Build vs. Buy Your First Fixed Gear Bike

When getting your first fixed gear bike, you'll have to decide whether you should decide to build or buy your bike. Here are the pros and cons to building vs. buying your first fixed gear bike.

[deppermeister]

great video, applies to more than just fixed gear aswel, built both my bmx and mtb fully custom with basically zero knowledge or experience beforehand and tbh im glad i did it the way i did, building a bike from scratch gives you such a better sense of how the bike works and how it all fits together, just makes you a bit more appreciative of your ride or something. Been torn the last while on wether to build a road bike or a fixed gear as my next project and this channel may have sold me on the fixed gear, great little resource for anyone looking into getting a bike

[MattSezer]

It's almost always cheaper to buy, but the personal connection and knowledge you gain from building makes the extra cost with it in many cases, even if you end up spending a little bit more.

[FlavioScorpione]

hey Zach, I have been on this channel for a long time now, and been riding for a little less than I have been following you. I rewatch many videos for fun now hahahaha and I can surely attest this, by experience, that many times a complete can disappoint you because of the way they mass appeal, having more control over what you get really is more bang for your buck, i think

[Mikenel]

Really like your thoughts on this. I have been feeling the pain of having bought used to build a bike that I want instead of new. Found a Golden Cycle fixie in decent shape for $20 (sold new for $299) on Facebook marketplace, and will be putting some money into getting basics fixed ASAP - chain replaced, brakes, new tubes. The hard part is figuring out what parts to buy for quality and low price point. Luckily found a local shop to give input and guidance.

[orirbjrk]

I'm a lifelong proponent of building your own bike. Howeve, a neat financial compromise between building and buying, is to purchase a mid range fixed gear, then add premium parts as you go. Thus budgeting the build expenses over a longer period of time. This makes the costs more palatable, without compromising the creative freedom and added perks of a built bike. It also lets you discover your riding needs and build to better accomodate them.

[xEnchy]

I built my first fixie I bought it off a kid for 100$ but it was in rough condition and with about 200$ and with help from a local bike shop I got everything I wanted and needed in a bike I even painted it and it looks amazing now

[billyagag]

Beginner here I just buy my fixed gear for P12, 000(pesos), I think in usd is around $210?. Watching your old vlogs from the start to the present uploads so I can learn more about fixed gear bikes. Watching from Philippines👋

[jesus-xryo]

Building is best, its best when you know the components you want and it stands out since its not a mass production bike... best complete bikes at the moment are state blAck label and undefeated

[adriancastaneda]

Im building mine from and old road bicycle, still a lot to do but I already know how I want it. It would be awesome to see some videos riding your bikes. Consider myself a new subscriber

[joshuamartin]

I actually bought a complete fixed gear from a pawn shop. it was my first fixed gear bike so I didn't really know what it was. I knew the brand from my bmx daze, it's a felt. I've slowly swapped out parts. I'm now to the point where I'm looking into a more aggressive frame.

[georfeshoemaker]

I say build... if you're near a major city I suggest seeking out a bike shop that sells new/used parts on consignment. Reasonable price for parts + bike shop knowledge + supporting local econ + custom build = all around win

[reinismartinsons]

I've had 3 bikes and I usually get them like this:

1.Buy old bike from ss.lv (Latvian craigslist)
2.Make it ridable
3.Break it in half a year
4.Repeat

[josesilva]

Can i get your opinion on this budget but quality track build?
Dolan pre cursa frameset
Miche pistard wheelset
Miche primato crankset
Uno seatpost
Uno stem
Crew Bike Co track drops
FSA hammer headset
Izumi chain
Spyder saddle

[jacobcobb]

Zach! I dig your videos.. I'm trying to get into track racing at the local velodrome.. I'm at a crossroads.. I have my eye on a throne prism frame which I would have to build my self (not a problem) or a state bicycle mode "6061 black label).. I'm not familiar with either of these companies so I don't know who makes a better product.. Any thoughts?

[cyruslever]

where do i buy parts?whats the vest place with decent quality and low prices

[kenjieramos]

does it count as a build if you bought a bike then replaced all of the parts?

[shawnwui]

Hi, I'm looking to get into fixed gear riding after I rode my friends fixed gear, my budget is probably below $400 since that's what I saved up. Do you have any suggestions(specific)? Btw I love your videos, you deserve way more subscribers than you have!

[syafiqm]

my first was complete, second  also complete and third build

[notendopodcast]

I live in hilly southeastern pa, is it worth getting a fixed gear? I already have road bikes and one mtn bike.

[dslapster]

Looking at getting the best inexpensive track bike. Do you still recommend the Mercier Kilo?