Image via Complex Original
We may not be experiencing "peak fixie" anymore, but a fixed-gear bike is still a great way to get around for those easily flummoxed by gears and brakes and such. And while too much may have been made of the "purity" of fixed-gear riding, and the hipster backlash may leave you wondering what exactly your bike says about you, they're still loads of fun. And, thanks to companies rushing to supply the seemingly insatiable demand, there are plenty of fixed gear models to choose from. So before you turn to Craigslist and buy some kid's deathtrap conversion he made from an old Free Spirit he bought at a garage sale, take a look through The 10 Best Fixed Gear Bikes Under $500.
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Vilano WAVE Freestyle
Price: $199.95
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With its triple-triangle frame design (just look at it), curvy seat tube and vibrant '80s color schemes (along with basic black), the Vilano WAVE Freestyle is already a standout. And for $199.95, hell, might as well buy every color. It's even got a full chromoly frame and fork, a feature you might not find on bikes that cost twice as much.
Pure Fix "The India"
Price: $329
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We highly doubt this bike from Pure Fix has turned heads "from Brooklyn to Bangalore," but if you missed out on the black and gold Obey x Fuji bike a few years back, this is a reasonable facsimile at a beyond-reasonable price.
SE Lager
Price: $219
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SE Bikes (formerly SE Racing) names all its "urban" bikes after styles of beer (there's even a "Tripel"), which means there theoretically could be a House of Pain "Fine Malt Liquor" collab one day. Someone connect Danny Boy with Todd Lyons. (Er, about the Lager - can't go wrong with the color, and the fat tires are perfect for not-so-perfect roads.)
BAMF Assassin
Price: $399.99
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If you are looking for a sinister-looking track bike, look no further. The BAMF Assassin could be none more black, and is perfectly suited for city living (although the true track geometry might take a little getting used to). Sure, the frame is hi-ten steel, but it's BLACK, man. As for what BAMF stands for, you can figure it out. (Side note: It's interesting that the BAMF site lists the MSRP as $399.99, but clicking on "Buy It Now" takes you to a site where it's $429.99.)
Projekt Fixie Stealth Fixed Gear City Bike
Price: $249
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With the exception of the front brake, this bike has no cables and wires, giving it a sweet minimalist aesthetic. In addition to the stripped-down and simple look, Projekt Fixie added classic, pin-riveted BMX pedals to give the bike a "traditional" feel as you cruise through the city with it. Moreover, the all-black everything color scheme exudes a smooth, yet tough, aura that several riders will appreciate. And for only $249, the Stealth comes as a bargain for anybody looking for a exceptional combination of style and performance.
Strada Customs
Price: $449
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Strada prides itself on its made-to-order fixies (and posts a ton of them on their Instagram), which amounts to being able to select the color of every component down to individual rims and tires. Just like when customizing sneakers, however, it's best to remember that just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should.
Schwinn Madison
Price: $379
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The Madison is the top-of-the-line fixed gear Schwinn offers, which isn't great news to those who grew up lusting after USA-made Paramounts. The vintage-inspired saddle, crankset and headbadge don't necessarily go with the deep-V rims and flat bars either, but what do you expect for $379.99? (Or the full retail of $639.99, for that matter.)
Mercier Kilo TT Stripper Chrome
Price: $449
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The Mercier Kilo TT is more or less the Pabst Blue Ribbon of fixed gears—it's cheap, it's readily available, and when used (in moderation) it provides a good buzz. The components are typical Bikes Direct generic (although we were pleasantly surprised by the Kevlar-beaded folding Kenda tires), but the frameset is real Reynolds chromoly, the chrome is shiny, and the "Stripper" designation means you can take the decals off. And unlike PBR, it will be delivered right to your door.
Republic Bikes x Portlandia Aristotle
Price: $459
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Naming a fixed gear the Portlandia seems like an oxymoron, but hey, whatever works. Republic's tribute to the Pacific Northwest is an upright bike done up in safety orange with their own one-piece handlebar/basket combo. The hub is flip-flop just in case fixed doesn't prove to be your thing (or if you don't want to spill your six-pack).
Fuji Feather
Price: $469.99
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The Fuji Feather barely slips in below the $500 threshhold, but you're getting a lot of bike for your half a G: Full chromoly frame, sealed bottom bracket, flip-flop Formula hubs, and a whole gruppo's worth of Fuji-branded componentry (the radial-laced front wheel is a particularly nice touch). The bars are "keirin style wrapped," which translates to "get used to holding cold steel."
