Edinburgh Fixie Shop

hiltyj

I am from the States and am starting school in Edinburgh in the fall, is there anywhere that I can get a cheap old road bike to convert to a fixie, or a cheap-ish already done fixie conversion, I just don't think I can not ride while I am in school, but I also don't think I can bring my first road bike - fixie conversion with me.

I am also looking for connections in general to a cycling (or fixie) scene in Edinburgh, any info about that would be greatly appreciated.

Kieran_Burns

You might to pop into: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12635885

as a similar theme has started there.

Oh yeah - and it's Autumn over here

and for Gods sake don't get an Aluminium frame or you'll set them all off

miggy_magic

Getting an old bike frame to convert to a SS is possible if you go to the Bike Station: http://www.thebikestation.org.uk/. They are a charity and refurbish old bikes for disadvantaged people but they do also have a public sale on the weekends (I think) and if you're lucky you can pick a bike or spare parts there, but they go quickly and you get huge queues building up.

Alternatively, you can pick up an old bike to convert for very little if you have a look on Gumtree:
http://edinburgh.gumtree.com/edinburgh/sports-goods-for-sale_1047_1.html

There's an Edinburgh fixie group at http://www.edinburghfixedgear.co.uk/

Cycling in Edinburgh can sometimes be terrifying, but it's exhilarating and very rewarding given the current traffic disruptions caused by the tram works.

Good luck and enjoy your stay!!

always_tyred

If you are after a cheap frame and are going to do the conversion yourself, there are a lot of "student bike" shops (selling junk mainly) in the Newington part of town - I'd guess you will be ending up there anyway.

If you are after some relatively cheap wrenching, then head for the Bicycle Repair Man. Don't be deceived by the underwhealming stock the shop carries; the guys there are serious cyclists and you will usually spy some piece of carbon exotica in the back being worked on. If you want decent advice, that's where I'd suggest you go.

As for fixed in Edinburgh - mate, take a walk, drive, (or other conveyance) around first. At least consider single speed. The hills aren't that high, but its kind of like San Fransisco without the sunshine.

System_1

miggy_magic has pretty much covered it with his post. Bike Station is probably the best place for old bikes and for picking up cheap parts. You can hire space in the workshop and the use of their tools for peanuts too if you haven't got the space or tools of your own.

The new Leith Cycles bike shop on Cadzow Place is apparently going to be stocking lots of fixed specific parts so might be worth a look. And Always Tyred suggestion of the Bicycle Repair Man is a good one too. I believe he used to race on the track, knows his onions and can get pretty much anything you need.

And you definitely need to get on the Edinburgh Fixed Gear forum. Great bunch of guys and they go riding at least 3 times a week. General hanging about and mashing about town on a Sunday, trick sessions in the underground car park on Castle Street on a Tuesday and bike polo down Inverleith on Thursdays. They've had a few alleycat races recently too.

majormantra

Always Tyred wrote:

If you are after a cheap frame and are going to do the conversion yourself, there are a lot of "student bike" shops (selling junk mainly) in the Newington part of town

Apart from the Bike Station and that dodgy second hand shop on South Clerk where else fits that description? I can't think of anywhere.

Always Tyred wrote:

If you are after some relatively cheap wrenching, then head for the Bicycle Repair Man. Don't be deceived by the underwhealming stock the shop carries; the guys there are serious cyclists and you will usually spy some piece of carbon exotica in the back being worked on. If you want decent advice, that's where I'd suggest you go.

Agreed. The Bicycle Works on Argyle Pl is also good and may be cheaper for work, though I've never done a direct comparison.

Always Tyred wrote:

As for fixed in Edinburgh - mate, take a walk, drive, (or other conveyance) around first. At least consider single speed. The hills aren't that high, but its kind of like San Fransisco without the sunshine.

Plenty of people including me ride fixed here and its fine as long as you don't have stupidly high gearing. I run 48/18 (70") and have never got off and walked.

Matthew

majormantra

Forgot to ask the OP - what are you studying? Are you going to be at Edinburgh Uni? I'm a mechanical engineering student, just finished 2nd year.

Matthew

always_tyred

MajorMantra wrote:

Always Tyred wrote:

If you are after a cheap frame and are going to do the conversion yourself, there are a lot of "student bike" shops (selling junk mainly) in the Newington part of town

Apart from the Bike Station and that dodgy second hand shop on South Clerk where else fits that description? I can't think of anywhere.

Always Tyred wrote:

If you are after some relatively cheap wrenching, then head for the Bicycle Repair Man. Don't be deceived by the underwhealming stock the shop carries; the guys there are serious cyclists and you will usually spy some piece of carbon exotica in the back being worked on. If you want decent advice, that's where I'd suggest you go.

Agreed. The Bicycle Works on Argyle Pl is also good and may be cheaper for work, though I've never done a direct comparison.

Always Tyred wrote:

As for fixed in Edinburgh - mate, take a walk, drive, (or other conveyance) around first. At least consider single speed. The hills aren't that high, but its kind of like San Fransisco without the sunshine.

Plenty of people including me ride fixed here and its fine as long as you don't have stupidly high gearing. I run 48/18 (70") and have never got off and walked.

Matthew

Depends where you cycle I guess - if you are heading around Newington and Morningside and up to KB, fine. I come around the B701, down from the lanes on the edge of the Pentlands, around the Braid Hills Hotel - I simply don't see how you can comfortably cycle both up a long 8-10% hill and down an 8-10% hill - If the max speed is 70kph and the min speed is 15kph, how does that work?

Look, I've made it across Dartmoor with a snapped cable, and ground up some hills okay. But it just doesn't make sense to me to force yourself to do this. Heaving up a 10% grade at 25rpm is possible but is essentially a different excersise to the normal cycling activity. And, at my age, I don't want to snap tendons hither and thither and I don't see the benefit for training to cycle by cycling in a way that I wouldn't normally cycle.

Btw - wasn't specifically referring to bike shops - but there are a lot of generally 2nd hand shops around the old college with an array of old bikes (removed from railings most likely) outside at the start of term.

System_1

Always Tyred wrote:

Depends where you cycle I guess - if you are heading around Newington and Morningside and up to KB, fine. I come around the B701, down from the lanes on the edge of the Pentlands, around the Braid Hills Hotel - I simply don't see how you can comfortably cycle both up a long 8-10% hill and down an 8-10% hill - If the max speed is 70kph and the min speed is 15kph, how does that work?

That's my new stomping ground these days and I manage okay (wouldn't call it comfortable right enough, but hills aren't meant to be). Recently had to move out to Bilston so I head into (and out of town) that way most days. I have to say, that although I'm overweight, and pretty unfit, I still reach for the 72" geared fixed for the commutes into town. The slog up Comiston Road/Buckstone/Hillend is a lung buster (going down, even on fixed isn't so bad), but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. And once you're in town there's nothing even a podgy old man like me can't manage. Have to admit that I've walked up Liberton Brae a couple of times though :oops:

always_tyred

System wrote:

Always Tyred wrote:

Depends where you cycle I guess - if you are heading around Newington and Morningside and up to KB, fine. I come around the B701, down from the lanes on the edge of the Pentlands, around the Braid Hills Hotel - I simply don't see how you can comfortably cycle both up a long 8-10% hill and down an 8-10% hill - If the max speed is 70kph and the min speed is 15kph, how does that work?

That's my new stomping ground these days and I manage okay (wouldn't call it comfortable right enough, but hills aren't meant to be). Recently had to move out to Bilston so I head into (and out of town) that way most days. I have to say, that although I'm overweight, and pretty unfit, I still reach for the 72" geared fixed for the commutes into town. The slog up Comiston Road/Buckstone/Hillend is a lung buster (going down, even on fixed isn't so bad), but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. And once you're in town there's nothing even a podgy old man like me can't manage. Have to admit that I've walked up Liberton Brae a couple of times though :oops:

Seems to confirm what I think then - its a pig going up, or down, take your pick. Do-able, but then I could space hopper to work given sufficient determination.... doesn't mean I think its a good idea.

majormantra

Always Tyred wrote:

Depends where you cycle I guess - if you are heading around Newington and Morningside and up to KB, fine. I come around the B701, down from the lanes on the edge of the Pentlands, around the Braid Hills Hotel - I simply don't see how you can comfortably cycle both up a long 8-10% hill and down an 8-10% hill - If the max speed is 70kph and the min speed is 15kph, how does that work?

Look, I've made it across Dartmoor with a snapped cable, and ground up some hills okay. But it just doesn't make sense to me to force yourself to do this. Heaving up a 10% grade at 25rpm is possible but is essentially a different excersise to the normal cycling activity. And, at my age, I don't want to snap tendons hither and thither and I don't see the benefit for training to cycle by cycling in a way that I wouldn't normally cycle. .

Fair enough, I take the point about it being quite location dependant. I've been up Queen's Dr and Braid hill on leisure rides but I agree they wouldn't terribly nice when commuting and carrying stuff and I certainly would call them comfortable climbs. I think though that for a student in the centre, a fixed works well.

Matthew

hiltyj

I am going to be in the Taught Master's Program for Philosophy, so I will only be there for a year. Thanks for all the information by the way, I am less worried about not being able to bring my bike now. I was also wondering how much of the streets there are cobble and brick, one of my friends here scared me with stories of busted rims.

always_tyred

hiltyj wrote:

I am going to be in the Taught Master's Program for Philosophy, so I will only be there for a year. Thanks for all the information by the way, I am less worried about not being able to bring my bike now. I was also wondering how much of the streets there are cobble and brick, one of my friends here scared me with stories of busted rims.

Not that many. None of the main routes. Tell your friend to get himself a track pump!!

Now, potholes on the other hands, with edges so sharp you could shave with them......

Its fine - cycling in Edinburgh is pretty easy - steets are generally pretty wide and its not that busy or agressive on the whole.