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

ride it

after he deployed his safety device on to it

do it up and sell it, they are worth a bit now adays

full of shit advice today:
ride it. deploy a device on it. sell it.

this guy's going to be confused...!

My first bike was donated by my 4'11" grandmother, red faded to pink complete with rusty chrome rack on the back, basket on the front and "lever of doom" in the middle of the single central tube to fold it in half.

is the grifters saddle split at the back revealing the foam?
black raleigh strika for me, cranks made a ticking noise, good times

is the grifters saddle split at the back revealing the foam?
black raleigh strika for me, cranks made a ticking noise, good times

The saddle is not split...

hello folks

I found this community of yours and wanted to ask your opinions as Im taking the plunge and attempting to build my own single speed bike for commuting purposes. Im pretty clueless technically so I guess this is my first post of possibly many ( i shall endeavor to scour this site for any questions/answers beforehand).

I wanted to make sure the wheels Im currently looking at will fit the bike.

I'll be buying in a cinelli vigorelli frame and the wheels Im eyeing are a set of 700c Campagnolo Shamals 14 hole front and 16 hole back. The back hub comes with a 9 speed cassette which I'll be looking to replace with a hub i can alternate between fixed and freewheel. Im not sold on the idea of riding fixed at this stage so will install a front break.

What are your thoughts on riding 14/16 spokes on the road, ie: do you think this is sufficient or am i looking at destroying these rims? ( I weigh in at 74 kg's )

The back wheel is also warped by a centimeter or two but i figured this could be easily trued/ corrected? ( or not? )

I guess what Im asking is whether or not anyone can recommend a hub which could replace the one on the back wheel in order to get it to fit this frame. (unless of course this is not possible?)

like i said, Im completely new to all this so any info would help me out immensely.

thanks
flame away...

this is a great starting point for mechanical stuff along with the Sheldon Brown web site.

I don't know that much about the Shamals for the road I'm afraid. Where are you based? A trip to one of the drinks gettogethers and the price of a couple of beers is usually a great way to get good advice.

Great thanks, i have been reading sheldon browns website which is excellent.
I'll sniff out that book too.

If you're going to ride with a single speed freewheel, a back brake is a good idea too.

Yes, the wheel should be OK to straighten out if it's just a bit warped out of shape. They'll probably be OK if you're really light (sorry I have no idea what 74kg means, I deal in stones and pounds), lots of people use shamals on here. Hoever most riders seem to use 32 holes or more on both wheels for longevity/peace of mind.

I think there may be a list thread about hubs, they're usually authored by GA2G, use the search.

If you're going to shell out for a fancy wheelset something like a goldtech, phil wood or similar would be excellent. Goldtech and Phil can do custom orders for low spoke counts such as 16 (and goldtech are the UK, which means no import tax). If you find a hub described as 'double fixed' you could put a freewheel on threads meant for fixed too, though a proper freewheel threading would be preferable, since there's more of it.

Also, be aware that you could buy an off the shelf 32 hole hub, and only use half the holes. That would mean you could up the spoke count later if the rim doesn't hold up.

Good luck.

I'd not bother with the Shamals, you'll need a competent wheelbuilder to replace the rear hub and will struggle to find a 16 hole fixed/free hub so it'll be more trouble than it's worth.

Are you after a deep section wheel specifically? If so get some Deep Vs or H Plus Son rims laced to a decent pair of hubs.

Good advice^.

great stuff gents, yes Im after something quite sturdy so a deep V rim sounds like the ticket, I'll check out Goldtech too, the Phil gear is beautiful but i could do without import duties. It sounds as though 16 spokes isn't going to cut it for everyday city commutes, pity as i really like these wheels. A front brake on a single speed non fixed is not ideal i guess.. keep the advice coming please

You can buy phils here, just unlikely to find 16 hole ones (but they would do them as a custom order), that's what I was driving at.

If you're unsure about the Shamals, get something sturdier. It's a lot of hassle to get your 16 hole hub, rebuild etc.

Makes sense Skully, I had a look at the Phil hubs and they're a thing of beauty, (i think i need them). I really like the look of the H plus Son wheels, hopefully BLB gets a full range in. 32 holes should be enough for daily commutes? Im not mad on having loads of spokes but in retrospect stronger/sturdier is the way to go.

xhrist this is not exactly going to be cheap now is it! ( no half measures )

if you have no technical ability but the money to drop on a cinelli, why not just get BLB or shop 14 to build you a safe, appropriate bike.

I thought about this Vélo and have it as a backup option however It's something that I know will be rewarding having sourced and built my own bike. The enormity of the task is not lost on me but i don't want to give in just yet. My main concern is what you pointed out: "safe"

The old Vigorelli was rather ugly but the new one is proper ugly.

There are many better framesets out there.

There are many better framesets out there.

http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frames.asp

Have a read...excellent info and advice---> http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

the vigorelli fork is undrilled as well right?

Speaking of books - any other recommendations specifically dealing with fixed-gear/ single speeds? I am looking to embark on my first bike build project - any advice in general appreciated (good frameset, tools etc)

You should probably look at buying halo flipflop(fixed,freewheel) they are only about 40 pounds bur I think they are 32 hole this should be ok

I’ve been looking around for frames and parts, and I feel it would be easier for me to but a complete and then add my own parts to it so I’ve narrowed it down to the Fuji track 2009 and the Fuji Classic track 2010.
I’ve looked around and read reviews, but was wondering if anyone had experience on both of these, because I don’t know if the extra money for the 2010 is worth it or if the 2009 is a good enough starter bike.
I just want a simple, reasonable priced fixie for me to use for day to day use so I think either are up for the job. Opinions?

Thanks alot

Ollie

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

2010 - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/classic-track-2010-single-speed-road-bike-ec022190

the search and/or this thread will help you with any first bike questions:

http://www.lfgss.com/thread9085.html

I dont have first bike questions, but thanks, I was wondering what people thought about the fuji's and is it worth spending more for the 2010?

from comparing the specs, the chainset and rims are the only significant things that have changed, from

Lasco RCF-4064 Forged Alloy -> FSA Track Forged Alloy
Weinmann ZAC-19 Double Wall Road Rims, 32H -> Jalco DRX 2000 Double Wall, 32H

i don't know anything about any of these, but for a first bike you probably won't notice where the extra £50 has gone, but you may have to get the 2010 as they only have 58cm in 2009. but make sure you get one that fits correctly.