$399 Custom Fixie

By AMY JURRIES

Via its http://bikes.urbanoutfitters.com site, and in cooperation with Republic Bike Inc., retailer Urban Outfitters has a store online where you can create your own custom made, affordable fixed-gear bike. That’s a “fixie” in urban-hipster shorthand. You choose from popular bike builds or completely customize every color and component on your bike. Total cost? $399 for the bike plus a $34 flat rate FedEx charge to ship anywhere in the United States.

Here’s how it works: Starting with a basic fixie model, an easy-to-use visual display lets you pick colors, choose components and decide on your ultimate design. Once ordered online, Republic Bike Inc. will build it, box it and ship it out to you.

The basic fixie model is called the Aristotle. It’s a multi-purpose, practical ride, including a steel frame that comes in 59cm, 54cm or 52cm sizes. The assembled bike weight is around 24 pounds, depending on size. Components include a Sugino crankset, Wellgo pedals, a painted chain, and 110mm grips.

Not into fixed gears? The Aristotle can be configured as a fixed bike or a single-speed with a freewheel hub. Simply flip around your rear wheel to switch from a fixed to a free.

The bikes are assembled in Florida and then packed in a heavyweight shipping carton. Your new bike will arrive approximately 90 percent assembled, the company says. You will need to attach the pedals, front wheel, handlebars, and then make some small adjustments requiring basic tools before taking it for a test ride.

—Amy Jurries is founder and editor of TheGearCaster.com, a blog dedicated to profiling emerging companies and technologies in the outdoor sports industry.