New Road Bike

First, I would consider for what purpose the bike is for. It seems you are set on a road bike. If it is just for riding around town or for heading down the road once or twice a week, I would suggest steering away from buying a brand new bike. Many people get into cycling for a short time and buy a nice road bike because they think they will stay committed to it and don't. I would suggest looking on craigslist or around town/ paper for a good used bike. Just because it is used doesnt mean it is in bad shape. Go into your local bike shop and size him. For example i am 5'10" so I ride a 56cm bike, A nonfitting bike can be the difference between an enjoyable ride and never wanting to do it again. Happy Trails!

kaper said:

My boyfriend is looking for a bike to start riding with me. I am still pretty new to biking and not sure what he should get.
Our local bike shop is pretty much out of most bikes. There is one that fits him and is the right price, but I am not sure.
We were hoping to get a Giant Defy, but they are sold out.
The bike we looked at today was a Specialized Secteur Triple
Specialized Bicycle Components : Secteur Triple

There is a Devinci Silverstone available at a bike shope a few hours away.
2010 Devinci Silverstone SL1

Any thoughts or opinions on what to get.
Thanks.

First, you should anticipate that both bikes will be discounted from their MSRP by 20%, or more ...

FWIW. Based on MY aesthetic sensibilities, between the two I would choose the Devinci ...

BUT, whether the particular shop is the only one which carries Devinci, I think a better option might be something like a JAMIS CODA which can accept larger/fatter tyres than a standard Road bike can handle. The MSRP on the base model Coda is $550(US) ... the Coda is a Flat Bar bike which can be easily changed to a bike with Road/Drop bars + Road shifters -- specifically, Campagnolo (Non-QS) 10-speed shifters [$100-to-$200+ on eBay] which can be readily indexed to Shimano drivetrains ...
[INDENT]The attached pic is a steel framed bike which originally had 135mm rear spacing which I respaced to 130mm. When it left the factory, it had a "Flat" handlebar ...

The bike is currently outfitted with 10-speed Campagnolo shifters & an otherwise Shimano drivetrain (i.e., derailleurs & cassette) ...

The particular frame can accommodate almost any size tyre from skinny road tyres (as pictured) to over-sized 700x52 (29er) tyres!
[/INDENT]

I just picked up an 86-87 Bianchi frame that I would like to build into a single speed for my girlfriend.
 
I have never built a bicycle before but I would really like to learn.
I know there are tons and tons of things that go into building one and i'm prepared to spend several weeks/months building this.
I think it will be a good learning experience for me.

I already plan on buying the following:
 
drop handlebars/ road handle bars
seat
wheels
pedals
crank
etc.
 
I guess my main question is do I need to buy any specific parts to make this a single speed?
Or can i just throw anything on there and hope it works?
 
I know those questions may sound dumb. I'm just trying to make sure that I learn the right way the first time
 
Any information would be greatly appreciated
 
-Ryan
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If the rear wheel can accept a Freewheel, then you'll probably want to center the hub on the axle (this may require buying additional spacers) and then redish the rear wheel, accordingly ...
 
For a simple Single Speed conversion, you'll probably want to use a BMX Freewheel ... but, you could just leave the current Freewheel in place, remove the derailleurs, and then wrap the shortened chain on the desired cog.
 
I recommend either an ACS or Shimano BMX Freewheel with the narrower "Road" teeth. There are other brands.
 
Check www.danscomp.com ...
 
You may need to buy a different hub for the Bianchi's rear wheel if it has a "Freehub" & uses a Cassette instead of using a Freewheel.
 
There are SS conversion "kits" for rear wheels which normally use Cassettes ... the final appearance is a little inelegant by comparison, but the kits are certainly a viable option AND definitely easier for the Newbie.
 
In either case, you want the CHAINLINE to be as close to parallel with the frame's centerline as possible to minimize friction AND to preclude the chain crawling off either the cog or chainring.
 
BTW. The most difficult part of making a SS is deciding what chainring & cog combination is best for the terrain/roadways you ride on ...
 
One way to decide is to try various combinations on a bike with gears & then NOT shift during the entire ride (or, until you decide you need a lower or higher gear) ...
 
Then, choose a SS-Freewheel-or-Cog whose tooth count best matches the 'ideal' cog on the Cassette/Freewheel.

Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it.