Wanted: Small, complete, my first fixed bike

Am loving the switch to my single speed Charge after years of riding with way more gears and now giving serious thought to using the cyclescheme to get a lovely new fixed ride.

Before taking the plunge though, I want to see how I get on with riding fixed so was thinking maybe trying a 2nd hand, cheap/beater style ride, on the the thinking if I get on with that ok, buying a lovely new shiny bike will be a breeze?

Looking to spend around £150-£200...is that reasonable/realistic?

..why not go fixed on the ss charge?

Size?

if not on here gumtree is always worth a punt for a cheap bike, then again you get what you pay for. Tbh fixed isnt hard to get used to

..why not go fixed on the ss charge?

Because I like having two bikes - have got a back up hybrid but have put the infinitely nicer rim from that on my Charge. And if I do get used to riding fixed I can't help thinking there are going to be some days when I just want to coast...like down certain South London hills!

And when cycling is your main means of getting about, it's good to have two bikes I reckon.

Although its your money to spend why not just stick a fixed cog (£10 from condor) on the charge and actually see if you like being fixed then if you do then take the back brake off. Its only 5 mins and 2 allan key bolts to attach a brake and crosstop lever....

Size?

Oh, and I'm 5ft 3, 4 tops, so top tube something around 52/53cm, would be about right, wouldn't it?

Although its your money to spend why not just stick a fixed cog (£10 from condor) on the charge and actually see if you like being fixed then if you do then take the back brake off. Its only 5 mins and 2 allan key bolts to attach a brake and crosstop lever....

do what this guy says :)
also, if you want a nice fixed bike then i dont think the cyclescheme is the place to get it from, IMO otp fixed and single-speed bikes are good up to a certain point. if you want something to coast on, buy a decent geared bike on the cyclescheme and then leave your charge fixed :)

Although its your money to spend why not just stick a fixed cog (£10 from condor) on the charge and actually see if you like being fixed then if you do then take the back brake off. Its only 5 mins and 2 allan key bolts to attach a brake and crosstop lever....

Hmm...I've got a flip flop hub with my Plug so maybe I should give it a go. I'm handy-ish with an allen key, adjusting brakes etc so changing the hub shouldn't be totally beyond me, and I shouldn't be able to seriously fuck up my bike, would I?

I'm sure I could do a search but could anyone link me to an idiots guide to switching hubs?

Thanks!

also, if you want a nice fixed bike then i dont think the cyclescheme is the place to get it from, IMO otp fixed and single-speed bikes are good up to a certain point. if you want something to coast on, buy a decent geared bike on the cyclescheme and then leave your charge fixed :)

That's actually really helpful advice - never looked at it that way. Ta!

This is the whole purpose of having a flip flop hub! Just get a cog which is the same number of teeth as your freewheel and put it on (get it tightened with chain whip too) and flip the wheel round. Do not even worry about the brake to begin with, leave it on until you get used to being fixed (but do not use the rear brake otherwise you will never get used to being fixed).

Hmm...I've got a flip flop hub with my Plug so maybe I should give it a go. I'm handy-ish with an allen key, adjusting brakes etc so changing the hub shouldn't be totally beyond me, and I shouldn't be able to seriously fuck up my bike, would I?

I'm sure I could do a search but could anyone link me to an idiots guide to switching hubs?

Thanks!

do you mean just flipping the hub around to fixed? just get yourself a 15mm spanner, undo the track nuts, slide your wheel out, flip the wheel around, put the wheel back in the dropouts, attach the chain, then tension the chain, you want it not too tight but not too loose, for a first-timer tensioning the chain might be a bit tricky but definitely persevere. watch your fingers as well, in the fixed drivetrain you can easily get your fingers caught and then that really fucking hurts and it might chop the end of your finger off. not trying to scare you or anything :)

oh yeah, there should be a fixed cog on the other side of your flip-flop hub, if there isn't one then you will obviously need one.

The bike came with another cog, so that's sorted. Thanks fellas! Advice much appreciated! If any of you are on the marathon ride, I shall reward you with pints (if I can pull it off/haven't broken my bike!)

I don't have a chain whip though...is it totally vital? Could mooch a lend from a mechanic mate if you think so.

Ooops...this has turned into more of a maintenance than "wanted" thread, eh!

It should (but please check) be on tight if it is already installed otherwise you have to get it tightened on with chainwhip as it is your only rear brake whilst fixed so you do not want it coming loose! Definitely get your mechanicmate to help you out as it is the kind of thing bike shops charge a fortune for.
You should really get a lockring pretty soon after if you decide to ride fixed (again around £10) just for extra safety but until you start doing wild one footed skidz around town you should not have too much loosening trouble....

The bike came with another cog, so that's sorted. Thanks fellas! Advice much appreciated! If any of you are on the marathon ride, I shall reward you with pints (if I can pull it off/haven't broken my bike!)

I don't have a chain whip though...is it totally vital? Could mooch a lend from a mechanic mate if you think so.

Ooops...this has turned into more of a maintenance than "wanted" thread, eh!

yeah, i think it should come with a lockring as well? im not too sure on the specs of a charge but i reckon it does. yeah, maybe see you on the marathon ride :)

It has got a lock ring. Aces. Will report back!