My nephew is 18 and comes from a cycling-deprived family. There's been a smattering of BSOs over the years but nothing really nice. He's decided to shell out some of his hard earned wonga on a Proper Bike, and for some reason (his mate has one, less maintenance) he's decided a fixer is the way to go. He lives near Richmond Park so thinks it'll be great for doing a few laps. I've warned him against joining London Dynamo. He'll also use it to get to work in Chessington.
Anyway, there are a couple of Spec. Langsters on Ebay and Gumtree. He's smart enough to steer away from the obviously dodgy/dishonest and has twigged that secondhand is often the way to bargainy goodnees.
Size is 56-57cm (we tried a few of my bikes on over Christmas) - he's 5'8", lean and fit. He used to row.
Budget is 250-300 notes.
I suggested perhaps that a flip flop hub would be better, so he can go single speed while he gets a grip of riding in traffic, then fixie coolness once he's mastered the gentle art of staying alive.
Any other tips and wrinkles welcome.
