How to Spot the Best Beginner Fixed Gear Bikes

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After watching this video, you'll be able to tell whether any beginner fixed gear bike is worth your money.
The marketplace for fixed gear bikes is saturated with tons of bikes, but only a few of them are really worth your money. These cream of the crop entry level fixed gears will be great out of the box and can withstand daily abuse.
It pays to spend a little bit more when buying your first fixed gear. The sweet spot for quality and price is $450-500; you can get a lot of bike for your money.
Great Beginner Fixed Gear Bike Checklist
docs.google.com/document/d/1w...
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[@ZachGallardo]

After watching this video, you'll be able to tell whether any beginner fixed gear bike is worth your money. The marketplace for fixed gear bikes is saturated with tons of bikes, but only a few of them are really worth your money. These cream of the crop entry level fixed gears will be great out of the box and can withstand daily abuse. It pays to spend a little bit more when buying your first fixed gear. The sweet spot for quality and price is $450-500; you can get a lot of bike for your money.

[@Sir_Arlin]

First 5! Woot!

[@danielcardosoavila4778]

Zach Gallardo nice video!!!!

[@briangallegos5268]

For 360 dollars you can find the BLB Low Pro complete, frameset double butted 4130 chromoly and lugged chromoly fork, Novatec sealed hub, KMC chain; Sugino crankset, sealed bb, etc.

[@isaiahpineda3632]

Zach Gallardo pure fix premium?

[@Madcatdave]

Thanks for the video.

[@MortificantVD]

Double butthole cannoli, got it. Thanks for the helpful tips

[@jyosiefus6773]

Great video, Zach! I'm searching for my first fixed bike right at this moment, so perfect timing. Thank you!

[@Tilldeathwedream]

You’re like my daily fixed gear class. Thanks Zach!!

[@dannybodros5180]

Zach's best video. Helped me get into the fixed gear / single freewheel scene

[@richardking3681]

Another fabulous vid! But I am already loving life on my Wabi that you told me about! Thanks, Zach!!

[@Torsan1977]

Great video! My bike (Riva Basement) checks pretty much all of those marks. Didn't know what kind of hubs I had, so thanks for that info! Mine was a bit more expensive though.

[@JeremyLCrabtree]

I dunno, I think 80 burritos would make a strong portfolio for the hungry investor.

[@naga9384]

A Very useful video... Thanks a ton...

[@GerhardReus]

very helpful! thank you!

[@austinpaulkramer]

best video everrrr. thanks

[@spoudaois4535]

Just got a Tribe Messenger. Its great. Changed the stem and it fits like a glove. Its triple butted steel. I've ridden it every day since I got it.

[@matthewmartinez466]

Thomas Forest how is it?? Was eyeballing the the green one but bought an unknown singularity since I didn't want to pay shipping.

[@spoudaois4535]

I really like it. Very nimble, fast and smooth.

[@timeslowingdown]

My friend has a tribe messenger too, and I just got another tribe bike assembled because I had a spare frame lying around. It's a great bike and the frame and fork are beautiful. I use their fork on my newest bike too which isn't even a tribe because it's a very affordable carbon fork that seems somewhat aero (the steerer tube is not carbon but I don't really mind). However I don't like the wheels, tires, brake, or chain that it comes with. Feels a little overpriced at $800, you're basically just paying for the frameset and the omnium crankset, and everything else on the bike is very generic or meh.

[@8NiN0]

Thank you!

[@shpetimzeqiri9765]

Thanks Zach !

[@jacobjames1171]

I've been a lazy but today and yesterday. Been watching your vids though. I got my bike cleaned and prepped, so I will be making a twilight ride later. I'm to try to get in on the next full moonride in December. Cheers.

[@briangallegos5268]

For 360 dollars you can find the BLB Low Pro complete, frameset double butted 4130 chromoly and lugged chromoly fork, Novatec sealed hub, KMC chain; Sugino crankset, sealed bb, etc.

[@halliwaxbasementbuilds]

I’m new to fixed gears, been using all your videos to learn more. This video is great!! but I can’t seam to find websites on where to buy these “good fixed gears”. Can you do a video of what websites to use to buy good fixies?

[@ErnestoTheThird]

i know i should've been studying this quarantine, nonetheless, hearing that intro, i could very much relate to it, lmfao.

[@tajbanzon7350]

Hi Zach, I got a hand-me-down 2019 Fuji Declaration and for two months I learned how to stay alive while commuting brakeless here in the busy Davao City streets, so I guess I'm pretty in tune with my bike. I plan to join an alleycat and/or crit race with bullhorns (personal preference) and a 46-14 gearing, is my frame and wheelset up to the task? I don't want to get dropped on my first race hahaha 😅😂

[@fiatlux4058]

I bought an old steel frame (Старт-шоссе 1968). And un-26 bottom bracket, novatec hubs, mavic rims and spokes. kmc chain, light crankset and spd pedals. And some brutal factory workers painted it for 150roubles (2.6$). It weights ~9-10 kilos. My budget was 200$

[@luisframirez2]

Hi! Thanks for all your great and fun knowledge. What do you think of the tirreno razza 2.0 for $400.00?

[@nova-jo1649]

I got some bontrager flip flop rims the hub was custom laced to the back rim for my single speed conversion

[@marvinlasco1899]

im back after 3 years because now i can finally buy one

[@mr.potatohead6138]

I've had a giant bowery for about 12 years (?) It's aluminum, flat bars and flip rear wheel for fixed gear or regular hub. No up grades and seems light weight to me. Wonder what your opinion is of this bike?

[@muchukundamenheere8135]

Trying to decide between an SE Draft and a Wabi. I have tried the draft but not the Wabi. I have heard good things about the Wabi and the Draft might be just fine but I am tempted to go for the Wabi. Thoughts?

[@oomnara]

Hi Zach! How about Araya rims? Especially the SA730 or the AR719?

[@rickrobinson8417]

Dawes SST/Streetfighter any good? I think they hit everything on your list except being double butted but for under $300 wondering if its the way to go?

[@rickrobinson8417]

Huh, I dunno. Specs say the spokes are stainless steel. The other parts don't seem too bad. Tektro brake levers, forged alloy stem.

[@chan4est]

Really hope you're going to say the Mercier Kilo TT, because I'm buying one this Friday

[@Tseringzzz]

kilo TT is a great bike

[@ZachGallardo]

#KiloTT

[@jesuschavez8417]

Raise your volume man. I had to put it up like 30% lol 👍 nice vid

[@derschwarzeteufel1998]

So Zach, opinions on the Crew Track bike series? Simply because of the price range and the few rides I've had on them I am most likely going to purchase one sooner rather than later (to replace my year old Purefix with a now bent frame). I'm just curious as to whether you have had any experience with the bikes or know any opinions on them, as for some reason I seem to trust your opinion as a knowledgeable (fellow) Fixed gear rider!

[@ZachGallardo]

I've never ridden one myself nor have I met anyone that has. For what it's worth, it seems fine bike on paper.

[@GinaLollobrigida734]

i really want a video on taiwan fixed gear scene!

[@succlord1015]

so i found a 6ku urban track bike that fit all of ur specs, should i get it bcz its 300 instead of 400-500?

[@alexpelaez978]

yo the tribe bicycles fixed gear bikes are amazing a triple butted 4130 steel triangle frame for 675$ is crazy

[@clementbonne13]

I don't know about the US but here in france it's very very easy to find very good quality vintage frame for less than 100 euros. Turning those into fixed or single speed bikes might be the cheapest way to get a bike here.

[@sopasdagreat9979]

5:12 is that a Naniwa Os Lugged Fork?u can see it in the Steerer tube to check(sorry for my bad english)

[@fabianoH5N1]

hey zach , iam about to buy a state cycle undefeated , any wise word about that bike ?

[@MattSezer]

Is there actually any performance advantage to a lugged fork? As far as I've heard, it's all aesthetics, which if I'm buying a bike at this price point, is pretty low on my list of priorities, as I'd want something that's less likely to get stolen.

[@orirbjrk5573]

Its more aesthetic than anything else. Consider that the modern fixie trend evolved from stripped road bikes made to emulate more expensive track bikes, the majority of which would be built with lugs. A non lugged fork is typically stronger although it depends quite a bit on the material and make, more specifically what welds where used and in some cases what weren't. If you want something less likely to get stolen I'd highly recommend building your own fixed gear from a cheap old road bike. It's easy to do, fun, and a low risk investment.

[@SkiddosSiren]

Hi Zach, what do you think of India"s Ontrack Fury 700c. I just bought very recently online.

[@SuryaK.B.]

I live in a city where it does rain a lot and at times snows too. won't the humidity from the rain start rusting a steel frame ? I understand not to store my bike in a humid place - but i can't avoid the rain, it is an inevitability that I have to deal with .. any one with any advice on which frame would be better ? No I can't afford a carbon frame

[@Gh0st662]

I'm so confused when you say aluminum is stiffer and heavier than steel...

[@Moneyalmenial]

"at this price range" was the caveat

[@stefango8299]

Not the element but the frame. Steel is stronger but less material is used, Aluminium is softer but much lighter so you can make the tubes thicker. Overall for the same weight an AL frame will be stiffer than a steel frame due to the oval tubing and the extra material. If you'd make the tubes the same size but out of steel the bike would probably weigh twice as much, but be 4 times stronger.

[@clandestinemurk5292]

Zach! I have a question. So I have a friend who wants to sell me a 10 year old carbon disc wheel. Its also tubular. My concerns are stopping when up to speed and the age of the carbon. Let me know what you think.

[@timeslowingdown]

Having only owned $400-600 bikes my whole life until a month ago, I have to say I don't agree with the diminishing returns thing. My newest bike (single speed) probably cost me a grand total of about $1700 including some help from a bike shop installing the fork to the frame. And I can honestly say that after tuning everything up and breaking it in a little, it's a night and day difference from a $500 bike. I really wasn't expecting such a huge improvement in the quality of the ride, but it's huge. It's noticeably more aerodynamic and lighter than any of my other bikes, braking is better, the fork and bars prevent vibrations going into my hands/arms, and the most shocking part of all: the power transfer from pedaling into forward motion just feels so much more efficient. Every other bike I have access to right now (which are all in the $400-800 range) have a very noticeable "squishy" feeling while turning the cranks. I don't know if it's the frame, or the wheels, the chain, or the cranksets themselves, but on the cheaper bikes it really feels like energy is being wasted. It's just so much more enjoyable and exciting to ride the more expensive bike that I think it's worth it if you enjoy riding at all. $500 bike is good for a beginner to get into it and see how they like it. But if they enjoy riding it, I'd recommend to anyone to sell that $500 bike after a few months, save up some more money, and buy a $1000+ bike, the experience is so much better. HOWEVER it's also important to check where that $1000+ is going. If it's all going into the frameset, then yeah it's still going to be a garbage ride even if it's a nice frameset. I'm starting to realize that an increase in quality in all the little things combined is what makes a really nice bike.

[@paulbouquin3226]

Is the fixies of the brand fabricbike is good ?

[@isaiahpineda3632]

Which Constantine frame should buy?

[@ToanNguyen-rk8sg]

What's a good beginner bike for 300 or under 300

[@smitthone]

Mostly agree. Tektro very good quality and manufacturing. Everything in house (brakes pad too)

[@jean-alexandrebolduc6918]

any comments on the 6ku urban track bike? thanks

[@matthew5775]

nice

[@bullwhipjohnson8247]

I was gonna say Sealed Cartridge Bearings of any brand or manufacture are best.

[@bullwhipjohnson8247]

Angry Vegan Cyclist Why RU so angry?😉

[@vitocinieri3912]

What do you think about santafixie bike?

[@gavin3488]

My first single speed/fixed gear (duel hub) happened to a Marin Inverness. (i dont care for the green.)

[@eliasokur1607]

Would you recommend this bike? It is made in Europe. Creme Cycles VINYL Doppio

[@2EOGIY]

Little correction to video. Smooth welds on bicycle means only effort put in smoothing them. As a person with welding background I can say only that smoothing them is a way to cover welding defects then smooth welds don't mean quality welds only quality surface (with uncertain connection of tubes). Basicly quality welds should be looking smooth and great by themself. Paintng requires to prepare frame for better grip to paint that means usualy blast sanding plus paint cover some deffects by itself, but if preparations and paint did not cover welders errors DO NOT BUY that frame thats the rule of thumb for frames.

[@urbanfishing7085]

Teodor Orzechowski I don't think the grind the welds smooth, if the weld sits flat it's higher quality and a higher skilled job

[@2EOGIY]

IF you can see flat surface you are probably right (only unprepared welds could be quality checked) but if two tubes are joined with one smooth curved suface then welds must be processed. That does not change the fact that if you can see welding failures on finished frame it's quality is questionable.

[@urbanfishing7085]

Is the new All City Nature Boy with disc brakes worth the money?

[@derekweinman2776]

What do you think of the specialized langster?

[@jamescarter67]

awesome bike i have one and its beast. the only thing ill complain for mines is i had to change my bottom bracket pretty fast. then of course any upgrades will make it even better i changed the back wheel and my rides have gotten even better

[@hwangjustin8813]

Could u do a review on the Raliegh propaganda as a first fixie bike made in the uk please

[@alexecheverria8971]

6ku track frame alone is fookin awesome only thing you really have to change is the seat tbh everything els is Gucci as time goes on get better components as you wish

[@retardno002]

Well that's one way to burn through your disposable income... No matter how much you'll upgrade that bike, the 6KU frame will still have the same shitty build and poor geometry.

[@iandonovancayongcat9709]

How about a double butter high ten?

[@xtszero]

How come you didn't bring Ricky with you, Zach? Sorry I don't remember if you covered this on your previous video.

[@ZachGallardo]

I wanted an excuse to get a new bike ;)

[@orirbjrk5573]

Build your first fixie...As in buy an old road bike-for next to nothing-strip it down and make a fixie. It's a right of passage for the hobby and I guarantee you will enjoy riding 100x more on a bike you've built yourself. Not to mention you get more say in customization and better familiarity with the parts your depending on. You should not under any circumstances have to spend over 300 dollars on your first fixed gear, what has this world come to...

[@jiglesmackle4081]

YOOO PEOPLE. What if the hubs dont have any holes drilled into them? The patters like novatec and formula do. but they still have those wide spaces around the axle

[@mindciller]

I'm always make compromises on my bikes

[@robertkylecastillo949]

is it better to have 7000 series aluminum frame than 6000 series?

[@harry-nx4ee]

only if I saw this video faster

[@mdgott]

At the 5:00 minute mark: "bikes made in Taiwan are going to be higher quality than bikes made in China." ONE CHINA! Booo hiss...just kidding. I was speaking at a Chinese university once and made the mistake of calling Taiwan, the "Nation of Taiwan" and man did I hear about it! My interpreter, saved face by saying that it was "interpreter error." :) Great videos!

[@mortisvan]

I have a carbon fiber road bike but I'm looking for a good fixed gear bike to tool around on. I have $500 to spend. Suggestions?

[@Charles-wz9sd]

mortisvan specialized langster. I'm suspecting you are on a team if you are riding a carbon road bike.

[@joachimmacdonald2702]

My bike’s been broken for a week and I’m going insane

[@IseaPixels]

6ku urban track bike is the best!!!

[@griddlestudio2051]

Have you heard of Lifestyle Hq bikes??? Your opinion???

[@phillystaylit5264]

I got a 6ku urban track bike , is that a good starter bike ?

[@ZachGallardo]

Solid starter bike for the price.

[@phillystaylit5264]

😱😱you replied !!! DOPE !!

[@phillystaylit5264]

Bro i love your videos !!! Keep them up

[@Quasar222]

I hear this term "beginner" fixed gear bike. What differentiates a beginner fixie from an "advanced" fixie? What if a newbie buys a Bianchi Pista fixie? Does the inexperienced rider make the Bianchi a beginner bike? I think I would change "beginner" to economically priced or "cheap" fixie.

[@mmccarthy1992]

There are sooooooo many used bikes on the market. Why not just buy one of them for a few hundred for a fixie they realized they don't want to ride? I also agree with some commentators who are saying to buy a dirt cheap old road bike and build one yourself if you are up to the challenge.

[@lvnch5856]

Nc video

[@jensenhealey907efi]

So do you have a bike yet in Taipei or are you still bikeless?

[@ZachGallardo]

Still trying to track down a bike :/ Apparently 58cm bikes are hard to come by here.

[@jensenhealey907efi]

Are you saying that you are a giant in Taiwan? :)

[@juny5531]

Novatec spells without H

[@TheLAclot]

I only watch your videos before or after a ride lol, but what happened to ricky?

[@ZachGallardo]

He's living with my brother in San Francisco while I'm in Taiwan. Don't worry, he's getting plenty of love.

[@gphebus72]

I enjoy your videos. You're clear and thorough, however, because you don't label main ideas or parts (all the time), it is difficult to make notes or correctly name brands or manufacturers. This is CRUCIAL in the tech and sporting goods fields. You are a great speaker and believable. Two great traits to possess when relaying information. Another note of corrective criticism would be to watch your focus (literally on the camera). It will distract the viewer to something outside the subject matter. It may be artistic but there are two frames of focus in adds, product or informant. Anything else is artistic expression and should be used wisely. Some examples would be: - You mention a type of fork, but it is hard to understand and you did not label. - You mention primarily points like 30mm wheels or less, but don't label. - You mention a primarily thought, Taiwan, but do not label. Please know, I truly like and enjoy your posts. I am a former computer engineer who became a marketing director for a vicious industry. These little pieces separate the everyday vlogger, from the elite. Look forward to your next post. Greg

[@adamwallwork6120]

What does cro mo mean?

[@ZachGallardo]

It's a lightweight steel that's well suited for bike building. The name comes from the chromium and molybdenum added to the steel. High quality entry level steel bikes tend to be made out of chromoly steel while lower quality ones are usually made out of hi-tensile steel.

[@edgars8769]

Is cheetah bikes meet these parameters

[@sneakymustard4503]

Getting a carbon fork is a bad idea for be because its so light that it may bend easily when you accidently crash. (just my opinion)

[@wutangcatclan]

All NJS, nothing less!

[@Charles-wz9sd]

Life with Bart njs is just a standard for Japanese kerin. Track riders don't use njs because it tends to be really heavy and super flexy compared to high end stuff like look, bt etc. You get the idea. They only use dura ace cranks because that is the only affordable powermeter for track. It's either that you you get a srm which costs 2-3k.

[@Tony-xc5sk]

Off topic - Why are you bikeless? Where's Barney?

[@ZachGallardo]

+Tony I'm living in Taipei for the next five months. My bike is chillin' in San Francisco with my brother.

[@moritzkoopmann6771]

When will you get you own bike?

[@vittodessi8923]

Is aluminum Columbus good ?

[@demonstructie]

Vitto Dessi Columbus is the manufacturer of the tubes used to build the frame. They have different sets of various quality but neither of them are crap so yes, Columbus is good stuff

[@Charles-wz9sd]

Only thing better than Columbus is Reynolds. Reynolds is just really hard to find because they have a very limited range on tubes compared to Columbus. People that are able to afford Reynolds end up custom bending their own tubes though.

[@Guillermo-yx9qg]

A throne?

[@teleduff1037]

state cycles

[@johndelporca1700]

plssssssss tel ABOUT SLOPE FIXIE

[@cupid1012]

they stoled my bike what one should i but i got 300

[@MrPancakez101]

Its Joe·el go on offerup, good used bikes are sold at that price range

[@Cironus]

If you're looking for a new bike, get the Fuji Track on City Grounds. They have limited sizes on that bike though. You can also check Windsor The Hour on BikesDirect.

[@alonzomartii]

Just buy a cinelli. And likely people would buy and you'd get most of your money if you choose it wasn't for you.

[@ShatteredRift44]

Hey so do you really need to do tricks on a bike or not ( my bike mates make fun of me cause I don't know any tricks )

[@NPike-gq1mx]

What's Chromoly?

[@indigopearson4765]

Norah Pike it's a kind of steel, high tensel or high ten is pretty shitty steel honestly. Chromoly is a much better kind of steel and is overall a more comfortable ride it's the best mid range material IMO

[@jelleotter]

how are bikes from mango ?

[@jelleotter]

They have geometry charts

[@jelleotter]

if it is steel but not double butted is it still good ?

[@ZachGallardo]

I think they're expensive for what they are. Assuming you're in the UK, check out BLB for good fixed gears for the price.

[@joachimmacdonald2702]

Reynolds is the best.

[@abdulmueez9325]

I bought a cheap bike get money buy quality parts after that

[@onespeedbicycles]

If you are on a budget why not second hand? You could get somethinf way better than brand new.

[@onespeedbicycles]

Angry Vegan Cyclist of course you gotta check the bike out first. I got a custom collosi for about 600sgd which translate to about 400 usd? No problrms and been pushing it for almost a year.

[@genarohernandez6898]

One Speed Bicycles critical cycles

[@onespeedbicycles]

Cheap = riskier of course. As all things in the world are.

[@woolitejones]

that crumb on yer lip was all i could see.

[@DelugeWaffle]

What do you think about Crew bikes?

[@ZachGallardo]

I don't have any experience with them, but they seem like fine bikes on paper.

[@OlegVulkanov]

it's mid tier bikes actualy

[@minoxidilbeardgrowthjourne4530]

I owned the aluminum crew bike and it was amazing the only part that you might have to change is the bottom bracket but other then that it's a solid build wasn't a big fan of the handlebars I recommend drop bars or risers

[@nikesbeast]

I just bought a cinelli vigorelli london red hook crit frame. Should I keep it or return it

[@killazftw]

your auto focus is a bit rough

[@gulfcitynd]

Im all for a single speed but ill pass on a fixie

[@dose3107]

gulf city nicholas danca pussy