Cheap Merlin Single Speed

[biggs682]

Anybody got one or likely to get one ?

https://www.merlincycles.com/retros...1_1472072543_a7f6cd7d3c47c99474849686dd0839d4

 

[Sharky]

No, but noticed on the SJS site, you can get a fixed frame for £29!

 

[plasticniki]

I bought one of these to give my road bike, which I use to commute on, a break. "Assembled" it last night (it says it's sold boxed, not built, but it came as "built" as other mail-order bikes come, so, fine) and rode it to work today.

Pretty, pretty pretty good. I've not ridden a single speed before (my only other current ride is a slightly-modified Triban 3 which I've been using to commute on and for weekends for long rides for about a year) and my commute in London, 12km each way, is fairly flat, so a single speed would be ideal. This rides nice, though I can feel the bumps way more than in my Triban. Getting up to speed from a stop was a bit of a shock this morning, but looking at Strava my speed/time was no different than normal, and I only assume this will improve. Brakes feel alright, though I will probably replace the pads with something else, as well as the tyres which feel rubbish, and I'd prefer bullhorns and SPD pedals. It's a bit heavy (I reckon 11kg), but I'm hoping this helps with the "bullet-proof"-ness?

Once I get stronger at starting I'll swap the hub over to fixed and have a go at that I think.

Mainly I think it's a decent buy if you want something for chucking about and something low-maintenance.

 

[biggs682]

@plasticniki thanks for the comments , i have been using one of my single speed bikes the last few weeks and i find themjust as quick as my other bikes over most rides

glad to hear you are liking it please keep the thread updated

 

[simongt]

I've toyed with the idea of a single speed; not a fixie, for ages. The idea of being able to belt around the city on a light, no nonsense bike appeals to me. However, with the state of my ageing knees and not having any carrying capacity - I don't like using rucksacs on bikes for any distance - it may not come to pass - !

 

[biggs682]

I've toyed with the idea of a single speed; not a fixie, for ages. The idea of being able to belt around the city on a light, no nonsense bike appeals to me. However, with the state of my ageing knees and not having any carrying capacity - I don't like using rucksacs on bikes for any distance - it may not come to pass - !

if ever you are near to Wellingborough give me a shout and you can try one of my single speeders

 

[plasticniki]

@plasticniki thanks for the comments , i have been using one of my single speed bikes the last few weeks and i find themjust as quick as my other bikes over most rides

glad to hear you are liking it please keep the thread updated

Will do!

I have nothing to compare it to. Was actually toying with the idea of getting something more expensive (Fuji Track / Feather, or a Specialized Langster), but as my main road bike only cost me £199 and has been a dream for a year, I can't justify spending more than that on a commuter / hack bike. If this keeps going for a year (I'm hoping more) to work and back and if I can do maintenance myself (I'm fine with brakes and chains, I guess it's servicing stuff like hubs and headsets and truing wheels / fixing spokes I won't be able to do) I will be very pleased.

 

[simongt]

if ever you are near to Wellingborough give me a shout and you can try one of my single speeders

Thanks for the kind offer biggs682. If I'm ever that way, I'll give you a look.