17teeth

Most recent activity

• Help - First Time Fixed!

  in Bikes & Bits • 16 years, 9 months

  

  I managed to acquire an old Claud Butler and converted it from gears to single fixed. It has a 48 tooth chainring and a 17 teeth rear sprocket.
  It's rigid, comfy and as quick as my capabilities. Because it is not new and pristine I don't have to worry about polishing it and when I lock it up somewhere I know it will still be there when I return. You could do a lot worse than convert an older, cheaper bike then if you really appreciate riding fixed then consider spending more money a bike of choice later. Hope this helps.

• First single speed project - help!

  in Bikes & Bits • 17 years, 2 months

  

  I have a liking for the Pearson Touche. I am considering splashing out on a new bike and I'm overwhelmed by the huge choice. Fuji, Flyer, Paddy Wagon, etc etc.
  Continue to keep us posted as to how you get on with the Pearson plus other comments as to the quality of the bike and the service from the shop etc.
  My impression ( rightly or wrongly ) of the Pearson is that it has traditional geometry and therefore probably minimises the problem of catching your toe or toeclip on the front wheel. Good luck with your new bike.
  17teeth

• First single speed project - help!

  in Bikes & Bits • 17 years, 2 months

  

  jashburnham Just to update you all, I've ended up going for a Pearson Touche in blue (hate the name) after a chat to the guys @ Pearson. I've always heard good things about Pearson and at least they're not as ubiquitous as say Specialized, nice to support a British firm as well. Spoke to the fellas at cyclesurgery about the Wilier Pista but they couldn't give me any info on the geometry and seemed a tad clueless. The touche has a flip flop hub so I can experiment with fixed when I want. Gone for a 48 16 SS to start, with a 17 fixed I believe. Sent Pearson over all my bike fitting measurements from my cyclefit trip a few years back, so they shold have a good idea of what I'll need.

  Doubtless I'll get the upgrade bug in a few months, anyone recommend a good place in London to build me some wheels? I'd like some blue rims to match the frame. Also what tools will I need for maintenance, wheel removal etc? I have a chain whip, allen keys and a shimano/camy lockring tool.

  Finally is it possible to put a SRAM powerlink (or similar) on a ss chain or am I being a noob?

  Thanks for all your help guys, and sorry I've not fully embraced Fixed at the first attempt, but give me time...

• Genesis Flyer - chainline issues when set up fixed?

  in Mechanics & Fixin' • 17 years, 3 months

  

  Has anyone any experience of, or considered buying a Specialized Tricross single speed ? This comes with a single freewheel only and the facility to put a fixed cog on the other side and then flip the wheel round if you want fixed.