Good Commuter bike (single speed?)

[dodsi]

My current Specialized bike has just give up the ghost... had it about 4 years and the drive train needs replacing basically (9 speed shimano deore) which in parts is about £200 + labour etc...

My thoughts are, chuck a few more hundred in and I have £600 or so to buy a new bike.

a single speed seems like a good no-hassle option as my commute is flat and about 3 miles each way plus I would do some more blatting about in town = it is all flat around here so hills are not an issue Plus I have a decent trek madone for long jaunts which I don't want to spoil commuting and leaving out in all weathers.

I quite like the Kona Bandwagon and can get a 62cm frame (I am 6ft 5) for about £580

Any other recommendations? any other good single speeds?

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Try finding a second hand older specialized Langster with a steel frame. Quite sought after though.

On-one pompino would be my choice though. Have flat or drop bar versions.

https://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPMPRS/on_one_pompino_flat_bar_urban_bike
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[chris-red]

If it is just the drive train and you want a single speed why not convert your current bike to single speed? Parts should be less than £150 probably closer to £100, fitting it isn't /that/ difficult you could even use your current crank if you don't mind it looking messy, it'll be even cheaper then.
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[dodsi]

[stinkwheel]

Here's what I spent on my one (I have a different saddle and crankset from the picture):
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/stinkwheel/1CIMG0589.jpg

Frame (complete 1973 Puch) - £35 from car boot sale.
Shimano sealed BB -£7
Sturmey Archer crankset - £36
Pair of Schwalbe tyres - £50
Tubes and rim tape - £10
North road bars - £20
Pair of dual-action brake callipers - £30
Set of shimano brake levers - £16
QR front wheel - £70
Saddle - £10
Freewheel - £7
Pedals - £7
Bar tape - £4

£302 total.

Genesis make quite a nice wee single speed called a flyer. Nice looking bike and well put together:
https://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/2a0/545/209/63739/product_page/genesis-flyer-2012-single-speed-bike.jpg

Or there is the Surley Crosscheck SS which I quite like the look of and is very versatile on terms of the bits you can fit to it.
https://surlybikes.com/uploads/bikes/cross_check_blark_due.jpg
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[dodsi]

I do like those flyers, just came in over budget. Not sure on dropped bars for a commuter as used my trek madone today which is not suited around town. However its a bit late as my kona bandwagon will be here Monday.

[stinkwheel]

[dodsi]

it's fair comment, I took the judgement on quality of components vs price and style I wanted.

Really like the genesis flyer but it came over budget.

I need a 61cm/62cm frame so this limits me further as for bargain (last years) model bikes.

The other option was a Globe Roll 2 which has cheap parts fitted but came in at £350. after changing the cruddy tyres and saddle (£100 minimum) it's not such a bargain as the componants are cheap.

The Bandwagon looked like a bike that off the peg would suit me - I am well up for customizing with mustache bars if i feel the need but really for the flat town riding this is for I think it could be ideal.

If I want to get out in the countryside - i would take the madone with it's ever-so-lovely 105 groupset and SPD's