6 Tips For Buying A Complete Fixed Gear Bike from West Los Angeles/Palms Bicycle Center

Check out a very informative step by step guide to scoring yourself a complete fixed gear bike from Palms Bicycle Center!

6 Tips For Buying A Complete Fixed Gear Bike

Just a year ago in the fixed-gear world, the only way to get a top of the line bike was to build it from scratch. That's all changed. Sure if you want a unique headturner machine, you and your local bike shop (meaning Palms Cycles) are still going to have to paint it and accessorize it. But if you can stand to find out that someone else in the hood has your same ride, here's a guide to getting what you are looking for right out of a factory box.

1. How, Where, With Who, and For What?

Bikes are created specifically for certain types of riding, so thinking through what you will use the bike for is your number one job when selecting a complete. Do you want to ride mostly for fun? Do you want to go fast? How fast do you want to stop? Is this a show bike? Do you want to teach your bike a few tricks? You can technically use most bikes to do all of the above, but if you know what your major expectations are, it will steer you in the right direction.

2. Size Matters

We all know about the silly millimeter, but power, comfort, endurance, and injury free riding all depend on proper fit. Your sales expert at Palms Cycle is trained to help you figure out what size you need. The factories have created variations that will work for most riders after adjustments in seat and handlebars. After your sales expert gets you all set up, test out the bike out on Motor Ave and make sure you feel comfortable on it. Palms Cycle can help you to customize some aspects of the bike for no additional charge to make sure it fits you perfectly.

3. Maintenance is Part of the Price

Bikes, like cars, are better made then ever. But parts are going to wear out. But it is also true that if you pay $250 for a complete it's going to be needing more maintenance than a $1,000 bike. You will want to learn to work on your bike at least to do the simple things. Expect things on a new complete need a break in. Parts like headsets, chains, and spokes will need to be adjusted. Come in as often as you like during the first six months for free adjustments on these types of items.

4. Componentry Is Critical

It may be trite, but it is true. You get what you pay for. If the bike is spec’d with name brand parts that you trust or that we recomend, you know you are getting something better than generic parts. Also, on the “small” topic, look for a small gearing. A small sprocket in the front means less metal to get in the way of certain tricks, and less weight. At the same time, you don’t need a 25t sprocket to be cool. A 30t sprocket will still do the trick. However, if the bike comes with a 45t, watch out because the whole bike is probably outdated. HELP?


5. What Can't You Afford

Not the way you normally hear it. Let's be serious. When we are buying "fun" sometimes we get a bit carried away. Set your limit. There are bikes that will take care of most of your needs, wants and desires that won't break the bank.

6. Weight Is a Component

Going faster, further, and doing stunts and tricks is easier on a light bike. You might suspect that the less it weighs the more it costs, and you'd be right. Just be clear that weight isn't the only component that effects the fun or the performance of your bike. You may need to trade off a little weight to get other things you want. Wide tire bikes for doing some kinds of tricks will definitely be heavier that 700c tire bikes.

Chromoly is a lightweight alloy metal used on all high-end fixed gear and single speed frames, forks, and bars. Some complete bikes use a combination of steel and alloy construction in their frames, bars, and/or forks. This will raise the weight and drop the price.

A good, average weight for a complete is somewhere around 25 lbs, give or take a few.

West LA's own- Palm Cycles for your next Single Speed/Fixie!

A very cool picture of a single speed/fixie.   Make sure you check out West LA's- Palm Cycles to get one like this for yourself.   Call 310-838-9644 to start getting hooked up with the finest bikes and parts you could ask for in Los Angeles!

West Los Angeles/Palms Cycles- Serving the Cycling Community in Los Angeles Since 1930

Palms Cycles specializes in everything Fixed/Single Gear Bicycles.  Whether it an Electra, a Nirve, a Haro, a Raleigh, or a F&R they will carry it!   They also perform complete bike repair, custom built bikes, bike painting, wheel building, complete overhauls, and total vintage restoration.  Make sure to give them a call at 310-838-9644 or visit them just north of Venice Blvd on Motor Ave.- 3770 Motor Ave.  They have been taking care of all Los Angeles since 1930!

The Only Way to Roll- On an Electra Beach Cruiser from Palms Cycle West Los Angeles

Electra Beach Cruisers set the standard for beach cruisers.   To learn more about the Electra Beach Cruiser click HERE.

The Electra Beach Cruiser and many more brands of bicycles are available at Palms Cycle.  Call 310-838-9644 to learn more.

Electra Beach Cruiser Bicycle Video from Palms Cycle/West Los Angeles

Get ready for the beach.  Great for the streets.  Electra Beach Cruisers are the stylish way to get from here to there or just hang with friends and meet new ones.  Here is a little video that provides a look at a sample of this amazing bike line.

Come to Palms Cycle at 3770 Motor Ave, just over a block from the Sony Studios in Culver City and 1/2 block north of Venice in West Los Angeles (Palms 90034) to see these beauties in person.





This video created by Randy Kirk & Associates  http://www.Page1Listings.com

Electra Townie Beach Cruiser Bicycle Headquarter for West Los Angeles/Palm Cycles

The undisputed leader in style when it comes to beach cruisers is Electra.  The colors, the graphics, the lines all add up to one thing - the bomb.  Palms Cycle is exclusive retail outlet for Electra Beach Cruiser Bicycles in The West Los Angeles area including 90034 and 90066.  If you live in Santa Monica, Culver City, Palms, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Beverlywood, Westwood, or Pacific Palisades, you will find that we are the right place to shop for beach cruisers, including this incredible Electa Townie.

These rugged bikes will give you years of fun on the streets or the strand.  Whether you are hoping to make a connection or not, you will attract attention with these cruisers.  They can't help but catch the eye of other cyclists and everyone else you pass when you ride.

The fat tires and wide seats combined with flat handlebars and ergonomic design are all engineered to provide you with the most comfortable ride possible.  Some Townies also come equipped with built in carriers to provide solid platforms for bringing home the groceries, loading up the beach gear, and other local commuting options.

2010 Raleigh Venture Comfort Bicycle at Palms Cycle West Los Angeles

The oldest bike shop in Los Angeles is also the most modern. Offering everything from comfort bikes like this hot new Raleigh Venture 3.0 for 2010 to Fixed gears, custom designs, and vintage Schwinn Crates, you haven't been in a great bike store until you've been to Palms Cycle.  Check out this video on the new 2010 Raleigh Venture Comfort Bike at Palms Cycle.

New Fixed Gear by 3G Bikes for 2010 at Palms Cycle in West Los Angeles

3G is way, way out front on design and this new fixed gear bike is no exception. Palms Cycle is way out front on every aspect of fixed gear, fixie, custom builds, and everything else that is gonna make you the standout in your tribe.  Just check out this new 3G bike to get a taste.

JK Ripper Fixed Gear Bicycles by SE Bikes - 2010 DC x PK Ripper Fixed Gear at Palms Cycles in

Palms Cycle is the place to be if you are part of the fixed gear happenings in West LA. Sunday afternoons Palms Cycle is the meeting place for Smashed Up Sundays. Show up on any bike, fixie, fixed gear, Cruiser, it doesn't matter. Just come have fun. This video is about a totally sick bike that is fixed gear and limited edition. Only 2500 ever. Check it out on the video.

The Best Custom Bike Builder - Including Fixies - In Los Angeles

Your custom Fixie or Fixed Gear bicycle should do many things well. It should be light, quick, and geared perfectly to fit your riding style and needs. AND it should be dy-no-mite to look at. If you live anywhere near the real Hollywood at the corner of Venice and Motor, one block from Sony Studios, then you can walk to Palms Cycle and meet Cap Rancier, the king of Custom. Cap has been creating custom bikes for his customers and the movie industry for over 30 years. His bikes have appeared in movies, TV Shows, commercials, print ads, and music videos. With the fixie bike boom, he has been able to turn his artistic talents to an entire new genre of bicycles. This video will give you a taste of the potential waiting for you. Check out Palms Cycle if you want to be the King of Crank Mob.

No Place Quite Like Palms Cycles

From the moment you enter the front door, you know this is no ordinary bike shop. If the owner, Cap, is there (instead of tending to his antique car collection), he might give you a big howdy from clear across the store behind the counter. If his daughter, Candace, is in charge, you can count on feeling like you are the only customer ever to visit the store.

You certainly will notice the Hawaiian theme throughout the shop. You almost expect Hawaiian steel guitars and ukeleles to be playing in the background. Then there are the period bicycles. Not so surprising maybe, since Palms Cycles in only a block from Sony studios and a couple of miles from Fox. The bikes are for sale, but also for rent to the studios.

If you ask, Cap will be more than happy to show you his antique car of the day. He always has a couple parked in back, and the one he drove to work that day. If that isn't enough, you might get lucky and meet the 4th generation, Ashlynd. She is only 5, so not very good at fixing bikes yet. But one sort of expects that she might follow her great grandmother's lead some day. We'll do an article later about Grandma Rancier, who is a very young 91.

None of these fun elements distract you from the excellent bicycle selections, good stock of the best accessories, shoes, helmets, and other necessary bike stuff. And, of course, you don't stay in the business for 78 years unless your service department can do the job. With Cap fixing up the vintage bikes and cars, you might suspect he can turn a wrench on the latest rides.

SE Fixed Gear Line, Speciale, Draft, Premium Brew Stocked at Palms Cycle, West Los Angeles

Here are two videos that give you a close-up-and-personal look at the latest and greatest in SE's line of fixed gear and single speed bikes.

Fixie Bikes- Do It Yourself or Let Palms Cycle Help You 310-838-9644

Cap Rancier is a miracle maker. Whether with cars or bikes, old rusty hulks become primo show pieces. His talents are being showcased in a new way with the latest bicycle fad, fixies. Fixed gear and single speed bicycles are all the rage, and they commonly start out as a fixer upper. A solid, but lightweight used frame becomes the foundation for a very cool new street machine. Check out this video for an example of a slamming fixie designed by a customer, executed by Cap and staff. If you can Imagine it, Palms Cycle can build it.

Fixed Gear aka Fixie Bicycles Huge at Palms Cycle in West Los Angeles

Fixed gears used to be just for the track. Not anymore. Palms Cycle in West Los Angeles now carries a wide variety of Fixed Gear and Single Speed bikes for those who enjoy the fun and challenge of going without clusters, multiple chain rings, and derailleurs. Some of these bikes have one brake, some none. Flip Flop hubs provide free wheeling options. And braise ons are in place on some bikes to create the potential of conversion to a more complicated ride. Featured in this video is the Masi line, a respected name in road bikes.

Palms is now featuring a ride for all riders, all styles every Sunday at 4:00. Call the store to confirm the ride each week, but it does go out pretty much every week. Some of the rides are challenging, but no one will be dropped.

Los Angeles's Oldest Bike Shop May Get Historic Status

Candace Rancier, manager of Palms Cycle, and grand daughter of the first Rancier's to own the shop, was interviewed on the national nonprofit radio program Living on Earth for release the week of June 27.

Find the review here.

In addition, the Palms-Village Sun wrote that the location of the shop is being considered for historic society listing. Read the details here.

The artwork to the left was originally part of the sign on the building, but was removed because of damage. It is easy to see that the eclectic personalities that bought the shop in the 60's continue the tradition with the most unique shop in Los Angeles County today.