Korean Job Discussion Forums

[FixedGearJerk]

I bought this bike here in Korea 'bout 6-7 months ago thinking I would bring it with me when I leave here, but plans have changed and bringing it with me is no longer a very good option.

Here are links to some pictures.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3129849451_7a8776b68b.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/3130681800_5075a67438.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/3130681144_e5ea56821f.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/3129864185_12d866c89a.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3129864859_30dc7a2625.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3130700866_ffe3e99fd9.jpg?v=0

Frame : 57cm LSD RP frame (i'm not sure what this is really. I pulled these specs off their website, but its a Korean track frame according to the guys that built the bike)
Front Wheel : mavic ano green 650C Soma hub
Rear Wheel : araya-700C Soma hub
Seat post : nitto
Saddle : Vello
Toe Clip : christophe
Pedal : welgo silver
Chainring : LSD 47t
Cog : Surly 18t
Cranks : Sugino 75
Chain : Miche chain
Handlebar : LSD

The over all condition of the bike is good, all the parts were new when I got it. The frame was used but repainted. There has been some wear and tear on the paint, but it still looks fairly good except for a few chips and some scrapes on the fork. The bike was built by LSD, so if you were to have any problems, I'm sure they'd help you out.

I would like to get 1.5 mil for it and I'm going to be firm on that as it is considerably less than what I paid for it and its only about 7 months old.

[sokocanuck21]

Thats a beautiful bike my friend.
Quick question though...where are the brakes? I'm sure I look stupid asking, I'm just curious.

[FixedGearJerk]

this particular style of bike doesn't require a brake. the gear is fixed to the rear hub which means that you cannot coast. so, if the rear wheel is moving, your pedals are moving. in order to stop you use resistance on the pedals to slow you down. think of it like a unicycle in that if you pedal backwards, you move backwards. a brake can be added and would be recommended for a beginner.

[IlIlNine]

[Forward Observer]

I remember when you bought this bike! You'd lost your fixed gear Fuji near Dongdaemun stadium, and we encouraged you to go back and look for it. Sure enough, you found it...whatever happened to that bike? Did you end up selling it to your buddy?

Man, I never thought you'd sell this one...

Fixed gear Jerk is a good guy, he's actually one of the most honest people I've ever come across in the Korea...and he's not kidding about paying considerably more for it. This bike is worth every penny...for the uninitiated, there are many groups that ride fixed gear in Korea. LSD's website has tons of pics and info. This is a great deal.

[tatertot]

I'm really not trying to be a jerk, so I hesitated to even write this, but I want to know. I'm going to be really careful with what I write so I don't sound like a jerk.

I would like to know why the bike is worth so much/cost so much to put together. Is it the components? I don't know much about bikes, so I'm just trying to understand. Is the frame steel or aluminum? If it is painted, it probably isn't carbon fiber, right? Is this bike good for racing? Is it mainly for style? The handlebars certainly don't look like they'd be functional for racing. If you aren't going to use a bike for performance reasons, what is the point of putting all the expensive components on it? I guess what I'm asking is if this bike is all about "the look." That's what I was trying to say without sounding like a jerk. I'm not sure that I succeeded though

I do agree, it looks like a nice bike and I think it would be pretty sweet to own it.

[Forward Observer]

I can't answer all of your questions like FGJ can, and I'm sure he will log on soon and answer them, but I can tell you this much: I called and visited the bike shop where they build these bikes from the ground up. The parts they use are expensive, the total cost of a bike like this is upwards of 2.5 million won. The bike is definitely worth what he's asking for it. Yes, back home it wouldn't cost so much - but this is Korea. There aren't many shops like LSD, their website is here:

http://lsdbikes.tistory.com/

Some of their builds:

http://lsdriders.tistory.com/entry/riders

Definitely the components are the reason that it's so expensive. The tires alone cost an arm and a leg. Velodrome cycling is very popular back home, dunno about Korea...

[FixedGearJerk]

Thanks FO for answering those questions, I haven't had much internet access lately so I'm a little slow to respond. But anyways, the market for this type of bicycle here in korea is really terrible for buyers. Back home I would never consider spending this kind of money on a bike. I knew the market was bad for this product here, so I actually brought a bike with me. . . which I ended up losing, putting me in the position to have to buy a bike here. It is very hard to find used parts or even cheap new parts here in Korea and it is also rather difficult to find a bike large enough for me, these are just 2 of the factors that play into the high cost.

So ya, I spent a lot of money on a bike and I probably could have managed to find something a little cheaper, but I got a little carried away and I didnt have the time or patience to shop around for a month. But I use it all the time, I save money on not riding the subway or taking cabs all over town. Since I am a fairly serious rider, a crap Lespo fit for a 13 year old just wasnt going to cut it.

[thomas pars]

i could go as high as a 1000. sorry pretty low but that is what i can offer. good luck with the sale.

[FixedGearJerk]

i really need to get 1.5 mil, or i'll probably just end up shipping it home. thanks for the offer though.

[talltony4]

Yeah man, where are the brakes?!

Seriously though, 57cm, that makes you over 6', right? What's your height, or preferably, what's your inseam?

Thanks

[tatertot]

Man, I'm so tempted to buy that! I don't need it, though, so I'm kind of waiting to see if somebody else buys it and makes my decision for me....aargh!

[FixedGearJerk]

Ya, I'm about 6' (183 cm), and my inseam is about 34 inches (89 cm), which I think is a little above the average for someone 6'. Anyone under 6' may not be comfortable on this bike.

And Tater, all I have to say is. . . c'mon. . . c'mon, you know you wanna buy it. Just go for it.

[technique]

Nice bicycle. You have Nagasawa lugs, correct? If so, it's probably a Corex President or an Interpro frame. I've been to LSDs shop and seen their used frames. They're all very nice (I also own one).

I'm 5'10" and a 57cm is a perfect fit for me (32" inseam).

A frame needs to be well-built, but it's the components that make any bicycle expensive, smooth, sexy, and worth while. Good luck with the sale.

[FixedGearJerk]

Thanks technique. Yes, it does have Nagasawa lugs. As far a frame sizing, here is a nice little link for anyone wondering whether or not this bike could be a good fit. At the bottom of the page there is a chart.

http://www.prodigalchild.net/Bicycle6.htm

Now when it actually comes down to frame sizing, nothing is set in stone, its more or less up to how the rider feels comfortable and there are various ajustment that can be made to account for riding on a frame that may be a bit big or small. I've riden bikes anywhere from 56 - 60 cm.