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@DFP
Ive been without a fast fixie wheel bicycle for a couple of weeks now.
It doesnt feel good, Ive ended up glued to the computer hunting parts for a new build while I envy the damp/sunny weather outside and all the possible skidding fun.
I have also been spouting a lot of nonsense on here, driveside leg still rolled up of course. I am stuck here pretty much all summer catching up with uni coursework, so am desperate to get a bike together quick!
I was planning to put together a high quality full build this winter, after becoming a 'seasoned' fixed rider over this summer. But as my bike gave up, Im trying to rush it now. I considered an off the peg for a moment but then saw sense.
Ive got wheelset sorted (£100) and parts should cost me no more than £70.
This leaves me with £100 MAX to spend on a frame, at £270 for a complete bike is lot for me considering I usually spend £15 on my bikes! I like classy lugged frames made out of nice steel. But anything singlespeed/track specific is waaay out of my price league thanks to fashion and such. Good quality steel road frame seem pretty easy to come by though, I have found a very nice looking columbus SL tubed frameset for £95 with campagnolo foward facing adjustable dropouts.
My only option for a single speed specific frame being a Archie Wilkinson Cycle Speedway frame. £100, probably way overbuilt, heavy plain gauge 4130 tubing. Plus id need to buy a raked fork to work with 700c wheels. Archie seems a nice fella though, a charming luxury to be able to get an affordable frameset direct from builder, but is it really suitable ? I dont really like the way they look, and I like lighter bikes.
I am leant toward getting the 80's road bike frame which is pretty gorgeous, and will not lose value if I need to resell (I hope)
My local bike shop mentioned all the fixed riders regularly coming in with trashed BB's etc, but I always dismissed it.
But as my conversion snapped at the driveside chainstay, might the stresses of urban fixed riding be too much for a old skool road bike?
thanks if you got to the end, any thoughts? Experiences of your conversions?