Over the years, I have gone from a frequent bike commuter to an avid bike commuter. At various times, I have commuted as much as 10 miles to work and/or school and have done so rain or shine-and everything between. As a result of my bicycle commuting, I have come to appreciate and prefer single-speed and/or fixed gear road bikes as they offer mechanical simplicity and easy maintenance, which is perfect for commuting in all sorts of weather.
In the past, single speed and fixed gear (where back cog spins with the wheel and you cannot coast) road bikes were something of a specialty item, most were made by bike nerds or bike messengers who converted old ten-speeds. However, in recent years, there has been a surge in popularity and most major bike manufacturers now make fixed gear and single-speed bikes.
Of these new road bikes, my favorite is the Schwinn Madison. It is a solid bike that is fairly light, handles well, and offers you the flexibility to ride it as either a single-speed or a fixed gear bike. To begin with, the Schwinn Madison is a stylish bike that is designed to look like a classic Schwinn road bike, right down to the retro decals and paint colors. Beyond the bicycle’s aesthetic beauty, the Schwinn Madison has solid components-the crank set and bottom bracket have held up well for daily commuting, the rims are strong and stay true, and the wheels use durable Formula hubs. In addition, the bike comes with two brakes-an important safety feature-as similar bikes are occasionally assembled with just one brake. The Schwinn Madison also features a flip-flop hub that allows you to ride the bike as either a single-speed or a fixed gear. Both are geared to a reasonable 48×16.
However, while I love the Schwinn Madison, there are a few downfalls. Most immediately noticeable is the fact that the seat is incredibly uncomfortable for any ride much over a mile. You can swap out the seat for something more comfortable and I would highly recommend doing so before you take the Schwinn Madison home. Also, on the smaller models of the bike the pedals can occasionally touch the front tire if your wheel is angled just right and your pedal is in the right position. This has only happened to me when resting at stoplight, but it is annoying enough that you may want to consider getting a shorter set of cranks.
Despite these flaws, the Schwinn Madison is a solid single-speed road bike that will offer years of enjoyment. It’s a commuting workhorse and with the addition of a few accessories-lights, fenders, and a more comfortable seat-you will have the perfect bike to ride wherever you want to go.
To purchase the Schwinn Madison, your best bet is a local bicycle shop. Purchasing a bike from a local shop is always a smart choice, as they will help you ensure that you select the proper size. The price for the Schwinn Madison varies, but expect to spend around $550 to $600. In addition, you can also pick up a helmet if you don’t already have one-a must if you are serious about commuting on your Schwinn Madison.
