Fixed Gear bikes

webbhost

Ok, so is it easy to convert a bike to fixed gear? Reason I ask is that I have been wanting one for a long while because they look fun, and I figure it would be nice to try some stuff.

Then I just realised that there is a shed down my garden with about 8 Bikes shoved in it (They have been in there a loong time lol).

How hard is it to take an old bike and convert it to fixed gear? What tools / equipment would I need?

THanks on advance for any information or links with information!

Bronzie

For future reference, the best place for this post would be "Gear & Know How" or "Special Interests".

It's pretty easy to convert a bike with forward facing dropouts (ie an old steel frame probably). Less so for the more modern vertical rear dropouts, as there is no adjustment in wheel position to get the chain tension.

The main consideration apart from being able to adjust chain tension, is the chainline. It needs to be pretty straight from the chainring to the rear sprocket. It may require replacing the bottom bracket with a wider or narrower one.

The rear wheel can either be a standard track hub, or I think you can get an adaptor for modern cassette bodies, although I don't think this is necesarily the best solution.

I converted an old (1960's) 531 steel frame I used to use as a hack bike. Using my existing track wheels, it cost about £350 incl professional respray, but I could have done it cheaper if I'd done the painting myself.

meagain

What Bronzie said, except doesn't need to be a track hub!

Try specific Qs in Special Interests, some one will answer!

It is easy honest. Must be. I've done at least a dozen!

don_don

fixedgeargallery.com is worth a look - check the link to 'Bob's garage'

I would thoroughly recommend www.hubjub.co.uk for parts, once you get hooked, because you will