Fixed gear bikes

[griffiths_r]

hmmm... i have been thinking about getting a fixed gear. anyone want to talk me out of my insanity??!

originally was just going to cough up for a new off the rack bike (Kona Paddywagon, Surly Steamroller, KHS Flite 100 etc) but at about $1K each I just can't bring myself to do it.

so, now i am thinking about either buying someone elses project or building one up myself. 'cos i have so much spare time these days!!

If i go down the build route, where do I start? at 6ft 1in what sized track frame should i be looking out for (assuming track so it has horizontal drop outs to make chain tension easier)...

cheers

rich


P.S. Alex, where are the pics of your bike?!

[alexwebster]

Rich, still need the last 10% of assembly and it is finished - I was trying to have it done for 6 hour but ran out of time!

I bought a bike off ebay and will have it done for about $300 all up including powdercoating etc.

Should match the 911 nicely!!

[griffiths_r]

alex

so did you get a normal road frame or a track frame?!?

how much for powder coating?

cheers

rich

[damianroyce]

Dave, the bike looks awesome mate.

Damian Royce

TYP 901 Foundation Member # 12
1971 911E

[alexwebster]

normal road frame - complete bike cost me $65 on Ebay. Stripped the parts, and powdercoater sand blasted and coated for $50.

[griffiths_r]

so, had a look on ebay... what about something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=300256438492

would obviously have to buy wheels, chain, seat and something to hand on to!

[Paul W]

Finished my fixie a few weeks ago and thought I’d share the result, particularly as this thread was the original inspiration.

The bike has probably a little over a 100kms on it now and I’m really into the whole fixed gear way of riding. Really like how quiet and smooth it is, not to mention light and fast.

[Chuck Miller]

Hey Paul,

Looking at that head tube and seat post, I'd put you at about six foot three ...... am I close?

Cheers

[Paul W]

Hi Chuck, you've a good eye 6 3' it is.

[griffiths_r]

paul

looking good... what's the frame?

maybe our immune systems are weakend by the porsche disease... remarkably easy to catch this one.

[Paul W]

The frame is a late 70's early 80's french Concorde, of Reynolds 531 tubing, that I stripped and had satin black powder coated. Probably went a little overboard but it's been a good project. Just have to find some time to remove the stickers from the rear rim and it's done.

[OBRUT]

nice work. i second your "Really like how quiet and smooth it is" comments. it really makes a difference.

[griffiths_r]

ok, so it took me a while to finish this off, but here it is.

the frame is a Healing track frame - estimates are about 1950s...

been riding to work for 2 days and love it. harder work too - which is nice after christmas indulgence...

pedal on the flats, pedal up hill, pedal down hill, pedal to start, pedal to stop... pedal, pedal pedal!!!

[Fishcop]

Nice looking bike Rich.

I gutted out... I went in to buy a simple flat bar fixie after xmas, but ended up with with a Shimano Alfine 8 speed hub geared rear wheel. It has the looks - but with the luxury of swappable ratios... you guys need to know the hills I ride to understand

[CamBiscuit]

Having visited che Fishcop I think you made the right decision John !