$399 isn't too bad. I'd expect them to be ripping people off for a higher price, like they do with everything else.

Very pretty, but totally unpractical for a lot of folks because it's a single speed.

I like it. $400 is not bad at all. Never heard of Republic Bikes though.

These bikes are so poorly made that they would fall apart with any real use. For ~250 you can get the same bike without "customizable colors." (And p.s. it's pretty easy to paint your own bike, http://www.instructables.com/id/How_to_Paint_your_bike/)

Hi Jez G. Just curious why do you think that these are poor quality bikes? I am not saying they aren't but just wondering if you've seen them in person or have own one before. You are correct that you can probably get a better, non customizable bike for less.

When I was shopping around for bikes I came across the Republican Bikes site and it looked interesting. I was considering a fixie so I dug around for reviews and feedback from people that bought it. According to some, the chain will pretty much break after a few miles and it's not practical for commuting. It's more looks than anything else. Some did say that the frame is pretty good quality so I guess if you just want a frame, you could consider this.

I have no other use for a bike other than commuting. So $400 for a joy ride bike is not really practical for me. Plus riding a brightly hued fixie in this day is just a tad embarrassing. You know what I mean?

Looks like fixies have jumped the shark. I wonder what's next...

@souk1501
Republic bikes are pretty known for being poorly made.

On one hand I'm glad that bicycles are being so popular that they are being sold by Urban Outfitters, but on the other hand, I think the fact that they are being sold by an apparel company like Urban Outfitters just means it's a fad. These bikes are an accessory for a fashion fad. Not necessarily a lifestyle choice.

Good idea, Urban Outfitters, but not so sure about the intent or execution.

Also, those who are buying fixes from U.O. probably don't know much about fixed gears and probably shouldn't be riding them. It could be dangerous if they're taking to the streets with them. Though, it looks like these fixies come with brakes so that least there's that.

I agree that I wouldn’t count on using this bike for extensive commutes or rides.
I am not sure about it being "fun," as suggested, though it definitely is "bright." The chain will break, the brakes are not very good quality. Having a bike accident is not fun, and neither is getting stranded because part of your bike broke. The rider is bound to have to start upgrading parts on it within a short time after spending $399 on the bike in the first place.

Yes, buy your bike at Urban Counterfeiters and support the Republican Party. sigh.

So does this mean that the fixie trend is FINALLY dead???
Let's hope so.

I like the idea of trying to make bikes more mainstream, although it it's at the expense of quality and safety, not so great.

My main issue is that they don't have frames for people shorter than 5 feet 5 inches tall. Where's the x-small frame?!?

Great. More unskilled hipsters on fixies. Fabulous.

I'm dreading UO's contribution to bicycle-related accidents...

while it's a neat idea and not very expensive, you can build your own through craigslist for the same price and better quality.
my fixed gear cost me about $500 after buying a bike, stripping it down, powdercoating it, and putting on all new parts.

FAD-TASTIC!

more junk that's gonna end up rusted in a landfill...buy an old bike off craigslist and learn how to work on it at a local bike shop. hell, buy a bike from your local bike shop and support a business in town. I wouldn't trade my pink Peugeot for a million bucks.

most of these don't even look "designed" they look thrown together from the parts of a half dozen other bikes

I saw these are Urban last week, they were so poorly built that you would be better off going to wal-mart and picking up ANYTHING else. Seriously, this thing was a death trap!

@Jes G - Painting a bike is NOT that easy! Disassembling & reassembling a bike is non-trivial. Pretty easy to fuck up, and you need a lot of tools.

I wouldn't recommend these bikes to anyone who wants to ride more than a mile once a week in the summer. Never heard of any of the parts and the reviews for any parts I looked up are atrocious. And at a whopping 24 lbs you won't exactly be zipping around the city on it. To give you an idea of how heavy that is for a "bare bones fixie" my triple ring 9 speed road bike weighs about 3 1/2 lbs less.

Do yourself a favor and check out a local bike shop. They'll make sure you get something just as hip and a hell of a lot more practical for the same price.

Forgot to comment on the frame - considering that this is a bare bones bike weighing in a 24 lbs I can only surmise that they used very low quality steel. I could be wrong but I'm probably not :P