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

Funny, you know what I mean, first fixed bike

as said above, defo make sure it fits properly or it will just be rubbish. From what i've read there isn't really much to call between the 2 models, so if they have the size you want in both, and colour isn't a concern I'd go for the cheaper and spend the money you save on the bike on a brake.

Ok, thanks alot, thats all I needed to hear

Boxer was my first too, but I had red handlebars, and no front mudguard.
The rear one made it sound like a motorbike too, although I eventually burnt away a crescent shape in it and it wouldn't do so anymore :(

Hi all,

Bought myself a Holdsworth Mistrel to turn into a fixie and I have come accross a few problems. So I am asking for a little advice as its not as simple as I first thought.

First of all what tools do I need to source? I have a fairly comprehensive kit which is ideal for my GT. But technology it would appear has moved on and I cant remove, for example the chainset.

Rear wheel... Can I convert it to a flip flop or should I simply buy a new rear wheel and chain set etc?

I want to keep it as oringinal looking as possible as it is pretty immaculate but I also want that minimalist fixie look.

Any advice would be great.

Thanks.

Check out Sheldon Brown's site for all the info you need on converting a bike to fixed. There is also tonnes of discussion on here you can find by searching for specific questions. Also, check out the "current projects" thread for support and inspiration.

Good luck!

"mattty" is a complete charlatan and trying to wind you up. There's no such information out there.
Your best chance is to go to instantfixie.com or wait outside the "Fixed Japanese Gear" shop in London's trendy East Chiswick. be patient though, they only open one day a week and only then for two hours. (this changes each week) You have to sign up to thier newsletter to find out when it's going to be. You can do this by visiting "Incestuous Ink Tattoo" in London's lakes district and getting a tattoo of a 43 tooth chainring, then you'll unlock the secret code.

Hope this helps.

you forgot that you have to get the old stem off the man near vermillion forest, with that you can steer clear of trouble!

Thanks mattty, some great info on the Sheldon Brown site but I think I'm going to follow RPM's advice. I think she may be onto something...

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

Thanks mattty, some great info on the Sheldon Brown site but I think I'm going to follow RPM's advice. I think she may be onto something...

Ha, Rob got served!

You mean Rosemarie?

There was nothing in my post to suggest gender specificity, how was she to know?

Hey guys, needed some help. Building up my first fixed wheel bike, need some help. The whole part of the bike from bars downwards is rusty, so half the stuff won't come out. I'm taking it to my LBS to get that and some other stuff sorted, but I'm buying parts for it now so I can build before Christmas. I need to know what size my headset's gonna be. The bike itself is a 1970 Claud Butler Gran Sport. Many thanks.

inch

^ one of them

I'm working on my first fixed gear, old peugoet frame. Not too keen on colour so thinking of a respray somewhere.

Now I have an old clapped out Pug that suffered damage to the frame after a crash, Aside from that, all the other parts are salvageable, so I'm going to save costs there by using those existing parts. [good/bad idea?] with some new shiny bits where feasible. (nice new saddle, per say).

I think the big challenge I have (from having a bit of a read around) will be around the rear wheel, and perhaps the funny sizes of the Peugeot frames. I'm hoping sizes won't differ between the two pug frames I have, otherwise may be a more costly excercise than hoped...!

seatpost will be the only issue.

So I thought I'd have a go at building my own.....

Not very high end bits. Frame form a mate (originally it came from Holland I think). I had Edwardes of Camberwell fit the headset. Armourtex powdercaoted then clearcoated it with a metal flake in to give a pearlised finish:

Wheels form varno:

Sturmey Archer crank and Shimano BB:

So here goes.....

BB in:

Current projects? Readers' wives?

Wheels on:

Crank on:

Bars on:

Saddle on:

Brake on:

Grips on:

Chain on:

Finished (pre test)

Tumblr? Twitter?

All went pretty well considering it was my first build. Took about 3 hours with very little swearing lolz. Have taken it out round the block this evening for a quick test to check seat height etc and will take it out in the light tomorrow to test further

why the awful bars/stem?