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  1. Hi Will. I am a high wheeler who is also a year round bike commuter in Maryland doing 10 mi round trip on a Trek Hybrid. I want to get a fixie that mimics the gearing of a 54″ high wheel so I can practice my cadence training but I need it to be a commuter bike with a bike rack for transporting personal and work gear. Can you recommend a fixie that is durable enough to be a good commuter bike and allows for a chainwheel/cog set that mimics 54″ high wheel gearing?

    1. Hi Shayne, you mean like a penny-farthing? I’m not certain, since those are direct drive it’s tricky to compare. But I imagine a standard ratio of around 46-16 would compare somewhat favourably. And cog and chainring are very easy to change if you find it too dissimilar. This site offers some interesting data on high wheelers to fixed gear ratios.

      As for which bike, I think the Nashbar Cyclocross would make a most excellent and durable commuter.

  2. No Mercier kill tt off of bikes direct? It’s well respected amongst the urban cycling community for using really high quality steel and a tight geometry.

  3. Hello,

    I was wondering your thoughts on LifestyleHQ single speed bikes. They seem a bit overpriced but I wanted to know if you were familiar with the quality, etc.

    Thanks!

    Fiona

  4. Stuck between the Nashbar and the Pure. I will mostly be riding on paved roads and may go down some well packed dirt trails. I did just sell by 2015 Giant Defy 3. I liked the speed but didn’t feel overly comfortable on the smaller tires. Any recommendations?

    1. I LOVE my Pure Fix. It is very light, comfortable and fast. I will only ride it on paved trails, tires and wheels are super skinny. Just be aware that it only comes with a front brake. That has never been an issue for me, even on hills. People are always stopping me to look at it. Mine is a purple frame, with pink tires/white wheels and pink hand grips. Yes, very girly, but a beautiful bike.

  5. The SE Draft is also a solid contender at $250.00. Nice, solid and attractive bike. I just bought one for my niece, and she loves it. They make a range of urban bikes; all of them are nice for the price.

  6. Great article. Anyone new to a fixed gear should have a read of this first. Appreciate your time and detail, from a fixie fan.

  7. I really like your reviews! I have a $400 budget. I was thinking about the Retrospect Mantra. Would you recommend I go with that or would you recommend something else?

  8. Thank you for a very honest, clear and candid review I’d read 2 others since an trying to get me a affordable but good fixie and they weren’t as clear as yours.
    BTW would you have an opinion on the 700c Kent Thruster bike brand and the Hand built brand please?
    Thank you one more time 🙂

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