Hello,

My current commuting bike is an electra cruiser, but after a car crash and several years of abuse I'm looking to upgrade to something new. The cruiser was cool but way too heavy in the long run, I reckon I can make my 35 min commute 10 mins shorter on a lighter bike.

I could take my old Cove Stiffee frame and build this up with mud guards and a rack, but I think this would be sacrilege. Likewise I could take my road bike and stick on some bigger tyres plus mud guards/rack, but that just wouldn't be right either.

So, the current trend seems to be fixie oriented, I reckon this could be fun for a little while, but in the long term could be a pain, does anyone have experience with this? In any case singlespeed is just fine as there are only baby hills en route.

I've had a look at: Charge Bikes Plug Grinder. Obviously I'd have to kit this out with a rack, which would probably ruin it's lines a little…

What are you running, any recommendations? I don't really want to spend more than 600/700 bucks if possible….

does the grinder come with rack mounts? think not (seems to be an omission..)

I have a Pearson Touche – space for 28 section tyres, mudguards and a rack.. it is alloy with carbon fork.. they also do a steel version

The Hanzo is £550 – here is a picture

and you can semi customise when you buy like flat bars, drops, bull horns, mudguards, etc etc
http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/page/113/Pearson_Hanzo

I've got a specialized single cross that could run fixed (it has a flip flop hub)

It's got full length SKS 'guards on it and has rack mounts (I've also got a blackburn rack I could include).

looks less svelte than the steel stuff but comfortable and weather proof.

lukeDOTburstowAThotmailDOTcoDOTuk if you're interested.

edit: 56cm frame, btw.

Thanks guys, I didn't consider the lack of rack mounts. I guess the plug is too cool for them..

I should have mentioned that I am currently in Munich, getting hold of local bikes could be a pain, I can get the big hitters, Giant, Specialized etc, plus Surly, Charge and a few others. Anyone rate any of the following?

Raleigh Rush Hour
Trek Soho S
Surly Steamroller
Swobo Sanchez
Bianchi Pista Flatbar
Kona Paddy Wagon

The Soho S looks boring but looks to be pretty practical…

Cheers,

Al.

paddy wagon is good.

re being in germany…
how about Cube Hooper?

http://www.cube-bikes.de/xist4c/web/hooper_id_36155_.htm – hub gear

or Hyde
http://www.cube-bikes.de/xist4c/web/hyde-grey_id_36156_.htm

or:
Fahrrad Manufaktur EN1S – though might be a bit steep? 800 euro but comes with disc and guards and brooks saddle so not so bad and well made bikes
http://fahrradmanufaktur.de/?page_id=600

Thanks lads, actually I stopped by the Trek store on my way home and fell in love with this:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/urban/district/district/

In green, not the nickable Grey/Orange…

Is now being built up with bigger tyres, mud guards and a rack. I also tried the Soho, but somehow didn't get on with it, the rear is super heavy due to the geared hub.

Will be picking up tonight 😀

cool belt drive! nice bike that trek fixie style but not too much