First Build Ever...

Sounds good. What sort of pedals and foot retention are you going to use?

Sounds good. What sort of pedals and foot retention are you going to use?

i'm thinking of simple platform pedals and get a strap for locking my feet in.

I will try without the straps, as i really don't like having my feet locked in...but i'll see how i go.

You do need some form of foot retention when riding fixed. Especially if you only have a front brake as you are relying on your legs as the rear brake. Use the straps and get used to them, otherwise you should really have a rear brake.

You do need some form of foot retention when riding fixed. Especially if you only have a front brake as you are relying on your legs as the rear brake. Use the straps and get used to them, otherwise you should really have a rear brake.

advice noted...ill get the straps. I'll just have to learn how to use them along with learning fixed.

advice noted...ill get the straps. I'll just have to learn how to use them along with learning fixed.

Guaranteed. Losing control when spinning early on riding fixed without retention is not a pleasant experience. You have plenty choice. Flip and switch. BMX pedals and fat straps, Track pedals and toe caps, clipless. Looking forward to the build.

http://www.lfgss.com/thread108820.html starter straps and pedals at the link, cost £25 total, yours for £15posted?

Looking forward to seeing this finished, alpinas seem to work really well on mielec's

pages and pages of helpful advice? WTF? have i stumbled in to bike radar..............

You've obviously never actually read Bike Radar

On the mechanical side, Sheldon Brown will teach you most things you need to know. Some of it is beginning to go out of date but it's a fantastic resource. Sounds like your bike is going to be really not to my taste but have fun building it up!

I've just finished (pretty much) building my own bike up from nothing, with no previous experience.

I have one thing to say to you:

Brace yourself, it might get frustrating but in the end, it's totally worth it.

Then again, I probably did do it the hard way hahah!

If later, you come back and use a lot of swearwords in a later post, I know where you're coming from and I feel your pain.. :P

I've just finished (pretty much) building my own bike up from nothing, with no previous experience.

I have one thing to say to you:

Brace yourself, it might get frustrating but in the end, it's totally worth it.

Then again, I probably did do it the hard way hahah!

If later, you come back and use a lot of swearwords in a later post, I know where you're coming from and I feel your pain.. :P

haven't got to swearing yet, although
i have spend some small amounts on
parts that i later found didn't fit! but hey
thats the joy i guess...what was it
someone said...its not the destination
its the journey....?

but i am getting a little impatient
with the journey and just want to ride
the damn thing!

Why not just ask? Guaranteed people here will know.

So all the parts are in...but one
part needs to change!

parts list is:
Andel cranks and Gebhardt chain
Halo aero track wheels
Alpina fork - which i need to change
Turbo saddle
dirty harry brake lever
dia comp brakes
cinelli pepper riser bars
cinelli ant stem
flat pedals and straps
gator skin tyres

i need to get a different fork basically a
carbon road fork. The thing is, the track
fork i got has two problems:

1. It can't be drilled
   
2. pedal clearance is very tight
   So i have to get a road fork, pre-drilled
   and will enough angel to help with pedal
   clearance...I have found a Columbus fork
   which is carbon/alloy which will do the
   job quite well...but i'll find out later today
   if thats a go.
   
   

otherwise, i'll use the alpine for now...
ride brake-less on grass till i learn how to
ride fixie anyway, and look for a replacement
in the meantime.

But i have to say, with everything placed on
the frame, this thing is going to be beautiful
and very very nick-able!

You don't need pedal clearance unless you are going 5 mph, and i thought you could drill alpina's?

Following this post.

Building my first single speed also.

Looking forward to pics

this does it for me.

ok...so its done...quick picture taken as well...here it is:

Final build by samzadgan, on Flickr

ill take some more pics tonight...i'm riding it around the
local streets so i can learn fixed. so far i've learnt how
to slow down and stop with the help of the brake.
but thats all at really low speed...so need to practice
every night and build up the speed and technique.

the thing i am having most problems with is getting
my fuckin' feet into the straps...i put my lead foot in
first, before i start riding...but my other foot...i
just cant seem to get it in...maybe its like sex and
i'll learn over time!

Looks good, although NDS fail. Take a picture of the other side next time!
You'll get used to the straps.
If you are trying to skid I recomend pulling up with your forward foot, it seems obvious but most don't naturally think this when trying to learn.
Have fun. :)

Looks good, although NDS fail. Take a picture of the other side next time!
You'll get used to the straps.
If you are trying to skid I recomend pulling up with your forward foot, it seems obvious but most don't naturally think this when trying to learn.
Have fun. :)

done...here's some better pictures...

photo 1 by samzadgan, on Flickr

photo 4 by samzadgan, on Flickr

photo 2 by samzadgan, on Flickr

photo 3 by samzadgan, on Flickr

whered you get the tt protector?

whered you get the tt protector?

on eBay...there's a guy in Colorado and they end up costing about £12. Given than making it myself would probably cost more...i think its a good option.

why get the tt protector?

Is a more interesting question.

havent checked in for a while
the TT protector is purely for
aesthetic reasons...i will say i
also like sitting on the TT at
traffic lights and this is very
comfortable...