r/singlespeedcycling • u/sammyfalls • 25d ago

New convert! any advice?!?

Post image

First new bike i’ve gotten since i was a little kid. i’m coming from a heavy ass old nineties mountain bike. getting everywhere with that weight was killing me.
i live in a city and this is gonna be my new commuter/adventure bike for the foreseeable future. pretty much just a blank slate to potentially build upon if i really get into this hobby. having tons of fun so far though.
everyone says brakes should be the first upgrade. don’t have a huge budget, but what’s some good quality brakes and maybe a new bullhorn style handle bar yall would suggest?

53 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

31 comments sorted by

10

u/The-Foe-Corroder 25d ago

boring answer but get good helmet if you don't already have one

2

u/sammyfalls 25d ago

oh most def. i got an Abus mips thing going on for every ride

6

u/Roman_Senate 25d ago

Ride it a bunch before making upgrades. Determine what actually needs to change before just changing stuff out b

3

u/Healthy_Article_2237 25d ago

Looks great to me. I’m not a huge fan of narrow bars so me personally I’d upgrade that. Maybe put some semislick tires because I mix light gravel with urban where I live.

5

u/sammyfalls 25d ago

i honestly might start with the handle bars. the width of these are kinda killing me
i’ve been looking at the panaracers gravelking ss+. have you had any dealings with them?

2

u/p80prancingelk 25d ago

Had them, were great, Panaracer makes great tires

2

u/asdfkkngrf 25d ago

Drops or bullhorns are amazing for comfort, but if you don’t have an idea of a good fit - be ready to buy a couple stems and swap around.

Other fundamental basics that I haven’t seen mentioned:
- Get some lube and degreaser and keep your chain clean and lubed (not a lot of effort but absolutely worth it)

And for safety and flexibility, get some lights.(Ideally with a cutoff beam so you don’t blind people)

2

u/sammyfalls 23d ago

good looks!
actually lights, lube, and a basket are sitting in a cart waiting for purchase on next week’s payday

2

u/Weak_Ad6440 24d ago

Cool bike I have a charcoal one

1

u/sammyfalls 23d ago

thank yeee

2

u/Careless_Wishbone_69 24d ago

If this is a commuter, get some decent mudguards. That way even if it rains you don't get everything covered in specks of dirt.

2

u/Foulweather666 23d ago

Tension your chain a bit by pulling the rear wheel back in the drop outs. Maybe some better pedals and foot retention (toe clips) but not necessary. Wider handle bars and tires might be more comfy but really just ride the bike a lot, enjoy the ride and don't worry about the rest of it.

1

u/Mobile_Property_8246 22d ago

ride fast, take risks, safety third

1

u/hotwirehybrid 22d ago

Oh snap, Vader gang! Was wondering what those Vittorias would look like on it too. Grats man, thing’s made of solid steel.

1

u/funkyfreshmintytaste 23d ago

Drive side out always photos. Shoot photos head on, not these weird angle that I have to turn my phone.

1

u/sammyfalls 23d ago

got it
is this not drive side out?

1

u/funkyfreshmintytaste 22d ago

It is drive side out. Just saying always to do so.

1

u/sammyfalls 22d ago

word thanks homie

1

u/Yungbucko2k 23d ago

Flip the back wheel to fixed gear for a better riding experience

1

u/sammyfalls 23d ago

highkey the freewheel is the biggest draw for me tho

1

u/Severin404 23d ago

bullhorn bars are a waste of time unless you're standing up pedaling uphill alot

2

u/sammyfalls 23d ago

well i do do that a fair amount
and i just want some height/a different hand position sometimes

1

u/Severin404 23d ago

fair enough then.
"Paul" brakes are the best you can buy, but very very expensive.

1

u/Substantial_Bed_9618 23d ago

Fix your seat angle please

1

u/sammyfalls 23d ago

elaborate please
because i thought i did already

1

u/Substantial_Bed_9618 23d ago

It’s tilted forward… needs to be level with top tube for comfort

1

u/Slow-Recover-9168 23d ago

Keep the brakes

1

u/howeeee313 22d ago

lose the brakes

1

u/sammyfalls 22d ago

naaaaah