covert fixed to single speed

[Rob C]

Is there a cheap way of converting a fixed gear to a single speed?

Cheers

[Matt Robbins]

Should just be able to put on a single freewheel instead of your cog and leave the lockring off...a lot of people run flip-flop with fixed on one side and free on the other...

[Rob C]

do you know where I could pick one up from. I'm lookign at a fixed gear on one but I want to stick a single speed on it.

Cheers

[Matt Robbins]

Chain reaction:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=7805

Or Condor, Brixton etc

[Andrew G]

Freewheel, nah stay fixed .

If you want a flip-flop wheel check out Pearson's. They do a couple of wheelsets which I think you can have either fixed both sides or fixed and free. One of them is a slightly aero wheel they have on the Touche as standard. The other, which I have with double fixed hub, is an Ambrosio Evolution rim (box section, for a classic looking fixed) on Ambrosio hub. Mine cost £120 for a wheelset last year and I think all options (hub/rim) are the same price.

[carl f]

The new langsters at 349.99 look like a good deal,fixed and free wheel

[Andrew G]

From the sound of the original post I think Rob already has a bike and is just looking at wheels/hubs.

But.....
I think the Langsters are quite a good deal but I'm not sure of the spec, I've read some reports that they are very much built down to a price and a number of reports of left cranks breaking.

Condor pista is very nice, but also rather pricey. Unless you have a few quid kicking its heals, or will ride fixed a hell of a lot it may not be best vfm.

Ebay etc will get you loads of old steel track frames that are cheap to build up as a start point to see how you get on with fixed wheel.

Pearson's Touche is very nice, so much so that I've just ordered one to replace my existing fixie which was built around my Dad's old steel track frame. Didn't quite fit me so as I've fallen for one gear I've got one that does. Pearson's is finished very nicely (and you can spec the build up as you want, I changed a couple of things as I was saving money not needing wheels or saddle which I'll swap). Also has clearance for full mudguards and braze-ons for a rack if you're that way inclined or going to use it for commutting.

[carl f]

Andrew
On the subject of this,earlier in the year i was looking at the bianchi pista,which looks fab in a classic old school way,but heard the're not all that spec wise etc,also at the price of £350.00 odd it seems to good to be true
Wouldn't mind getting something fixed wise on a budget but seeing as i can only just fix a puncture would it be best to buy complete

[Andrew G]

Fixies are cheap as there is not a lot on them, no gears/controls, mechs etc.

The Bianchi Pista are nice bikes but the ones I've seen are sold as a true "Pista" i.e. track bike. This means that the fronk fork is not drilled for a brake and wouldn't accept one, so you would have to replace the fork with one that would. (You only need a front brake as your legs are the rear brake).

I like the Pearson's and they are both well built and well equiped (with the bonus of Pearson's service). The Langsters are nice bikes but are not as well spec'ed (sp?). I'm not sure you could fit full 'guards should you wish (or a rack), don't know if either of these would be a concern. The Pearson has a carbon front fork and slightly more relaxed angles so is designed as a comfortable bike to put some miles in.

Depends on how much you want to spend and what use you'd get. The Langster would make a good bike and the lower spec bits wouldn't break straight away so you'd get enough miles in first. Then you could upgrade them later in the day which would spread the cost.

For a true budget build the ebay, old steel frames route is a good one. You also have the advantage of true retro class. Building up yourself isn't a problem.

-Bottom bracket and chainset - Shop could do this if you can't and would be cheap.
- Front brake
- Chain
- Wheels
- Handlebars

That's it, you can't really go wrong.

[Grahame]

[quote="Andrew G"]
For a true budget build the ebay, old steel frames route is a good one. You also have the advantage of true retro class. Building up yourself isn't a problem.

-Bottom bracket and chainset - Shop could do this if you can't and would be cheap.
- Front brake
- Chain
- Wheels
- Handlebars

That's it, you can't really go wrong.

[Andrew G]

They fall in to the category of optional extras or luxuries.

[Bo-Gilly]

Is there a cheap way of converting a fixed gear to a single speed?


I think the cheap way of doing it is probably not to buy a new bike but do what I did a couple of weeks ago - I went to Butlers and bought a freewheel to replace my fixed sprocket. IIRC it cost me about £14 - they keep plenty in stock

[Rob C]

so I can just replace the fixed sprocket with a free wheel, I won't need any special tools or washers?

[Rob Taylor]

If anyones after a fixed bike for commuting / winter etc i have an 'on one' pompino i am selling - just trying to clear some room in the garage (i have another fixed i ride around on). its done under 2500km since i got it from Butlers and has been well looked after only riden in the summer. the bike gets good write ups.

(sorry for hijacking the thread)

[img]http://i13.tinypic.com/54ckxnm.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i10.tinypic.com/6gnkzh4.jpg[/img]

contact me if your interested - cost me £500 yours for £275? feel free to pop round for a test ride.

[Rob C]

that's what I was going to buy. If it's a large then I'm very interested...