Starting a build

Posted recently about my flattened Charge Plug. Having become hooked on riding fixed, I think rather than rush and buy another off the peg, I want to build my own. (does mean I'll have to ride a mtb for a while though..)

But I don't really know what the best bits to get for my budget of 500 (payout from insurance!). This would need to buy frame, rear wheel (or perhaps a set of front and rear and crankset.

Salvageable from my Plug is everything from the front (bars, stem, wheel etc), the saddle, post and pedals. Not sure about BB, as teh cranks are bent to fk, so guess might be damaged.

Advice/recommendations most appreciated.

Oh and if there's a previous post on this, sorry guys...did look and couldn't find anything?

Did it get run over?

They're pretty solid bikes those butt plugs.

yes mate, drove over the rear wheel and frame...the frame doesn't look touched, but it's bent by around 2 cm...

Sorry to hear that. At least you have the payout to soften the blow.

Any frames that have caught your eye yet?

well not sure...Dolan look good but don't know anything about them...and Bob Jackson, but could be outta my range...

Those steel Dolans are a bit over-priced. Dolan have had a lot of problems with quality control on their cheap alu frames.

I ride a Bob Jackson 631 track frame and it's really sweet. I wanted a classically built frame, threaded fork etc, that's why i bought it.

If you want something steel, but modern, take a look at Brick Lane Bikes own frame. It's £175 and similar in tubing etc to an IRO Mark V. It'll weigh less than your Charge (as will most bikes!).

Cavendish cycles bring over IRO Mark V and Angus framesets from the states. The Angus uses 631 tubing and has a threaded fork. They quoted £225 for an Angus when i was interested.

Cheers, that's got me started...

http://cavendishcycles.wordpress.com/
http://bricklanebikes.co.uk/

£200 frame
£200 wheels
£100 crankset

He has an ok front wheel so maybe get a Open Pro rear (it'll match visually at least with the front), and save the coin for the frame or nice (Sugino 75) cranks?

well not sure...Dolan look good but don't know anything about them...and Bob Jackson, but could be outta my range...

Personally I'd build up from a Bob Jackson frame, just because of the amazing choice of colours and finishes, and because they look lovely and I've heard good things. You'd have to add a dollop of cash on top of your budget but... fuck it!

You'll also have to wait months and put your old bits on it. Not a problem as such but the idea of a one of those frames with a Charge A-head stem isn't nice... But that might just be a problem for me...

Crispin Haven't you just built a Bob Jackson?

Bad luck mate, I'm in the same position. Recently hit by a car and got a busted frame.

I had a BLB track frame. It's a nice frame for the money. As miro_o said Cavendish stocks IRO's and Surly, both nice frames. Clean ans simple like the Charge. If you want something a little more classic, BLB has a lugged frame (Orlowsk) which is nice.

Personally I'm Looking to import a Bareknuckle from the U.S. coz they are great frames, but a little out of your budget.

No, but I might just be able to set aside a bit of money and treat myself in the new year. Just need to get the colourway right...

I went with no downtube decals, sometimes i wished i'd asked for no bottle bolts too... just for vanity!

the colour's pearl white with silver lining.

/attachments/2492

1 Attachment

Just get yourself one built by Fixed Gear London.

/attachments/2492

very nice, really like your built especially the wheels, Mavic Open Pro?

have to says that a Brooks Swift would suit this bike more than a touring saddle.

right i don't get what those guys actually do? do they just build bikes and source parts etc? noticed they have built there first frame recently and have screened mash. Do they all have jobs? There is a connection to the magazine 'Fixed.' isn't there.

any clarification would be great as i do often wonder how some people manage to just do what i do in my spare time constantly and still pay bills...

any clarification would be great as i do often wonder how some people manage to just do what i do in my spare time constantly and still pay bills...

Why don't you ask them?

Would you be able to save the hub from the rear wheel? that would save a couple of pennies if you were looking to build up a rear wheel instead of a whole new wheelset.

very nice, really like your built especially the wheels, Mavic Open Pro?

Campag Omega.

have to says that a Brooks Swift would suit this bike more than a touring saddle.

If i could justify the money for a Swift... i do agree, but they're ridiculously expensive.

I'd have put a Rolls on but the narrow b17s I find really comfortable.

What about simply trimming the B17 into a Swallow?

i considered it... but the exposed rails look shit IMHO.

as does cutting through the Brooks logo.

yeah i hear ya, the huge gap between the saddle and the rail.