Opting for the Golden Cycles Fixed Gear bike has been a commendable choice, particularly considering its price point. In this personal review, I’ll break down my experience with different components and provide insights for potential buyers.
I went for the 63 cm frame, being 6’3″-6’4″. The fit is impeccable, addressing my previous discomfort with 58 cm frames. Sizing seems well-suited for taller riders.
Familiar with bike assembly, I tackled putting this one together myself. Completion time was around an hour with some fine-tuning.
Components:
- Frame: Simple, clean, and visually appealing.
- Pedals: Surprisingly better than expected, though I’m contemplating an upgrade.
- Crank Set: Sturdier than anticipated, a robust piece of metal that seems capable of handling more abuse than its price range suggests.
- Rims: Generic Deep Vs that were impressively true out of the box.
- Tires: Higher quality than expected.
- Seat: Basic and hard, takes a few days to get used to, but functions adequately.
- Grips: Replaced the generic ones immediately for a smoother feel.
- Brakes: Adequate performance; a little extra care can improve stopping power.
- Handlebars: As expected, but the geometry feels a bit off, making turns overly responsive.
Before the Golden Cycles, I had a less satisfactory experience with a more expensive Pure Fix bike. The Golden Cycles outshines it in terms of quality and overall performance.
Recommendations:
This bike is an excellent choice for casual riders, commuters, and those who enjoy customization options. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for serious fixed gear, trick, track, or marathon riders. It’s an entry-level bike, and if your needs align with those specific activities, consider something like a Fuji Feather tailored to your preferences.