6KU Bike Review – The Best Urban Track Bike Fixie?
Have you ever tried to purchase a good-quality urban bike that wouldn’t break the bank?
You will be happy to know that the 6KU track bike may be able to offer exactly what you need.
This 6KU urban track bike review describes the key features of this particular model and tells you what you should look for when you shop for a bicycle.
In this article I’m going to review the following models of the 6KU bike:
- 6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Single-Speed Fixie Urban Track Bike (BEST CHOICE)
- 6KU Fixed Gear Single Speed Urban Fixie Road Bike (BEST VALUE)
6KU Bikes Urban Track Fixie Review
This beautiful bike is a fixed gear single-speed wonder. Are you the adventurous sort? The 6KU has a flip-flop hub that makes cruising a breeze!
Compared to other bicycles of this type, the 6KU weighs far less and comes equipped with a free wheeling option that lets you coast easily.
The squishy handlebar grips and comfortable saddle make this bike ideal for use on long city rides. You will love the double wall alloy wheels and tensile steel frame that make this bike sturdy and durable.
Sizes range from 47 cm to 61 cm and make the 6KU workable for riders whose height is between 4’10” and 6’6″.
#1. 6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Single-Speed Fixie Urban Track Bike
BEST CHOICE
PROS
- Front and rear brakes are easily removed.
- Replaceable stainless steel dropouts.
- Easy to assemble with basic tools.
CONS
- Plastic pedals are cheaply built.
Features and Benefits
This urban track bike has a number of valuable and unusual features that are not commonly found in city cruisers. This bike’s key features make it a great value for the money.
Front and rear brakes are easily removed
You may really appreciate this feature when the stop-and-go driving on city streets makes your brakes more sluggish than usual.
The front and rear brakes are easily removed for cleaning and adjustment, making this part of bike maintenance a breeze.
Single speed track bike with flip-flop hub
The flip-flop hub makes the 6KU a cinch to handle in urban settings, letting you easily shift between riding modes.
You will love the freedom of riding in fixed gear mode for better contact with the road, then switching to freewheeling mode when you are ready to cruise down those city streets.
Available with steel or aluminum frame
Two models let you choose the right weight and feel for you. The tensile steel frame is durable but makes the bike heavier.
#2. 6KU Fixed Gear Single Speed Urban Fixie Road Bike
BEST VALUE
The aluminum frame, although a bit pricier than the steel model, does make the bike lightweight and easier to handle on long rides. The 1 1/8″ alloy fork provides stability for a trouble-free ride.
The 58 cm size of the aluminum version weighs only 21 pounds and is as light as a feather to maneuver when you wind your way through busy streets.
Grips, Saddle and Seat Post
The bikes have a synthetic leather saddle that provides a sleek look and keeps you comfortable as you ride.
The 27.2 mm seat post with 31.8 mm post clamp offer a stable and secure base for the saddle to give you a safe and comfortable ride.
The plush handlebar grips provide control and comfort as you steer.
Handlebars
Riser handlebars make it easy to zip through asphalt and concrete jungles. If you prefer drop bars, you can make these an optional purchase later on.
Wheels and Tire System
You will probably enjoy the 30 mm alloy wheels that make this bike light to handle. The double wall construction improves the durability of the wheel system and provides cushioning for your ride.
You will appreciate the 700 X 25C tires, which add very little weight to the bike and that keep long rides enjoyable.
Choice of Colors
Both versions of this bike are available in navy blue/black, sky blue/black, yellow/black, white/black and black/black to give you a diverse set of color choices.
Is the 6KU Fixie Bike easy to assemble and maintain?
The 6KU is easy to maintain in top working order and requires very little upkeep. Your purchase of this bike also includes all the tools you will need to assemble it at home.
Assembly usually requires about 20 to 30 minutes and can be done at home.
https://youtu.be/hSr97cpSQ1o
Choice of sizes for different riders
The steel 6KU frame is available in nine sizes ranging from 49 cm to 58 cm. The aluminum model offers only six sizes but it has a wider height span that ranges from 47 cm to 61 cm.
If you are either on the shorter or the taller end of the height spectrum, you may want to look at the aluminum model with its broader range of sizes for a better fit.
What Other Riders Are Saying
The 6KU urban track fixie bike has received numerous positive reviews. The following customer testimonials illustrate what riders find most useful about this bicycle.
By now, you probably get the idea that the 6KU Urban bicycle is a great find at an affordable price. The bike offers great features, a comfortable ride, fits most riders well and has customers raving about its suitability for long rides and modest budgets
Whether you are thinking of buying a cheap road bike, cruiser or a hybrid bike, there are some things you should consider before you make your purchase. Let’s look at some of these points in turn.
How do you plan to use your bike?
Single speed cruisers work well for you if you enjoy long rides on paved roads. You will especially like this type of model if you often use your bike to run errands.
Nowadays it’s even possible to switch a multi-speed bike into a single speed.” (1)
Most cruisers are ideal for use on level terrain but are generally not recommended for hills or off-road riding.
If you think you may be riding on hills or other uneven terrains, you may want to consider a bike that has several speeds and knobby or waffle tires for best traction. But if it’s your plan to do mostly off-road riding, the best choice for you might be a road bike that has wide tires and heavy-duty construction.
Knowing how you plan to use your bicycle is probably the first question you will be asking yourself as you prepare to purchase your next ride.
What is the recommended height and maximum weight?
Always refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to determine the correct size for you. To find the right size for you, compare your height to the range that is included within each size.
If your height spans two sizes, choosing the best size requires looking at easy of mounting and dismounting. You should be able to comfortably straddle the bicycle with one leg on each side and feet on the ground.
For the most comfortable fit, there should be at least one inch of clearance between the top bar and your inseam as you straddle the bike with feet flat on the ground.
Do you plan to carry a load such as newspapers or groceries?
The maximum recommended load is your weight added to the weight of any additional items you normally tote on your bike. Correctly balancing a load and choosing the right size bike will ensure your safety and comfort on any surface.
How much do you know about bicycle maintenance and repair?
Before you purchase a specific bike, you may want to read some of the reviews that have been written by customers who have bought the same bike.
These testimonials are often a great source of information about potential maintenance issues that pertain to the bike you are planning to buy.
By reading customer reviews, you might discover that some riders find the saddle uncomfortable and that you might need to install a new one. Or you might find out that the model you want to buy has a recurring issue with the brakes that requires frequent adjustment.
If you are not able to perform certain repair and maintenance tasks, you may want to consider whether you would be able to pay a technician to do them for you.
The other choice would be to learn to do these tasks yourself or to purchase a different bike that does not require the same type of upkeep.
Alternatives to the 6KU Fixie Bike
If you think the 6KU track bike may not work for you, I would like to suggest some alternatives that might be a better fit for your circumstances
Pure Fix Original Fixed Gear Single Speed Fixie Bike
Like the 6KU, the Pure Fix has a flip-flop hub that allows changing between fixed gear to freewheel modes.
The Pure Fix bike comes in seven sizes to fit riders whose height is between 4’11’ and 6’6″.
Here is how the two bikes stack up with respect to some of their differences:
DIFFERENCES
- Frame: The Pure Fix has a steel frame. The 6KU provides a choice of steel or aluminum frame for better pricing and riding options.
- Brakes: The dual pivot front brakes on the Pure Fix allow you to make sudden stops. The 6KU has front and rear brakes that are easily removed and that provide versatility on urban terrain.
- Wheels: The 400 mm wheels and 700 X 28C tires of the Pure Fix provide control while driving on rougher roads. The 6KU is not designed to ride on rough terrain but its 300 mm wheels will provide an enjoyable ride on even surfaces and on city streets.
State Bicycle Fixed Gear/Fixie Single Speed Bike
The State Bicycle is another fixed gear model that features a flip-flop hub.
This bike has front and rear Radius brakes and a 5-year warranty on its steel frame.
DIFFERENCES
- Price: If you decide to get the State Bicycle, you should know that it retails for a higher price than the steel frame model of the 6KU. At the same time, there is no real difference between the two bikes in terms of key features and you may just be paying extra for the brand.
- Sizing: The State Fixed Gear bike comes in four sizes ranging from 46 cm to 58 cm. The 6KU, however, provides a much broader choice of sizes that are suitable for riders in a broader height range.
- Wheels: The State has 40 mm wheels while the 6KU has 30 mm wheels. The wheel size of the 6KU adds to the sleek look and lightweight construction and is an advantage if your rides are long or frequent.
Retrospec Harper Coaster Fixie Commuter Bike
This bike is a little bit different from the others with respect to several features.
Compared to the 6KU urban bike, though, the Retrospec is equipped with a hand brake rather than front and rear brakes.
Other important differences between the 6KU and the Retrospec are described below.
DIFFERENCES
- Brakes: You might enjoy the control that the Retrospec’s coaster brake offers. The 6KU’s front and rear brakes, however, offer an equal degree of control with more versatile riding options.
- Sizing: The Retrospec is available in five sizes between 43 cm and 60 cm and, unlike the 6KU, is suitable for riders who are extremely short. The Retrospec has a wider height range but offers fewer sizes, so it may be trickier for some riders to fine tune the size for best fit.
- Handlebars: The riser handlebars of the Retrospec take the strain off your back and provide comfort on longer rides. The 6KU also features riser handlebars but you can choose to install drop handlebars after purchasing the bike.
Conclusion
This 6KU track bike review described a bicycle model that may be the ideal choice for urban riders. The bicycle’s fixed gear and flip-flop hub let you easily get into a freewheeling mode.
Its sturdy yet lightweight construction will protect your investment and maximize your riding enjoyment for years to come.
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References
1. Google Patents – Single-speed bicycle conversion apparatus, methods, and kits, retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US8505947B2/en