covert fixed to single speed

[carl f]

Rob-what size is the frame?
Andrew-to be honest i'm to lazy to build one up,although i'm sure it's pretty easy
GB's told me they sell the pista with a front brake,although seeing as its a fixed surly it's not needed?

[John the old'un]

Hi Carl,
Fixed wheel track bikes can only be ridden on the road if they have two brakes, one on each wheel.
The fixed counts as the rear brake, so you fit a brake to the front wheel provided the forks have been drilled to take one.

[Rob Taylor]

sorry should have said this is the 57cm - this is copied from their website:

57cm - XL - from 6' to 6'4"
54cm - L - from 5'9 to 6'1"
51cm - M from 5'5 to 5'10"
48cm - from 5'1" to 5'6"

Of course with them being compact, if you want a longer frame, you can go up a frame size without ruining yourself on the top tube.

Also, note that our frame size is from the centre of the BB to the TOP OF THE SEAT TUBE. To give you more of a clue, the top tube centre line is about 75mm below the top of the seat tube.

as i said feel free to pop round if u want to try it for size, just let me know.

[Rob C]

excellent, I'm 6'1 so I guess I've got a choice, When are you about?

[Rob Taylor]

i have sent u a pm

[John the old'un]

[quote]Traditionalists will ride a fixed gear with just a front brake,

[John the old'un]

Oops, just re-read your post. I now realise you were recommending the use of two brakes as well as fixed.
I was replying to Carl's original post where it would appear that he felt a front brake might not be necessary.

[SimonJOsborne]

The Langsters reasonably cheap too. Check out the Ltd Ed London version...

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... 7497?img=2

[Andrew G]

The litttle BMX style brakes are fine if you only ride on flat roads and want courier chic.

Where we are there are not many flat roads and as soon as you hit a hill you want the hoods for honking out the saddle.

[Rob C]

is it really fair game to pick on a poor illiterate like me? Only joking, I noticed that myself. I've got a nasty habits of being too lazy to proof read, not being able to spell and I don't understand grammar all that well. On a plus side I just got Rob T's pompino from him. Going to ride it to work tomorrow and see how I get on or if I even survive. Fingers crossed....

[Rob C]

got up at half 6 looked out window, it was pi**ing down so drove in. Weather looks dry tomorrow so I'll give it a try then...

[Andrew G]

You'll be fine Rob. Riding fixed is good for general riding as it teaches you (if you don't already) to look well ahead so you can predict what'll happen etc.

Just don't forget to keep pedalling.
You're bound to forget once or twice early on, but the bike'll give you a bit of a kick and you'll soon remember. Don't worry though it won't throw you off or anything.

After a while you'll probably find it's very zen-like as you are at one with the bike.

[Rob C]

Just got off bike, was all a bit uneventful. Had been a bit concerned about stopping and getting going again but with a bit of foresight you can keep that down to a minimum. The commute is quite flat with the exception of Chislehurst and that was manageable. The flats aren't too bad it's almost as if once your up to speed the bike takes over. Worst seemed to be invisible slightly uphill drags that gradually bring the cadence down. The return journey has many more of these but the Chislehurst climb is not so steep or long going back. There is usually a head wind on the way home as well. Won't forget to mention that it was fun and I did actually enjoy it. Might have some questions soon though.

PM commute

Came home today and enjoyed myself so much more then this morning. Was giggling away a few times breaking on downhills knowing that I'd be working hard on the uphill just a few yards ahead. Got to kent gateway with a big smile on my face timed myself to get through a gap between cars on the roundabout at the bottom of lodge lane. Out of the saddle really going for it...

Then I get the sensation of rolling/sliding along the floor. "How did that happen" I asked myself as I shuffled away over to the herb. The bike looked fine, not a scratch on it. Landed on me! Wheels running true, no cracks anywhere. I was beginning to wonder why I'd come off. Then I noticed that the chain had disappeared. It was lying back in the road where it had snapped and fallen of the bike. I'm guessing this sort of thing doesn't happen often. Bit gutted cause I had to walk the last mile or so in almost full lycra.