First fixed bike build thread - Help build my first singlespeed or fixed bike

I agree with Vinyl Villain here.. What I'd do is buy the Fuji Track and a brake, give it a go for a while and then when/if you feel the need to upgrade you'll have the money you saved buying a cheap OTP to go on a frame/bike you'll know more about

i know they might be more expensive, but the versatility of the blowjob is amazing.
they have my vote.
and i just rode a friends and it was real nice.
also you dont see that many around
i reckon you could do a good build for ~ 350 no probs, and maybe 300 at a severe stretch, bringing it to a very affordable level.

I ride a Fort and Pinarello track frame (coincidentally a duplicate of that pictured) regularly and both are alu, 7005 and Columbus respectively. Both these frames are pretty stiff and unless you're a really seasoned rider, steel is more comfortable and more flexible. You notice the difference in riding over bus furrows and potholes. I have a Gazelle 531 steel that is really comfortable and great fun to ride but not as fast as the former two. As V.V. says turn up at one of the drinks (probably North, in your case) and try some of the very varied ones out.

I agree with the rest that steel is the way to go, you will love it. If you can afford it get a track frame, but a road frame with short clearance will do, too.

In terms of drivetrains, Sugino is very popular. The transmission database has combinations of cranks & hubs listed that work well together.

Let us know how you are getting on.

By the way, why is it 'Fixed Wheel' with quotation marks? Reminds me of this: http://quotation-marks.blogspot.com/

I agree with the rest that steel is the way to go, you will love it. If you can afford it get a track frame, but a road frame with short clearance will do, too.

In terms of drivetrains, Sugino is very popular.

I agree here also. Steel, especially if it is your first built bike. You can always upgrade once you have more of an idea of what you like and don't like.

Sugino has a messenger crank set that I actually just got for my new bike. They even have colours, I am not going to lie, mine is pink =)

You also mentioned velocitys. Go on ebay. They have hundreds of wheel sets super cheap but made with decent parts. It is definitely worth your time to look. I saved over $175 on my wheel set this way.

Thanks for all the replies there's some great advice there. I'd like to pop along to a local drinks session and get more views and advice. I'll start looking for something pretty basic so I can get more familiar with fixed wheel bikes and get used to riding without brakes.

a serota

Have you thought of A Serotta?

They now do a fixed wheel/ss frame. Cyclefit also use their frames for their Glider Tupelo SS. Alternatively, you could follow Dancing James and buy a custom made Ti frame.

With a name like yours you could mask a "t" on the frame and really personalise it.

I was hoping the company would be related (which the probably are.... Another story) but don't want to spend the money they charge for their frames

and get used to riding without brakes.

wrong

http://www.jinglemad.com/e107_files/public/1193322240_6527_FT50091_wrong_answer.mp3

Initially on the road.

I will be commuting 40 miles daily from NW London to London Bridge. I am also thinking of cycling London to Paris on the fixed and possible LE to JOG if I am confident on the fixed (otherwise ill take the road bike).

Saying all this, i am interested in track riding, but it would most used on roads.

Seems silly to get a track specific bike (fuji track) if your into such distance riding.

Id recommend getting a similarly priced bike (as the other have suggested too) but something with mudguard & rack eyelets.

You can build up a more specific blingy pista/hipster bike later on when you get more into it, and keep the first bike as a dependable transport/touring bike.

I don't know, you can get a track specific bike and able to make change in order to have comfort, such as low-flange hubs, different tyres, longer stem etc.

riding without brakes.

Completely up to you.. but I would recommend having a brake on there. You don't need to use it much, but man it's saved my life a few times.

best to have brake for a year or half before moving to brakeless, especially if you managed to learn how to stop-skid, trackstand, etc.

been riding a fixed wheel bicycles for 2 and a half years, but went brakeless 2 weeks ago.

...and get used to riding without brakes.

wrong
http://www.jinglemad.com/e107_files/public/1193322240_6527_FT50091_wrong_answer.mp3

YouTube - Fixed Gear Crash

Initially on the road.

I will be commuting 40 miles daily from NW London to London Bridge. I am also thinking of cycling London to Paris on the fixed and possible LE to JOG if I am confident on the fixed (otherwise ill take the road bike).

Saying all this, i am interested in track riding, but it would most used on roads.

Having a bike thats good on the track will not be good for doing long distance road riding. I think you need two bikes.

best to have brake for a year or half before moving to brakeless, especially if you managed to learn how to stop-skid, trackstand, etc.

been riding a fixed wheel bicycles for 2 and a half years, but went brakeless 2 weeks ago.

I'd just like to say it's been nice knowing you Ed.

@ Tommy,

He doesn't need 2 bikes!
...just take brakes & guards off, & pump your tyres for visits to the track... Job done!

This another piss take thread right?

I'lll keep looking out for frames/complete bikes on the forum and pop down to blb sometime shortley. I suppose a front brake is a good idea for road riding at the very least as an emergenc measure.

Thanks for all your help

I'd just like to say it's been nice knowing you Ed.

actually I´ve been riding not touching the brake lever in order to stop the black braking surface of the rims eroding for 3 weeks before taking them off.

I'm new to this and have been trying to find a track bike to convert.
It seems that prices have jumped up for singlespeed's and fixies. I cant find a Fuji Track 09 Or (I know they are hated but..) a 2009 Polished Langster Sub £300 (new) i do remember previously seeing them around this price! If anyone can help me with finding one, I'd appreciate it!

Failing that, Any idea how hard it is to import form the USA?

I found this and I think its too good to be true...

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/thehour.htm

But what about Tax? Is shipping likely to be prohibitive?

Any advice would really help!

That bike is a re-branded Fuji track. After paying for shipping and import duty, it will probably cost you more than buying an actual Fuji track over here:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/track-2009-track-bike-ec018091

Try ebay or stick around on here for some bargains. Langsters do come up.

Not sure about the 2009 models tho.

Thanks for your help! if anyone can suggest a bargain I would be in the debt

After tax it would be around £210, then you have got the P&P to consider, but it looks like (according to the shipping section on their site) that they are currently not shipping outside of the US.

If they do ship to the UK you'll also have the UK handling charge, probably around another £30.