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

I think the question is should the stem be out that far anyway?

why the awful bars/stem?

I personally like the bars with those grips. Stem is a compromise. I needed to get a more 'sit up' riding position due to lower back problems so needed to have the bars up, and needed to bring them back towards the saddle so had to go with a stem with no front reach. It doesn't look all that good, I admit and I will probably go for a different stem in the future.

I think the question is should the stem be out that far anyway?

Stem is in far enough (below the maximum line) but I may get a shorter one. As stated above I need a more sit up riding position. Any suggestions?

I was just checking to see if you did actually have a back problem or something or just had crap taste. Glad to hear it's the former (kindof)

are those the ergon grips?

Hmmm, maybe go for a stem converter so you can use an ahead stem with upward reach, you'll still get an upright position and it'll look way better.

looks pretty decent mate for a first build, well done.

for a different bar setup you could try one those amsterdam-style bars

This is the bike I have moved on from:

A much nicer frame (better steel, lugwork) but a good couple of sizes too big and the wrong geometry which has exacerbated my back issues. New bike is much more comfortable to ride even if the front end is a bit crap ;)

are those the ergon grips?

They are indeed. They are the smaller GC2 model

Hmmm, maybe go for a stem converter so you can use an ahead stem with upward reach, you'll still get an upright position and it'll look way better.

Something to think about, but I do like a quill stem lookswise. To my eyes they look less clunky if you need to have height on the bars.

agreed.

comfort should come first, especially if you have health issues

you might want to take a chain link out to get the rear axle more secure in the dropouts

also yo seem to have a kink in your chain from where you refitted it

comfort should come first, especially if you have health issues

you might want to take a chain link out to get the rear axle more secure in the dropouts

also yo seem to have a kink in your chain from where you refitted it

Taking a link out of the chain will move the wheel forward (horizontal dropouts, not track ends), It will stretch soon enough. Yep on the kink, I had done the link nut up too tight. Sorted it before I did the test ride.

comfort should come first, especially if you have health issues

While a quill does look nice, its -17 degree angle will not help your lower back. A +5 degree, 90mm ahead stem will be much more comfortable.

While a quill does look nice, its -17 degree angle will not help your lower back. A +5 degree, 90mm ahead stem will be much more comfortable.

I can't have the 90mm ahead reach though :(

A much nicer frame (better steel, lugwork) but a good couple of sizes too big and the wrong geometry which has exacerbated my back issues. New bike is much more comfortable to ride even if the front end is a bit crap ;)

The frame look like it fit you fine, especially with the amount of seatpost shown.

If you really have bad issue with back, you should considered contacting Bike Whisperer who will sort out your position and able to help preserve what left of your crippling back and prevent yourself from becoming a teenslain.

The frame look like it fit you fine, especially with the amount of seatpost shown.

If you really have bad issue with back, you should considered contacting Bike Whisperer who will sort out your position and able to help preserve what left of your crippling back and prevent yourself from becoming a teenslain.

Just googled them. I will investigate further. Many thanks for the tip :)

I have ordered a quill to ahead converter and a short 60mm high angle stem. Pics when they arrive :)

Great thread, very inspiring as I'm looking to do something similar as my first build. Love the look of the white frame

whats a teenslain please ? (sorry Im old(41) .

not as old as teenslain :)

There are dinosaurs not as old as Teenslain

whats a teenslain please ? (sorry Im old(41) .

http://www.lfgss.com/thread31804.html

Hi guys

So I've been collecting various parts over the last few weeks and now have finally finished my first bike. What do you think?

Probably needs to be posted in the Current Projects thread.