Converting an old training bike into a fixie

barrybridges

Apologies if this topic has been covered before, but just wondered whether anyone had any advice, links or good guides as to how I might convert my old hack bike into a fixed wheel bike?

It's an old trek 1.2 - I'm guessing that it'll require new front chainring and new cassett, but will it need anything else?

Monty Dog

More importantly, has it got sloping / long drop-outs to enable you to take up the slack in the chain? If you haven't, then you'll either need to use a chain tensioner (horrible) or use something like an ENO Eccentric hub. Try looking on Special Interests board too.

Ben6899

What size frame do you ride, barry?

I've a 57cm Peugeot frame/forks/seat-pin with sloping dropouts which you can have for £60.

John C.

Even if it has vertical drop outs you should be OK using a half link in the chain. As for the chainset, just use the 42 ring if it has one. If its a racing set then just use the 39 and spec the rear to fit the desired number of gear inches.
You may need a new or old back wheel. The ones which have a freewheel are best (non cassett type) and then you will need to undish the rim (so that the rim is in the centre of the hub) It's all quite doable and cheap and you will end up with a passable fixed bike meaning you can have a go before laying out the readies a better unit.
Don't know where you are but if you are in North Yorks I have all the bits you may need.

stigofthedump

As always Sheldon Brown has an excellent article, including a section on vertical drop outs (scroll down).
http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html
But as said careful selection of gear ratios and the use of half links can allow you to us a vertical dropout bike as a fixed wheel.
My advice is to go for it, i got my fixed bike last year and it is excellent fun and great training.

Nelson Longflap

In my experience, you might also need to take a Dremel to your dropouts to take out that extra 2-3mm of play, even after you've fitted a half link. On my conversion 42/16 is perfect (my summer gear), but when I fit an 18 tooth at the back for winter hack use, I need a half link and some metal removed from the dropouts to get a reasonable tension.

satanas

^ +1

Half links alone may or may not work IME; at least some of the time there is no combination of chain length, and chainwheel and sprocket sizes that will work. The only sure-to-work ways to tension the chain are to use horizontal or sliding dropouts, or an eccentric BB or hub (Eno). You'll probably be better off to buy a frame with the appropriate dropouts. This will certainly be easier and may well be cheaper too.