Evolve Fixed Gear Bike - Aluminum Flat bar (700CC)

Customer service: 5/5. When this part arrived, it was missing a critical part. I emailed RapidCycle directly explaining my situation and asking if they needed any further proof of my order, but I received a response directly from their co-founder saying they were mailing the part directly to me, no questions asked.Self-assembly: 4/5. I didn't have much trouble since I have a mechanical engineering background and love self-assembly and can pretty easily decipher ambiguous instructions, but I can see how this could be difficult for someone to assemble without much background knowledge especially considering that the instructions sent with the bike were not a perfect match (they're generic instructions for all of the RapidCycle bikes, but some parts do not apply to this specific model).Build: 5/5. As a 4'11 shortie, I was worried the frame wouldn't fit me, but I can just barely touch the ground when tilting the bike for getting on/dismounting. Also, as a 4'11 weakling, I love love love how lightweight this bike is. It is literally half the weight of my old cruiser. I could throw this thing (but I won't)!Ride: 5/5. Smooooooth. I've always liked single speed bikes but never rode one this lightweight before. I feel like I'm flying down the streets compared to huffing and puffing in the past.Recommend: YES :D.

Pros:1. Quick acceleration.2. 2.55 gear ratio and medium lightness makes it slightly better than other cheap single speed bikes on inclines.3. Sturdy frame.4. Looks nice.Cons:1. worthless brake(s). They squeal, slip, get bumped out of position easily, are high friction (you have to pull harder to brake).Upgrading brakes is a must, nothing too expensive. You need to upgrade both brake and the brake lever, and get two (this only comes with one which isn't safe).2.Seat is a rock, upgrading that is a must too.3. I bought it used from Amazon warehouse, was missing pedals, front skewer, and instruction manual (though you shouldn't need the manual). This may not be the manufacturer's fault but Amazon's fault. I could have returned it but I didn't want to go through the hassle, I bought them from a local bike shop from my own pocket.4. Wobbly wheels, out of true by 1/8" (which is a lot). Requires going to the bike shop to get repaired. If you are lucky it may just be a tension adjustment. If you are unlucky, the rim could be bent and has to be replaced entirely.Neutral points:-Not as light as you think. 22 lbs is light for a cheap $250 bike, but most quality road bikes are even lighter and that's WITH gears.- I'm 5'7" , I got the small size and it seems fits just right with the seat raised to about level with the handlebar.-I recommend upgrading to bullhorn handlebars with bar end brakes instead of this flat bar (it feels more comfortable this way and gives greater leverage for inclines).-If you are new to biking, which you most likely are if you are considering this bike, be careful you screw on the pedals correctly. Do research on bike pedals, it's not as simple as you think. If you do it wrong, the threads will wear out and the whole crankset has to be replaced, which is costly.-Overall, not good considering all the added costs from repairs and mandatory upgrades. The biggest danger is damaged rims, which is costly. You could always return it if yours come damaged but the hassle is the problem... But considering the price, It is alright. You should consider getting a new quality defect-free road bike with gears for just a couple hundred dollars more.

What a nice well made bike which totally blows away anything else in a Fixie - find myself grabbing this off the rack more than my composite Felt for rides as don't need to get all duded up and it rides effortlessly.

The small version is small for me amd im 5'7 so I would get the medium if you are taller than 5'5ish. Other than that light, easy to assrmble, great ride and feels high quality. Rear break is weak and took some time to adjust properly to feel confident about breaking ability.

I cannot put the left pedal in. The threads on the part you put them in are damaged.

Simply awesome....fast delivery and great product. Easy to assemble. Took it for a spin right after assembly and it felt great. Had to lube it abit, chain, and bearings since they felt dry but nothing to worry, guessing it was preassemble for awhile. Highly recommend and showing it off this weekend at circuits..thanks

90% "assembled"? yes.90% road ready? No!Take the box to your local bike shop. Don't bother with the hassle (like I did for about 5 hours) of trying to figure out how to get the brakes working properly (they do not work out of the box).If you insist on putting this good looking and fun bike together yourself, use the website listed below because the included instructions 1) are actually for a different model than this bike (this bike has the quick release front wheel) and 2) lack clear and detailed pictures.http://www.rapidcyc.com/assembly/I will add more here when I have time about the assembly process, and why I would recommend not trying it at all on your own.

great bike!!! took off the handle bars and breaks put on new drop bars and new crank set. no need to replace the original items they work great I just like to ride without breaks and drop bars.