Cheap Single Speed for commuting for complete newbie

[Mr.W]

Hi all,
First time posting on this forum (and a complete newbie to road cycling).
Have been MTBing for years now but have never owned a road bike.

The missus and I had our first baby a few months ago and I've found excercise time is hard to come by.
Hence, I've decided that I'd like to start cycling to work. I've also decided that the best option for me right now would be a SS/ fixie as my budget is very low, the maintenance would be less and there are no hills on the route.
So... I would love some opinions/info on the following options:

1. Cell messenger $199 delivered
2. Reid griffon. $199 delivered
3. Reid harrier. $349 delivered
4. Hasa track. $250 + $88 delivery
5. Make a suggestion [not more expensive ]

As I would like to spend as little as possible, would the additional cost of the hasa/harrier be worth it?

Look forward to hearing from all!

[Bob_TAS]

The Cell Messenger makes a nice commute and at a reasonable price. The Sugino bits were what had me sold over some of the competition. Drop bars and pedals are eagerly waiting for it to arrive. Shame that Hobart doesn't count as metro and it cost an extra $59 for postage

[cerb]

I purchased and received the Cell Messenger last week. I use it for short trips to the shops/cafes etc. - most of my rides will be about 10-15min.

Delivery was quick, assembly was quick and easy.

Wasn't expecting much, but the bike is pretty damn good for the money. Seat is comfortable, bars & brakes are fine. Wheels seem ok for me at 92kg (rode off a few gutters and got a little sidewards to see how they hold up). Might switch out the plastic pedals for something stronger and with straps, but even the supplied plastic ones aren't too bad.

Gearing is pretty good, if not a little hard (low?) for slow speeds. Although, cruising at about 26kph gives you a nice cadence of around 80, so it's probably perfect for commuting speeds.

The chain guard is pretty crap as it doesn't seem to be able to centre over the chain properly (think I'm going to take it off), but apart from that it seems to be great value for money...

[redcorpsjames]

I got one of these last week in bianchi blue. Great for the price and a nice ride

[nickobec]

5. Make a suggestion [not more expensive ]

Repco Preset $98
discussed here at length viewtopic.php?f=9&t=51119

If it was me, I would go the Cell Messenger and add dropbar and aero levers (that is what I am used to as well as bigger chainring).

[redcorpsjames]

Had that repro. P.o.s

[yolk]

Been wanting to build a single speed as a pub beater but the cell seems to fit the bill without going through the hassle of sourcing parts from all over the internet/evilbay. Alas, the kermit green is out of stock .. .grrrr .. Any idea if there's enough clearance for 28mm tyres and also how heavy is the overall build ?

Thanks

[redcorpsjames]

Not sure of the 28s. I have 25 rubinos on mine though

[Mr.W]

Thanks for the replies so far.
I was leaning towards the Cell initially so I think I might go that way.
Before I take the plunge, does anybody have info on any of the other models listed?

[Mr.W]

Does anyone also know the rough weight of the CELL Messenger?

[Mulger bill]

Been aboard a Reid Harrier since September. Mainly shop runs and general mucking about but it has done Beach Rd and the Boulevard without dramas.
No lightweight at~10kg but it's been almost bombproof and fits ME comfortably.

[Mr.W]

does anyone have any experience on both the CELL and the REID options?

[RomanTheCube]

I'd definitely grab the cell one if I didnt have a 1.5km climb to ride up as part of my commute!