First single speed project - help!

There is an old guy who repairs bikes at the entrance too london fields by the Cat and mutton who always has a few cheepies for sale, nice old boy who would probably find you something if you asked him.

There is an old guy who repairs bikes at the entrance too london fields by the Cat and mutton who always has a few cheepies for sale, nice old boy who would probably find you something if you asked him.

Ah sweet. Will ask him. Any idea when he is usually around?

On the weekends saw him today

You should really hide that link better next time. But thanks for ''contributing'' to this thread.

You're welcome.

This is up for sale in the classifieds;

http://www.lfgss.com/thread21953.html

At the stupidly cheap end of the market, the Decathlon b'Twin Vitamin for £70 !

It's not exactly the best single-speed in the world, but it's pretty good value for money. The gearing is daft at 52", the supplied lights are laughable, and are best chucked straight in the bin, and the frames a bit on the heavy side.

The brakes are a bit cheap, but they seem to work OK, likewise most of the components, which are noname unbranded stuff, but for that sort of money it's fine as a cheap, pub bike and similar.

It only comes in two sizes, Medium and Large. The Medium may be OK for someone 5'6", but you'd have to try it out.

Of course, her existing bike may well be better than this...

That is something quite Dutch bikey and rather quite pink.

This is up for sale in the classifieds;

http://www.lfgss.com/thread21953.html

Ah splendid, will keep an eye out. Thanks!

On the weekends saw him today

Her existing bike is quite horrible. Its brakes scare the shit out of me and it weighs a ton. But even then I think it might just beat Decathlon. Thanks though, I am surprised how cheap that is.

At the stupidly cheap end of the market, the Decathlon b'Twin Vitamin for £70 !

It's not exactly the best single-speed in the world, but it's pretty good value for money. The gearing is daft at 52", the supplied lights are laughable, and are best chucked straight in the bin, and the frames a bit on the heavy side.

The brakes are a bit cheap, but they seem to work OK, likewise most of the components, which are noname unbranded stuff, but for that sort of money it's fine as a cheap, pub bike and similar.

It only comes in two sizes, Medium and Large. The Medium may be OK for someone 5'6", but you'd have to try it out.

Of course, her existing bike may well be better than this...

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1027989/Specialized-Globe-San-Francisco-1.html?referrer=froogle.txt&utm_source=google&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid1027989

Hi all,

i'm new to all this, but i've been checking out the types of frame to build myself a single speed with some flat bars on..

i've seen something similar to this one.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110609312750#ht_708wt_1139

and wanted to know if that's a good starting point? or should I be looking at something else?

I understand that the fork won't take a front brake, so i would probably change the fork to accept a front brake and see the one that is currently on there.

any advice would be appreciated.

thanks.

I am putting together a single speed for riding around town. Nothing to flash, do not want to spend a fortune, and have it busted up or nicked.

So far I have got a town bike frame, with 120mm rear spacing, & 45 degree dropouts which are not perfect, but seem to have enough room for movement to keep the chain tight. Next got a Raleigh Track Wheelset: "RGR957 & RGH957" Front + Rear, track hub nutted, Mach 1 Omega black rims, black spokes, & complete with 16T sprocket.

The hub will take a freewheel on the other side, which I will ride first & get used to before going fixed...

So far so good, frame and wheelset seem a good fit. But before I go further, it would be nice to get some tips.

Next I need to install a BB & chainset, & not sure about sizes, looked at a few chainsets thinking 40T front would work with the 16T on the back and not be to powerful. & the chain sets I saw either came with a BB or stated what size to match.

But I don't know how I know what size BB the frame will take. Do I need to get the right size for the frame, can I get a measurement from the frame? Or, are they more universal, & I can get whatever size BB matches the chainset?

I would think if it is not right, it will not line up with back wheel and the chain will slip or come off.

Some advice here would be great....

Can post pictures if that helps.

Thanks for reading.

Re the gearing - do you ride at the moment on a geared bike?

If so note what your favoured ratio is and then work out the gear inches.

You will then need a chainring of an appropriate size to be able to achieve a similar ratio.

Are you in a flat area or somewhere hilly? This will also probably affect your choice.

If riding single speed please please buy two brakes and install them both.

You need to get a bb that will fit your frame. Different BB systems have different ways to attach to the cranks, you will need cranks that fit the BB.

Also you need a crank/bb that will give you a decent chainline for your hub.

If riding single speed please please buy two brakes and install them both.

excellent advice

40t sounds quite light, especially if your riding it freewhell, it kinda depends how much cyling you've done/how fit you are...

Most bikes will have a british 68 mm bb thread, but varying widths. You should be able to measure this with a ruler to the nearest mm. this is a good source of bb info (and all other worldy bike knowledge) http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html#bottom

if you buy a standard road chainset, the chainline will most likely be straight(ish) if you use the placement for the middle ring. Not sure why chainsets had what bb they would match, pretty much all chainsets fit all bb's, unless you get some really old or obscure kit...

I'm sure your local bike shop will measure the bb, seat tube (usually 27.2, but can be different to the nearest .1mm)and steerer tube (if you dont have forks yet).

hope that helps a bit!

do you ride at the moment on a geared bike?

If so note what your favoured ratio is and then work out the gear inches.

My previous bikes have been mostly geared, but end up giving me trouble after a wile with rough gear changes or the chain coming off. I have ridden BMX too, with much less trouble, but they are too small and gear ratio could be faster.

Are you in a flat area or somewhere hilly?

London, flat...

40t sounds quite light, especially if your riding it freewhell, it kinda depends how much cyling you've done/how fit you are...

I am in pretty good shape, I would say. But I'm not planning to ride long distance, just short commute. I was thinking about a slightly smaller front cog, as I want to try fixed gear, want it to be manageable, not too difficult to stop.

use the placement for the middle ring.

middle ring?
single speed = one ring. No?

Not sure why chainsets had what bb they would match, pretty much all chainsets fit all bb's, unless you get some really old or obscure kit...

I guess it was more a recommendation "BEST AXLE LENGTH FOR THIS CRANK IS..."
I guess I am mainly concerned with the chain alignment, as obviously the axel length will affect the chain position.

I'm sure your local bike shop will measure the bb.

Yea, but the will be expensive. + I want to learn...

For the answer to "BEST AXLE LENGTH FOR THIS CRANK IS..."
You need the old faithful, ever sticky Transmission Database Thread

You'll notice for the same cranks people usually always use the same length BB axel (irrespective of BB and hub make), because most people are aiming at a 42 or 44mm chainline. 2mm either way doesn't matter much, despite everyone's obsession with the perfect line.

If the cranks you have/want aren't listed buy a cheap 111mm BB on eBay. Try it, it will either work, or allow you to work out what size you really need.

The one thing to look out for is ISO vs JIS tapers. They are compatible but come out about 4.5mm different (see http://sheldonbrown.com/bbtaper.html)

As others have mentioned 40:16 might be a bit spinny. 42:16 is probably as low you'd want for pootling around London.

I'd suggest trying 42:16, I used this ratio when I built my first fixed and got on ok with it.

If it's going to be a single speed not a fixed gear, then go higher.
You don't need to rely on spinny gear when learning how to skid.
Two brakes and 52/16.

Hello. I intend to buy a bike and thought I would ask your opinion.

I will post links to bikes and you can tell me if they are crap or not...

http://www.halcyonbikes.com/bikes/raven/raven.htm

or

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/classic-track-2011-single-speed-road-bike-ec024679?query=Fuji%20Track

Is the £130 difference gonna be dough I will save on repairs etc?
Thanks

is it cycle to work or something?

for £330 you could get a much nicer fixed gear second hand.

I would say the first one is aesthetically displeasing.

Aye wait for one on here.

Fuji Track is well established. If I had to choose, I'd go for Fuji.

^^what he said

Firsto ne is shite.

Fuji Track is proven.

Alternatively, have a look for a decent 2nd hand ride.....