Wico Bikes
The economy is bad, times are hard... or so I've heard. That doesn't mean you can't afford to ride fixed. If you ask me, you can't afford NOT to. Over the past year, Bikes Direct has been the main if not only player for complete budget track bikes. But more recently, a new player has entered the game - Wico. We knew absolutely nothing about them other than what we saw on craigslist, so we made a trip to Downtown LA to get the 411.
Wico - Suite 411 in a crazy building in DTLA
Wico is a pretty cool operation - imported from Asia and manufactured in the same factory as FUJI bikes. The process was simple; come in, pick your size, pick your color, pick your bars/grips and you're out the door for $300. At an upsell, you can also change the colorways on a few components. Patrick Winget runs the show. He can help get you rolling without breaking the bank. Call him at 818-618-6794 to arrange a visit to the showroom. Oh, and did I mention they powedercoat? I saw a gold flake job on a set of Weinmann's and Patrick mentioned a custom half black/white job he recently did for a customer. Something to keep in mind...
We stopped by DRIF LA, while Patrick was fixin' up Diz's new bike at Wico.
from DRIF
Back in Venice, later that night - Diz's new Wico (right)
Chris's new Giant - skids and Tecate in Venice, Beach
10 comments:
Hey- I've been thinking about getting a Wico bike but am not sure if the components are of good quality (not so bike savy over here). Your input? Thanks!
Hey,
I'd say they're of comparable quality to the components you'd see on a BikesDirect bike (I make this comparison because they're at similar pricepoints). But remember, you get what you pay for so dont expect Sugino or Miche level quality. Just make sure your cog and lockring are on tight, should be good to go. G'luck
Yeah, it's either I get it from Wico (who doesn't charge for brakes-being that I plan on not riding fixed) or a Mercier Kilo TT from Bikesdirect (I would have to buy my brakes/levers separate). It's about a $50 dollar difference. My friend says to go with the Kilo because the cranks that Wico offers look cheap. It's so difficult to decide! But thanks for the help=)
Cool. You might want to check out the Dawes, it's a little cheaper than the Kilo TT and comes with brakes.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/sst.htm
DONT GO TO WICO! Their frames might come from the same factory as FUJI but definitely not there cranks, and there wheels aren't even the thin ones. Yeah their 700c, but 700c x 28. how do i know? a friend bought a bike when i couldn't go so he got it without my advice. once he saw everyone else and their bikes he realized he messed up. but anyways like i said the frames are ok but if you want good rims like the Weinman deep v or powder coatones on the frame, your better off getting a name brand bike like a 2009 Mercier Kilo TT
$349.99 trust me do some research before you buy. thanks hope it helps.
I ga WICO bike and I'm very happy with it.. sure it is very entry level but so far it rides fine and looks good. I paid them extra to upgrade to white Weinman deep vs and thinner wheels..don't sure if they still do that. Anyways it was $400but looks better than a kilo tt with all of the decals. The seat is pretty junky though.
fultlI ride a WICo and sure the parts aren't Dura Ace quality but for $300 no one can beat the set up. A kilo TT is a good bike but for $349.00 plus shipping and you look like everyone else. Me and my friends have bought them and they are rad. I put 700x23 tires, sugino crank, and a san marco seat. Looks bitchin' So to all you haters out there....keep riding your busted up conversions....hahahahaa
@skidstains Thanks for your comment but...
1. What is "fltli"?
2. By "them" in your 3rd sentence, you referring to Wico or Kilo TT?
Also, your name is currently redirecting to nothing so you may want to check that.
peace
I need to correct my bad typing for the last entry ftlt is supposed to be I. And for "them" I mean WICo bikes. Thanks
Wico lads don't know how to pack a bike for sending away. Smashed fork and wheel, twice. Or they just sent me the same shit and kept the insurance money :(
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