Need opinion on commuter track/single speed

[Oaktowncycle]

Hi all,
Any recommendations for single speed/track bike to commute on?

I've been commuting on my BMC carbon road bike and it is now time for a steel/aluminum bike to brave my daily train ride.
I've been looking at a few options (below), but I'd love recommendations and opinions from more experienced riders or builders. I'm new to Paceline and actively learning / shaping my opinion...any info helps.


My budget is below $900 and my commute is flat. I'm 5'4 and my current BMC 51' (size chart attached) was a smidge too big, so I bought narrower handlebars and a shorter stem.

I considered building my own, but I need this bike within a short time frame and I'd prefer to absorb a considerable amount of forum knowledge before I start.


State Bicycle Co. http://www.statebicycle.com/collections/retro-reissue-series-bikes
Considered vintage bikes, but it is hard to find them in my size.
San Jose Bianchi (not a huge fan)
1985 Miyata http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bid/5343567082.html
Leader Bike Cretin Complete for $400 https://leaderbikes.com/products/sales/cretin-complete

[JAllen]

I'd see if you could track down a used Surly Crosscheck or 1x1. Complete or build it cheaply.

You'd get more usability in the long run.

[JAGI410]

Surly Steamroller makes a great commuter too. It's a dedicated SS/FG bike with more of a road geometry, while still being track legal. I had one for a while and really enjoyed it, but was overlapped by the CrossCheck that I have (and love).

[p nut]

Unless you need to have rack mounts: a Wabi, no question. Best production SS steel frame I've ridden (at the given price point).

http://www.wabicycles.com/classic_bike_spec_11.html

[11.4]

Used is the way to go if you can find the frame. The market is definitely not a seller's market these days, but there's not a lot listed right now.

If you can't find the frame, I'd suggest getting used parts (forums, eBay, Craigslist, from best to worst) and putting them on a new bike. I continue to recommend the All City Nature Boy as a great winter or commuting fixie. It'll take a lickin' and keep on clickin'. Fender mounts front and rear, loads of clearance, bottle cages, sturdy tubing that's very durable and treated for rust resistance, standard equipment (27.2 seat post, English BB, etc.) so used parts are easy to find.

If you aren't a member of a club, join one. Most good clubs have a once-a-year or so deal with a bike shop sponsor. It gets you something at significant discount. The All City bikes are from QBP (they are actually owned by QBP). That way you benefit a club and also a shop that thinks enough of their clientele to sponsor a club.

There are lots of very cheap, pretty junky frames out there -- a complete frame and fork for $190 isn't that hard to find. For commuting if you don't really care about the bike and if you want to leave it locked up somewhere exposed and risk losing it without a heart attack, those are good. If you can bring it in at work and you treat it like your weekend ride, you can do better.

[velofinds]

Unless you need to have rack mounts: a Wabi, no question. Best production SS steel frame I've ridden (at the given price point).

http://www.wabicycles.com/classic_bike_spec_11.html

This is a good suggestion, especially given your height. If I were you, I'd be checking out the 650c Wabi.

http://www.wabicycles.com/classic_bike_spec_650C.html

[spartanKid]

I think Aventon makes a decent entry level track/fixie frameset/bike. Aluminum so no worries about rusting. Replaceable steel track ends.

http://www.citygrounds.com/aventon/aventon-cordoba-track-bike-4516/color/BLACK

[weehastogopee]

I really like the Mercier Kilo tt. I think it's the best entry level track bike for the price.

I've been commuting around on mine for about 2 years now and I like it because it rides nicely but can still take a beating.

I currently have it set up with velo-orange milan bars with a wald basket.

[stien]

I know SS/fixed is a choice, but it seems like you're about to get into it and not already there so...why not a $900 bike with gears? I know you said vintage bikes don't fit you at 5'4", but modern bikes for that price point are definitely out there. Even a lightly used Trek/Specialized/Cannondale that someone rode twice and wants to sell...

But don't let me dissuade, you if you're set on SS...definitely get brakes. Many track only bikes (older ones more often than not) won't have provisions for brake calipers and very tight clearances for narrow tires only. You don't really want that for a commute. An alternative is converting an older bike/frame to SS/fixed, you'll need an eccentic axle wheel or horizontal dropouts for that.

Best of luck on whatever you end up building! Wrenching on your own is a valuable skill.

[jr59]

Unless you need to have rack mounts: a Wabi, no question. Best production SS steel frame I've ridden (at the given price point).

http://www.wabicycles.com/classic_bike_spec_11.html

This is a good suggestion, especially given your height. If I were you, I'd be checking out the 650c Wabi.

http://www.wabicycles.com/classic_bike_spec_650C.html

@ that price point, These are hard to beat!

[pzung]

Another vote for Wabi for single speed commuter. My commute is pretty flat except for a few overpasses. Here is a picture of mine with upgraded wheels.

1697911404

[Oaktowncycle]

@ that price point, These are hard to beat!

Thanks everyone for the response! I've heard great things about Wabi cycles! Price point is right in the middle of my range.

The only reason why I'm on the fence about this one is because I want to build confidence for a velodrome ride in the future. Maybe the more traditional track bike should be my build project.

[JAllen]

Thanks everyone for the response! I've heard great things about Wabi cycles! Price point is right in the middle of my range.

The only reason why I'm on the fence about this one is because I want to build confidence for a velodrome ride in the future. Maybe the more traditional track bike should be my build project.

Then it definitely sounds like a solid choice. Keep us in the loop!

[rst72]

I'd recommend the EAI Bare Knuckle or Godzilla.