Trek Checkpoint ALR fixed/singlespeed (UK edition)

Inspired by veganjoseph's post I decided to build my own fixed/singlespeed Trek Checkpoint.

The priorities for this build are: minimal changes/new parts to the original bike, changes to be easy to implement & above all... cheap.

I got pretty affordable Checkpoint off eBay which fulfils one of the priorities. Like veganjoseph, I also did not research many options for the rear hub before purchase. Fixed would be my preference, but singlespeed seems to be an easier change than fixed.

Just curious to see if anyone has had any experience/feedback with the below ideas.

Singlespeed: Remove the cassette and install spacers to convert the freehub to a singlespeed hub.
Pros = Quick and easy. Simple to adjust chainline.
Cons = I don't put out megawatts, but could a single cog from a cassette cause gouges in the freehub body?

Fixed: Flip the rearwheel, install some type of DB to fixed cog convertor. Run a single front brake.
Pro = Fixed
Cons = Rear wheel is centrelock. I've seen a lot of 6-bolt convertors, not many centrelock convertors. Difficult to adjust chainline.

Would be glad to hear if people had any ideas. I'll add a bit more info and pictures once I get the project going.

I’ve used fat foot cogs in the past and they really help stop the worst of free hub chewing. https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/halo-fat-foot-cog?gclid=Cj0KCQjwma6TBhDIARIsAOKuANx_ronP7cJzBsdaBuNS9oJT0S77d8h2LDEUn2mCRgo8MrQ4nzo_BngaArfkEALw_wcB#16t-chrome
Loads of people make their own versions.
I personally don’t rate those DB converters on a rear wheel, you end up with an ugly wheel and an odd chain line.

Why don't you just ride in one gear and see what's it like and go fix gear bike if you get on with singlespeed .my perfect bikes is gears .and a singlespeed for flats.

I’ve had a Pre Cursa which I rode fixed and I loved it. I would set this up fixed but it seems more work. If I wanted to use the same wheels, I think I would have to flip the wheel and use a centre-lock to 6-bolt converter, then a 6-bolt to track ring converter. Or shell out £145 for a Paul Components hub.

I think I’m going to convert to single speed first and try that out for a bit.

Or just get a 6 bolt rear wheel

I initially rode mine singlespeed with a single cog and spacers before switching to fixed by flipping my wheel and using a 6-bolt cog from VeloSolo when the snow and ice disappeared. Also set it up with gears briefly for a loop of Scotland. Majority of mine has been set-up fixed though. Haven't seemingly had a problem with chainline.

You could use a centrelock-to-6-bolt adaptor for your wheel to allow for a 6-bolt cog to be used but something feels off-putting about too many interfaces.

I've amassed over 36,000km on mine now and absolutely love it!

I ran my Crockett singlespeed with velo solo spacers and and absolute black singlespeed cog, never had any issues with damage to the freehub. Running the same wheelset with a regular cassette on a geared bike now and its still going strong so I wouldn't worry too much

I decided to go with fixed over singlespeed - everything came together very quickly and in time for the 1st day of the railway strike, which was surprising as I'm prone to faffing around a lot.

So I got rid of my centrelock wheels, sold them to a guy locally on eBay who had had his wheels nicked. I picked up a WTB wheelset from @BillyPilgrim - unfortunately, I thought the tyres were too wide for the frame, so I had to remove them and do some musical chairs with the tyres on my girlfriend's gravel bike which are 40c WTB Nanos (vs the 45c WTB Riddlers).

WTB rims and tyres set up tubeless seem to be an unbelievably tight fit. I had to stand on the tyre and try to rip them off by pulling on the wheel. In hindsight, I think I could have made the Riddlers fit by moving the dropout adjustment back.

I removed the 50 ring from my 50/34 Tiagra crankset and put the 34 ring on the outside. The chainline was a bit off, so I installed some chainring spacers. The most I could fit was 2mm, idealy 5mm or more would make for a better chainline but there's no space. This is combined with a 17T sprocket in the back. The gearing is a little low for road, comfortably sitting around 20-25kph, but for offroad it's perfect for me.

I found some cheap Tektro levers and Promax Decode R mechanical brake callipers. I don't know much about disc brakes and the Decode callipers get mixed reviews, but they slow the bike sufficiently and they were cheap - no complaints here.

Everything else, saddle, seatpost, handlebars were left over, nothing special.
Specialized Pizza rack fits nicely on the front and I've ordered a bag for it from @user71349 and that should complete the Thames path commute crusher.

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