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Getting an old road bike with forward facing dropouts is probably the way forward. Almost anything will work but make sure it's the right size and headsets, seatpost front wheel and bb are ok. Then all you have to do is build a rear wheel (dish it to match your chainline). You might want new chainring bolts so you can lose the inner chainring.

Sheldon Brown's site is your bible.

Thanks, yeah I'm on Sheldon's quite a lot.

Oh yeah, budget is £200, somewhat flexible though.

what budget?
You need to figure out what way you go yourself.
If you don't want to have problems with threads then maybe
it would be easier to check classifieds and find something in
your price range.

I need advice on which route people would recommend though, a new singlespeed frame or an older road bike? I'm just not sure. I have done a lot of looking on various forums classifieds and ebay, gumtree etc.

No, but you're asking a broad question which is best answered by browsing through the Current Projects thread or searching "Raleigh", "Peugeot", "first" etc.

In short, no it's not a bad idea at all and from what you write, you are aware of most of the pitfalls (Peugeot seatposts, Raleigh threads etc) and have a good idea of what to look for.

My best advice for a first time builder: "make cheap mistakes".

Yeah, I'll have a look through some more threads, I have looked at quite a few already to find some answers. I think I might go to a few car boot sales to see if I can find any old bikes that are suitable too.

Is this in the wrong section?

So, I'm looking to build a cheap fixie to use over the winter and for the odd trip into town and sensibly I've done a ton of research over the past 3 months or so.

I think i'm leaning towards getting a 70/80s road bike and converting it as I've seen how cheap some good examples go for. I know of the usual things to look out for; BB thread, dropouts, cottered/tapered cranks etc.

I've found a few good options, the two that I think may be best are a 1970s Carlton - full 531! (English threads, I asked) and a Tsunoda Eclipse (not 100% sure on the age, seller hasn't replied yet). There's a few other maybes but they're mostly Raleighs or Peugeots and I'm aware of the possible problems in regards to BB/stem threads.

Basically, any advice would be helpful, I've scoured the web looking for any answers but nothing too helpful has come up.

Or is this route a stupid idea and I should go for a dedicated single speed frame e.g. Macinato?

Cheers kids

I'm sampling fixed this winter hopefully. My road bike isn't anything special but I can't be doing with having to clean it all the time. Need a beater.

You will end up with a litre of sweat in each glove.

This.

Want!

Stupid. The U.K. needs to employ some more dutch people!