work and knowledge you put into it. Just picked up the crew defender at $200 as it’s on sale right now for a cruiser as my wife doesn’t ride much and we are moving to Germany in the next couple of months. Planned on picking up a black label as well for workouts. I know the crew defender isn’t the worst but $200 to fart around town and stuff isn’t bad. Worst part is the gear ratio.

[@danielrock3498]

Bruh your take on the word fixie vs fixed gear is so cringe

[@JasonBarnhart]

I had a couple vintage bikes converted to fixed gear but needed something after losing them to theft. Bought a Garrett Chau designed Globe Roll 1. I’ve gotten technically nicer bikes since but it’s still 100% solid after thousands of miles and a car on bike accident. Sometimes budget bikes are more than just fine. That Globe is bomb proof.

[@adamcreyk8396]

Lucky me that my “non-brand” frame cost me 20 bucks😂 (bought it to a friend). Really hope to change for a better one in the future.

[@singletona082]

til you can get better? Ride, learn, enjoy. you'd be amazed how far cheap can get you especially on single speed/fixed gear.

[@vulpixgrant]

My friends and I ride very often and I've taken a Mongoose Vinson fat tire 24 speed bike 135 Miles in 24 hours... So my little group of friends are amateur enthusiast to say the least. Out of my 6 Facebook Marketplace finds, the $90 Mongoose BEAST 56 pound fat tire is one of the more fun ones to toy with. Solid 26x4" Rims, steel frame, and the original gearing for riding on the beach. I replaced the 18 Tooth Cog in the back with a 13 Tooth and now I can ride it past 9mph! So far the farthest I've ridden that monster is 50 Miles in one day, and I felt like I did 2 Century rides I was so sore! Now I want a Fixie to toy around with so I'm on your video ;-)

[@tevahflys]

Love your videos! I just bought my first fixed gear recently. It’s a state core line and I know how you feel about them but I found one that was lightly used for $100. I just needed a cheap commuter bike because I didn’t want someone stealing my mountain bike. While that was the plan, I’ve loved my new bike and have found myself looking for excuses to go ride. I’ve also found myself binge watching all your videos. Thanks for the great content! I’m excited to be apart of this community!

[@bratwurst19]

Yea most bikes like state aren't worth it but at 100 they are.

[@donntrotter]

Appreciate the video. I had just purchased a junk alloy with possibly the shoddiest welds you’ve ever seen when I found your channel a couple years back. Since then I’ve been steadily upgrading component with pretty much what you’ve recommended. Makes a world of difference, and I love that using a shit frame with good components makes it less of a theft target and more fun when I pass roadies who finance bikes worth more than my car. Keep up the good work, bud!

[@donntrotter]

@Bebo you’re probably right to a degree, but this is what got me rolling and enjoying the development of what I’m doing. Every component made such a noticeable difference that when the move to a good frame finally happens, I’ll be stoked as hell about it and be DONE. Plus rationalizing smaller expenses to my wife is a lot easier than dropping on a complete setup.

[@Terminator_T-X3]

I had a Fyxation bike for years and I think it weighs ~24.5lbs. I didn’t notice the weight and had no problems with the bike. I am thinking of getting the Regal fixed gear bike this year.

[@een_schildpad]

I have several bikes from Fyxation as well and have really enjoyed them! Relatively simple and inexpensive, but still pretty decent components.

[@jasongraham6772]

Fixie snob

[@kenjenkillasounds]

I got mined used guy put gator skin tires on it already you can tell it was spray painted flat black the frame and the seat pole was seized at the height it was at , he was 6"2 and it was too small for him where I was 5"9 so it just happened to be perfect for me , changed the seat and put a front break on it until I get more ride time and more comfy and control out of it, came with drop bars and lime green wrap on it and it's 46T/16T its pretty super light in my opinion did have 25mm 700c tires and deep dish gold rims lol its cool tho those are things I can swap out I just wanted experience of pedaling with out being able to stop pedaling the guy I believe said it's a golden cycles frame but then I kinda seen SE under the flat black paint, don't know don't care only paid 80$ for it and everytime I get on it it is fun and feels fast.

[@ianRichter21]

I also recommend the Kilo WT. I think it is a great alternative to the TT pro as the build is about the same and it clears a 42c

[@The5cotty]

This is nice, and big thank you for your videos! Im really big fan. It is sound nice all of it but here in the middle of Europe, it is pretty hard to find something like this. Especially in our country.. example.. Our city has something around 60K people here...and NO ONE has single speed bike. :( mean, there is super small market..... But, I will be still trying to start something here, all thanks to you. TY Zach.

[@OneNvrKnoz]

I’d love for you to get your hands on a Priority ACE OF SPADES. Not sure where it falls into your categories. I think it’s a decent bike, but maybe a tad heavy and expensive for the price

[@Elienguitar]

I miss riding my Langster @TNR in HI....So much fun.

[@PRH123]

On of the most important things is what gets the least attention from everybody, beginners or experienced: bearings. You can take an old Schwinn frame from the 70’s, and if you install a good BB and wheels with good hub bearings, it will feel smooth and great. Cheap bikes often come with Joy Tech or other low quality loose balls hubs, that are also way over tightened out of the box. The newbie that buys it doesn’t know that loose ball hubs need to be adjusted or how, and ride around with bearings crunching like potato chips and not understand why they aren’t having a good time…

[@benedikthassel]

i ride a old Bianchi Racing Bike Frame with some Campagnolo Lambda Strada Rims with 35 urban rubbers in front and 28 in back, a short top mount stem, high kids mountain bike bar (their shorter than a normal) and a 3-Speed Hub. i love it, its the best city singlespeed bike

[@JulioJairdeAlba]

When you are an experienced rider you don't give a shit of bike's weight if the intended use is for the city, just take whatever with two wheels that moves and ride it

[@JulioJairdeAlba]

disclaimer: It was a joke

[@event4216]

Looks can be misleading. I bought bike with colored rims and visually you would think it's flashy stinker, but frame is made of light-ish cromoly steel, rims are decent Kinlin and original crankset was Andel like on expensive Wabi. Don't judge just by color!

[@cartilagehead6326]

I think the Kilo WT (the TT Pro’s more “gravelly” brother that fits wider tires) should make the recommended list at this point, esp for people who live with rough roads or who want to try some gravel riding

[@cityofangels11]

Deep section wheels and that's what I fell in love. 160SGD and looked definitely cool. But I hadn't rode a 'good' bike to compare. But was familiar on the process of trying to make it good, replaced bottom bracket to a sealed one, changed handle bars to the bullhorns and so on. Until i finally got a polygon Zenith FX and my god what a frame. But still went the deep section wheels but this time a sealed bearing one. Heavy, yet good for thrashing around the city. :)

[@fehrcarlo2381]

Bought almost for nothing a broken down Mongoose disorder aluminum frame with steel fork to pair it up with the surviving parts of my dead Micargi fixed gear bike and added a BMX handle bar to it... Now it looks like a 26" BMX with skinny tires! Looks weird, fun to ride and anyway it is, Don't have the $$$$ for a good new one!

[@DreDaGodSon]

As long as you happy. All that matters

[@fehrcarlo2381]

@@DreDaGodSon That's the point, ain't it?

[@DaviaFleming]

Been riding a State black label for years and it is honestly the greatest bike I've ever owned.

[@Dragon_rls]

Keeping costs as low as possible. I concur. That .50 cents, an hour, plus a free bowl of noodles at lunch break can really add up. Especially when your cranking out sub $1K, B.S.O.s. Take Zach's advise folks. He knows what he's talking about. A salud Zack!

[@Auto5k]

My first fixie was a second hand Fixie inc brand two sizes oversized that I paid 150€ for (half the price of new), best bike I've ever had, no money wasted, I very recently put another 150€ towards a nice frame that's my size and I will keep riding this bike for another 5 years.

[@bratwurst19]

None of the fixed gears you review are fast, have you encountered any good and fast fixie/single speeds?

[@hydrostudios3992]

I'm so excited your still making videos !!!! Normies are who walmart sales too lmao

[@TalonMerlin777]

CORE-LINE got me. I didn't know any actually good brand names, so I went with State. I got the Pigeon - you know, one of their 10 colors of the same bike. The RIMS are BARELY welded together. The front one will collapse on a bump, dude. Parts came falling apart and I was 'lucky' some washers and bolts didn't fall out of the dilapidated box. They welded those cable housing seats onto the top tube, so removing the rear brake would look weird. They even put lock washers on the front wheel. Pathetic. I was just trying to find another cheap, low maintenance, simple bike to ride to work when the weather is unfavorable, but instead I wasted $400 on some unsafe trash. I'm just gonna suck it up and go leave it in the shopping center for somebody to take. I'll take a real cyclist's word and buy a Wabi or Mercier.

[@XinneH]

one problem: how will this video reach the people who don't know anything about cycling when most (if not all) your audience are die hard cycling fans?

[@michaelr.6182]

He doesn´t want to reach them, simple as that. All he wants is to fulfill his contract with Wabi. Trick people to spend a metric shtton of Money on something that is supposed to be affordable and easy to maintain. Its an Ad , nothing more

[@hopetofly]

Should also be worth asking that for people looking at the lesser quality bikes based on a price standpoint, it's worth looking at your local buy sell pages on CL, Ebay or even Marketplace as someone before you has likely bought one new, barely used it/didn't like it and are now trying to sell it so why not get a better deal and get yourself riding! Sometimes it's also about just getting people on a bike with the least amount of effort/money🤷🏾‍♂️

[@dannystarkridesfixed]

For my birthday in 2016 my mom randomly found a pure fix original for me in my size lol. That some dude won at the Vallejo Cal Maritime academy In a raffle but he didn’t want it for whatever reason so he listed it for 150 on Craigslist but my dad got him dow to 130. Which was cool. I didn’t have a bike at the time and it was brand new. So that was a good deal to me since it at that time was like 499 new? If memory serves. But I’ve never had any serious problems with it just the occasional flats here and there. Not currently using it but for the price we got it for and just to have it as a means to get around as well as for exercise I wasn’t upset haha. But I’m with you though I own one the beginner pure fix bikes are over priced. They should be like $150 to $200 new since there’s nothing fancy or any real reason for them to be 400-600 outside of just being their base prices. But for me I’ve been happy with mine never had a problem. Only reason I don’t currently ride it is because I had sold the rear wheel when I was low on funds and than got a few other bikes on the in between just have to get a new chain and a tube in the rear wheel that would fit it and it’s good to go. Glad I haven’t had any real problems with it since I’ve had it. Have felt fortunate for such. Since I know they’re not the best.

[@jesus-xr9yo]

Do not upgrade a beginner or beater bike, only thing you need is new tires when they wear out

[@loicgaiga8537]

Thanks a lot for theses experienced fixed gear rider advices. Especialy on the deep heavy alluminum wheels 👍 I switched mine for lighter Mach 1 550 wheels, thanks from a new Fixed Gear rider from France 🇨🇵

[@J_heterodox]

Got a Pure Fix for $50 last year. Rode for 8 months. Built a custom Fuji over the winter.

[@giancarlodemaria9192]

Hey been watching your videos and I love them from Toronto Canada here. You should do a review on the Fuji single / fixed gear bicycles

[@theredspringtrap.7256]

I’ve never ever heard the term fixey ever until today

[@yikes6263]

I bought used Fuji Feather for 200 bucks a couple of years ago, only replacement I did was putting a Brooks road saddle on it since Fuji saddles are complete garbage, and it's been my daily commuter since. Can recommend.

[@DontReadMyUserName_]

I brought an Aventon a while ago based on your recommendations, which was just stolen today in DTLA. Cut through two thick expensive U-locks in broad daylight. I had upgraded some parts, installed Omniums, etc. Guess I'll take this an opportunity to upgrade and I'll be using three locks now. SMH. Thanks for making my shopping easier friend!

[@TheBalls2thewalls]

My advice, invest in a alarm, some of them are fucking loud as hell! They connect to your phone also so you get notifications if your bike vibrates a little. Also, a tracker so you can find it if it gets stolen. 2 locks is more then enough imo. Sucks for sure though, i empathize with you! I personally use a ABUS 6lbs chain that i carry like a one strap shoulder bag. Its heavy but reliable, but i never leave my bike locked for more then 15 minutes. Hope after 2 months you now have a new bike!

[@akbarnotoponcobimantoro3865]

i bought one for my first time, around 140-150$ , steel frame & fork. weight about 10-11kg. but quiet happy about the bike

[@andreidanielb]

Hi Zach. Thank you for your info. I watch you for a long time and even more in the last month since i decide to buy my first fixie. I live in Europe and your recommendation are either to expensive (max 500 $) or they don't deliver. Long story short, i have to choose from Unknown sc-1 and Finna Fastlane ? Which would you advise me to buy? Keep up the good work, our fixie guru :D

[@mangobikes4256]

Hi Zach - nice video, some missing research chap. Maybe you missed the double-butted chromo frame, Miche Pistard Air or Primato crankset, Miche Track chain or the rest of the sealed bearing, quality parts? $200, good luck buying any of those parts at that price. Are there higher spec components available? Yeah, but we're working to hit a price point so maintain the balance of quality and cost. We happily make bikes for non-cyclists and sing it from the rooftops. That's what we're about! They normally get bamboozled by bicycle science (aka BS) where Mango takes that away, only use good quality parts and lets the customer choose colours and styles. No bike leaves Mango HQ in Northern Ireland that we wouldn't let our family ride. Until we can get a US operation setup, shipping a bike almost ready to ride is big, bulky and expensive. We don't make a profit on, and actually absorb, some of the shipping fees. The customiser allows whatever combo you decide on. Some choose amazing vibrant options, others choose a more stealthy look. Bike colour doesn't reflect a rider's ability or the quality of the bike. That's just plain misleading. DON'T JUDGE A BIKE BY ITS COLOUR. Happy cycling Mango Bikes // Andrew

[@couchcamperTM]

I just wanted to tell him about your actual parts list and current prices, thanks for saving me some time xD

[@michaelr.6182]

Yeah sure. "This video ist Sponsored by (Expensive Bikes). Be sure not to buy (Not expensive Bikes)" How do you sleep at night being a Corporate Shill? Not to mention the Gatekeeping when you call people a "Normie". Believe it or not, there are People who don´t have thousands of Dollars to spend on a Bike ans still want to get into the Hobby. This pretentious Snobbery of Influencers is absolutely Disgusting.

[@OtisBikes]

Valuable information! However, don't you think many beginners are more interested in reliability, looks and value rather than weight? So components from well known manufacturers like Shimano etc. should be a good sign of value for money?

[@LexDev621]

Been riding my Dawes Streetfighter for a year despite wanting to upgrade to something Japanese I keep feeling compelled to upgrade the components instead because it's my first chrome bike

[@LexDev621]

@Bebo No I mean its good for me to want to get another bike rn dude

[@LexDev621]

Zach covered this before but there's no other chrome bikes at the $250 price range besides the Dawes Streetfighter it's also on Bikesdirect

[@paulwickward6703]

$200 for a pure fix is not a reasonable price. Neither is $50, neither is $5. You are literally better off not having a bike. It was the first one I picked up when I got into bicycle delivery and I had more than half of the components fail on me and when the (plastic) cranks snapped they both caused me to wipe out in the middle of heavy traffic. Extremely unsafe

[@queertales]

What's the bike at 7:30 in this video? It looks rather nice.

[@tomwaller2111]

Also wanting to know!

[@heygema]

And I bought secondhand worst bike, the main frame is okay-ish, the fork, the rest of components I had to replace all over (and I just learn that it was classical frame). Ended up, trying to build tsunami build now.

[@DuBstep115]

2:20 I have that exact bike but instead of 599 I bought it from Germany on sale for 249€ IMO anything over 300 for single speed is just robbery. Bought used full suspension mtb for 900€ that had msrp of 2000€. So no, I am not spending 600 on a bike that has the tech and design of 1970s bike

[@JohnDoe-xj6mf]

Very late comment on a 2 year old video, but you are wrong about the pure cycle original. It's a jet fighter beast, with sealed bearings and a free/fixed rear wheel. Pure. You need to test these bikes out before commenting. The same goes with any assumptions in life.

[@kevinrose5260]

late comment here as well, MY first and current fixie (1.5 years and probably comin up on 5k miles) is the purecycles original 😅 ive changed a lot on it since, but love the frame and deep wheelset

[@DuBstep115]

@@kevinrose5260 I mean the frame is same that my 1970s tunturi made in finland has. Fixie's are way to sell 200€ steel frame bikes from 70s for 600€

[@TheUpgrade101]

Get a Golden Cycles Uptown for around $400. Chromo with sealed components and look really cool.

[@jc033829]

Thank you for these recommendations. I really appreciate it

[@snoopysmx5257]

Think people miss the point in these videos there supposed to be informative to let you know about the things these cheap bike company’s don’t tell you he’s not just sitting bashing cheap bikes he’s letting you know what it is exactly your buying I wish I had a KZbinr like this back in 2012 when I first got into fix gear riding would have saved me so much money

[@ronbzoom8531]

Has anyone tried out the Priority Ace of Spades? Priority is a little company out of New York City that offers a variety of bikes. Their Ace model is a single speed that can be set up as a fixie. Its special sauce is the Gates Carbon belt drive in lieu of a chain. The Spades version is their more high-end, built for speed model that goes for $899. However Priority also has the more strip down budget-friendly version they call the Ace of Clubs for $499. The few reviews I can find seem positive. But I'd like to hear what you fixed gearheads have to say about this thing. Anybody???

[@anindanahiyan8660]

If you're gonna get a cheap bike, get one from companies that are proudly Chinese, like 6ku or Golden Cycles - you're getting the exact same thing as the pure cycles and such stuff, but for like $250 instead of upwards of $600

[@logandvorak]

Not my first fixie,paint color and all, being the bad bike in the thumbnail. To be fair though I got it from a friend for free, after someone ran a red and wrecked my car. It’s about 10cm to short but hey it works good.

[@logandvorak]

Been going strong 10-15 miles a day, I’m exhausted because I’ve only been riding for like 2-3 weeks but it’s fun. Can’t wait to build it and eventually change the frameset out

[@thomasgonzalez3346]

Buying a Fuji feather tomorrow for $250 I’m so stoked new year new bike ! 🚲

[@derman3658]

This video is too late, sadly. But the guy that bought that bike from me, was equally as excited, as I was, when he bought it.

[@blakekuhlmann2143]

i will say you nailed state, they can make a good bike for cheap but their qc is trash, my shop got a full batch of 4130s and every one had a flawed steel fork, but they were very easy to get new forks from and even supplied the carbon forks for no extra cost cause the steel ones were unavailible. im still on the fence on if theyre a "good" brand but im not apprehensive about selling them.

[@nikvret9544]

The back gear must not replace often?I have often problem when i am stopped and i use a low gear back to go, i use only big gear at the back to avoid it but at fixie there is not another option.

[@Ben-eo8pd]

I got my Pure Fix for 300 bucks years ago and I feel like I got a really good deal. Paying 600 for it today would be absurd.

[@siv5342]

For 600 usd you can already get close to high tier fixed gear bike here in my country

[@adampowell5671]

Just picked upa Create fixed gear 2nd hand for £90, doesn't seem too bad after riding 10 miles so far.

[@ethanethan3811]

I missed these types of videos

[@another3997]

The reviewer seems obsessed by weight and speed. Buy a reasonable quality bike, with reliable parts from a known brand. But for general road riding, don't fixate on the weight. A few pounds isn't going to make a huge difference. If you were concerned about performance and how well you could ride up hills, you'd buy a geared bike in the first place. And lightweight doesn't automatically mean more robust and reliable.