I'm going to buy a bike. I want a single-speed road bike, and I have two options.?

The first option is to buy a new road bike that I like for 450 and then convert it myself (which I have no idea how) later on.
The second option is to buy a used bike that has already been converted for about the same.
Which bike would last longer? HOw do I make sure the bikes last longer? Is it hard to convert a bike to a single speed? What resources do I have to research such a venture?

I just think that single speeds make so much sense. They're simple, durable, and long lasting. Well, that is my impression. Please, please, please answer all the question you can. I would appreciate it greatly. I just want to make the best decision possible.

Your impressions about single speed bikes are correct. I assume you understand the difference between single speed and fixed gear bikes. If you don't you need to find out.

Unless you have been riding a bike for awhile you're not going to know what the best gear ratio you'll want for your SS bike. If you live in a hilly area you'll want something that is somewhat easy to pedal uphill but not so easy that going downhill will slow you down drastically. This is more important if you are on a fixed gear bike.

I would recommend getting a multi-speed road bike that while you ride you can keep track of what gears you use most often. If you find that you use 3 or 4 gear ratios most of the time, pick one and stay in that setting. Do a couple of your usual rides like that. You will get a pretty good feel if you are comfortable with a single speed. If one doesn't work for you try another. You can use that information to decide what gearing you might want on a single speed or fixed gear bike.

You can then convert your multi speed bike to one speed. It's not too difficult. You should be able to do it yourself with a little guidance from a local bike shop. They should be willing to help if you buy what ever parts you are going to need from them.

You can retain the brake/shifter levers or you can replace them with just brake levers. You won't need the shifter cables anymore in either case. You can discard the front and rear derailleurs.

The most important thing about setting up a SS bike is getting the chain line correct. This may or may not entail changing the bottom bracket and spindle to accommodate which chain ring you pick. You will probably be able to use the rear wheel with spacers on the cassette to position whichever cog you want. This is where a bike shop mechanic will be helpful.

A $450 road bike is going to have entry level components which you will probably end up throwing away. their resale value will be very low. If it has a steel frame that will be quite serviceable for your conversion. A steel frame will last longer than any other material provided you keep it from rusting. It is the most repairable frame material.

As to which bike will last longer, the SS bike will go farther between tune ups because there is no gear shifting, usually the cause for most trips to a bike shop. You still have to maintain the chain, brakes, bottom bracket, headset, wheels and tires on both periodically, generally on the same schedule.

You can got to this website for basic information on bike maintenance: http://www.parktool.com/. Also a local bike shop should be able to instruct you in basic maintenance.

Go to this site for basic information about single speed/fixed gear bikes: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed....

if 450 is your price point youd do better to purchase a pre made single speed, so you arent paying for equipment you are not using, derailurers extra gears shifters and whatnot. check out IRO, bianchi pista, randal and scott thomasso. all are great premade ss bikes and ithing each is pretty close to your budget.
good luck,

Personally, I would suggest buying a bike with gears and convert it. The conversion is easy (read up on SS on the link below)

To covert to a SS, you simply remove the rear cassette and install some spacers and whatever cog you want on the rear wheel. You need to use the spacers to ensure your chainline is lined up with your chain ring in the front. Remove the front and rear d茅railleur and associated cables. Remove one of the chain rings.

Sometimes you will need a chain tensioner, sometimes you won't. it depends if the bike has horizontal dropouts or vertical. If horizontal, you don't need a tensioner because you can simply slide the wheel back to add tension to the chain. If vertical, you can sometimes come up with the right combination of front gear and rear cog to give you the right chain length, so as not to require a tensioner. If you can't get this magic gear ratio, you will need a tensioner.

The reason I say to buy the geared bike then convert is that you might not like SS. If you buy the geared version, you can switch back easily. Not all SS bikes are capable of being run with gears due to lack of a derailleur hanger and lack of cable stops.

The only difference between maintenance for SS vs geared is the gears and cables. Your SS still has wheels, tires, bearings, chain, etc. that all need periodic maintenance.

PS: Just keep in mind that if you buy a used bike, you will forego the frame warranty and bike shop service that comes with a new bike. If the used bike is a bargain at $450, it might be worth doing.

well it all depends on the used bike you would be getting. if it is something fancy bianchi or so, go for that one. converting a new bike to ss will run you about 200 extra
carlos
http://www.bikingthings.com

I just saw a single speed road bike at my local Perfomance bike store for $200 ! New...Ok if you live in an area with no hills.

Call me a purist, but I just can't stand a geared bike that has been converted to SS (unless, of course, it has track-ends, semi-horizontal dropouts, EBB, or adjustable dropouts). I'm sure a SS conversion that utilizes a vertical dropout frame with a chain tensioner is every bit as functional as a dedicated SS, it's just...funky. Kinda like a post-operative transexual. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it's just, er, unnatural, and not as aesthetically pleasing as the real thing. If you're building up a dirtbag commuter on the cheap, and a geared road bike is what comes your way for the least amount of money, doing a SS conversion is simple and cheap. You'll need a BMX cassette cog, spacers, and a SS chain tensioner (like a Surly Singleator, which retails for maybe $35 bucks). If the bike in question has STI levers, SELL THEM. You can pickup a decent set of Tektro road levers for $20 bucks new. As far as durability/longevity issues, nobody here knows what kind of parts either of the bikes in question already have on them, or what kind of condition they are in. If you could provide us with a little more info, we might be able to help you make a better decision.
Good Luck.
Rusty.

I would get a used steel road bike for $150 or more, some new wheels off of price point for $109 dollars, and get a single speed conversion kit for about $20. The get a good manual and take the bike apart and build it up as a single speed. Then you know how it works and good ways to fix stuff. If you get stuck don't be afraid to go to your bike shop and let them tell you how to do it and then thank them. I have converted an old road bike the same way and it is really fun. the best website for information is <>http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.... This website will give you all of the basics.