What to get?!?!?!

[col200]

Hey all,
My main rig is a Giant VT1 with nice components on it. It's fantastic bike but I don't want to use it to ride around the lakes or commute to work with....just too much to worry about (clipless shoes, somebody stealing it, full suspension isn't the best for going long distances on flat ground). Basically, I want to get another bike....a "junker" bike you could say. Something that doesn't LOOK like it's worth stealing...like the VT. I'm thinking either getting a low end cyclocross bike (KHS CX100) or a Gary Fisher Marlin and putting on some slicker tires. What do you guys think? I'm caught in a jam...basically, what would you pick? btw-I have no road bike experience whatsoever.

[waitabit]

Go visit Gene and Reed at 1 on 1 bikes, they'll hook you up.

[FSSS]

Yeah, like Mike said. Check out one-on-one:

http://www.oneononebike.com/home.php

I've never been down in the basement, but I hear it is full of old bikes... I thought I remember seein' pics of it on the web? I'm kinda scared to go down there - from the sounds of it, there would be WAY too much tempation for me to start another project.

Find something to convert to SS... or even fixed. Less parts the better.

[halls]

I built a singlespeed over the winter . Best bike project in years. (Why did i wait so long?) It's simple,cheap and not really noticeable to most folks.
I picked up an old Specialized Mtn. frame (steel) from a friend . I've heard one-on-one is great or Surly has some great frames to choose from.

[col200]

Thanks for the advice. I just sold my SS actually. I liked it alot but just wasn't cutting it for long distance rides. I need gears for speed on those long rides. Riding from here to shakoppe and back takes FOREVER on a SS. I'll check out one-on-one and see what I come up with. A cross does sound good but everything I've looked at is pretty spendy and I don't want junk.

[FSSS]

Thanks for the advice. I just sold my SS actually. I liked it alot but just wasn't cutting it for long distance rides. I need gears for speed on those long rides. Riding from here to shakoppe and back takes FOREVER on a SS. I'll check out one-on-one and see what I come up with. A cross does sound good but everything I've looked at is pretty spendy and I don't want junk.

What gear ratio did you have on the previous SS?
(Was it the Monocog that you sold on here recently?)

With the right gear, SS can still be a good option - even for longer commutes.
Especially if you get a road/cx bike - better riding position, lighter weight, and narrow, slick tires will make a big difference over commuting on a Monocog.

tp

[col200]

yeah, that was the one. I agree it was geared towards offroad riding but I did like commuting on it. Like I said, when I want to go the distance, the speed wasn't there. The cyclocross seemed a good option for me for two reasons: 1)Faster tires and "road bike" like position
2)Tough frame and rims...enough to hold 200lbs!

Basically, I'd like to not spend much money on this bike. I've put alot into my VT and just want a bike to cruise around town (or to the liquor store and some BBQ's). I was told to go down to One-on-one bikes to see what they have. Does anyone have much experience with them on the used bike selection? I know about the junk heap downstairs but what am I looking at paying for a cyclocross bike from One-on-One?

[FSSS]

Well, all this talk has made me think I need a new project (only been a few months since the last one - this may be getting out of control). I think I've been spending a little too much time looking at the Fixed Gear Gallery lately.

It'll be an SS, probably fixed, commuter.
I have 2 old bikes to choose from: early 90's Fisher Supercaliber MTB or an 80's Trek road bike. I'm leaning toward using the Trek.

My inspiration (and both look pretty fast to me):

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/g/gibson.htm
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/g/gibson1.jpg

And this one:
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2005/feb/tomj.htm
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2005/feb/tomj.jpg

[jeffgude]

Depending on how much you want to spend.... I bought a Surly Cross-check frameset and built it up with mostly leftover mtb parts. if you are looking for something to use to commute, this is ideal. Mine is set up with a flat bar and all mtb stuff, except the wheels of course.

[col200]

I found a KHS CX100 cross bike practically brand new for $500. Does anyone know if that's a good deal?

[Tex]

I think $500 sounds like a good deal.

If you really want to keep it cheap, go check out the area pawn shops. I bought my sister a nice Trek Hybrid at the one in St. Louis Park for around $100.

[SickBoy]

Be wary of any racer selling a cyclocross bike, even if it has only been "raced" one season..... this is coming from a guy who races cx, btw...