Running a Genesis Flyer on Fixed Gear

Staggerlee46

Hi
I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has successfully run the first generation Flyer on fixed wheel. The first batch came with a flip flop hub. The freewheel, chain and chainring are all 3/32in. However the fixed sprocket as supplied is 1/8in.
I went down to Brixton Bikes today to see if they could fit a Surly fixed sprocket and make the chainline straight. After an hour of tinkering, they admitted defeat, saying that the chainline was so out, the spacers needed meant that the lockring had no space left to be threaded on.
Their conclusion- buy a new rear wheel!
Now if you buy a flip flop hub you should be able to run both fixed and freewheel. I have taken the bike back to CycleSurgery where I purchased it. They say that I just need to change the chain to a 1/8th chain. I mentioned this to the guys at Brixton Bikes, and they said there will still be a chainline issue of some 4mm and this is not recommended and will wear out your spocket and chain.
Any guys out there who have managed to convert their Flyers to fixed I'd love to hear how you did it!? (owners who have the first generation one that came with the 1/8th sprocket?)
Cheers

ride_whenever

could you not space the chainring instead of the sprocket?
Re-space and re-dish the rear wheel?

don_don

Sounds like a real faff, sorry to hear.

Hubjub do chainring spacers - http://www.hubjub.co.uk/etc/etc.htm - which go up to 2mm. You might not be able to double them up to 4mm but it could help enough to use the 1/8" chain. You might need some longer chainring bolts as well. Hope this helps.

Staggerlee46

Thanks for your suggestions.
Chainring spacers would I believe make the chainline even worse. The existing fixed sprocket is inboard from the front chainring. So pushing the chainring out away from the from using chainring spacers would make the difference in chainline even greater.

ride_whenever

What are the cranks? Could you not move the chainring inboard of the spider?

If you can't then you're looking to re-space the rear hub and re-dish the wheel. Can you post a piccie of the rear hub from behind?

richardvaltos

Have you seen this thread?

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread336.html

Staggerlee46

Thanks Richard, I have seen this thread before and there are a number of solutions mentioned. I can only assume that all the people who have succesfully converted to fixed on their flyer still have a chainline issue but are quite content with that set-up. If this is the only solution then it's certainly a poor one for the bike and for Genesis.
It would be good to hear any Flyer owners on here who have been successful with their fixed conversion.

benborp

I managed to run my Flyer fixed with a Surly sprocket with a very slim spacer on the original hub with minimal deflection. However, it was soon apparent that I would need to upgrade the wheels anyway as the Alex rims just wouldn't hold their shape (although the rear did act as a very effective crumple zone when I was rear-ended at 25mph - no damage other than the knackered rim and I didn't come off). If your's are the same it might be worth the upgrade anyway as I also know there's no room for wiggle at the chainring because of tight clearances with the frame

Staggerlee46

Thanks benborp. Is your Flyer a first generation one that came with the very cheap 1/8in rear sprocket? Can you remember what width of spacer you needed with the Surly sprocket?

Littigator

For more info on chainline solutions always refer to the God

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainline.html