Hi Guys: I want to come to new zealand and do a tour on a fixie... some questions

[matt canuck]

So, a quick background I guess? I am flying into Bangkok at the end of
September, but I think I will make it to your parts later, around
February.

Basically, I just want to buy a fixed gear and set it up for some
touring, I probably wont have much with me...

What would you guys recommend? Is it realistic to think I could buy
one fairly affordably in a major city (easy thing to do in Vancouver),
or would I need to build one myself? I guess my other option would be
a road bike.

I am a mech, and could potentially work for a bit at a shop to help
out and get something organized also.

Anyways, any suggestions about touring NZ would be awesome.
I dont really care where, but I think it would be a neat way to see
your country and meet people!


Thanks!

Matt
22 years old, home Vancouver Canada.

[martinv]

Hi Matt,

There are the odd shops around where you can buy fixed gear bikes -
the Masi brand seems to be available in both Auckland in the North
Island and here in Christchurch in the South Island. Otherwise, you
might be better off working as a mechanic and building one up at the
shop.

Regarding touring, the South Island is by far the prettiest (that
should get some replies from people in the north)!!! There are many
more mountains and far fewer people - scenery ranges from damp fern
forests to desolate arid areas, all within quite a small distance.
The sun in summer can be very harsh - February is the hottest month.
Of course right now (July) is as bad as it gets - it's presently
howling a gale outside and can't make up its mind whether to snow,
rain or sleet (it's done all today to far).

I have heard on one person touring NZ on a fixed gear before - they
used a trailer for luggage.

Regards,

-Martin