[Nate at RIT]

Not sure of how big the fixed gear crowd is, but for those of you that frequent this site, I gots me a question. I'm looking at doing the fixie thing, but I'm not sure how to go about it. Here's my options:
1. Convert a road frame I have laying around, buying parts for it (Probably run me about $600 total)
2. Buy an old fixie off Ebay (probably about $300-400)
3. Buy a new fixie (about $550-650)

Things to consider:
1. I'm about 210, 5'10", therefore I put down a lot of power
2. I don't have much experience/tools to deal with older parts, conversions,etc. I've converted a mtn bike to SS, but never a road bike
3. For the price difference, all options are equally attractive.

I'm leaning towards Option 3, so that I won't have to worry about things breaking, finding old parts, dealing with the headache, etc.

Any thoughts?

 

[Echo]

I'm pretty sure the only difference between a singlespeed and a fixie is that you use a gear instead of a freewheel on the hub right? Or do they make special hubs just for fixed gear?

 

[Slugman]

I'm pretty sure the only difference between a singlespeed and a fixie is that you use a gear instead of a freewheel on the hub right? Or do they make special hubs just for fixed gear?

Mine has a special hub... and it's surprisingly expensive for a hub w/out anything fancy.

 

[PsychO!1]

A fixed gear hub as two threaded section on the same side.

The first is right handed thread for the gear, next to that, slightly smaller in diameter is a left handed for the lock ring. This keeps the gear from coming off when back pedaling.

 

[Nate at RIT]

Yeah, it's actually a special type of threading, as Psycho1 said. Anyone have any ideas on what option I should do?

 

[PsychO!1]

I'd say option 3 looks the best. You'll get a new bike, built to do what you want. The savings you'll get going to e-bay may not be worth the possible headaches.

 

[Nate at RIT]

I'm looking at the Bianchi Pista right now. $550, and chrome

 

[Echo]

I borrowed a fixed gear from a friend for a few weeks last year. The first time I went to coast up to a stoplight I almost went over the bars

 

[Arsbars]

At 210 I wouldn't get a Bianchi. I'm a chick, and 135 and I can flex the bb on one of those pretty bad. It's an AWESOME bike, and I recommend it highly but yeh, it deffly is a flexy frame.
Other than that there is the Surly Steamroller, Soma, etc etc. I would look into building up something. I bought a pista and ended up just keeping the frame, then I just sold it to build up from an old frame. There's much more asthetic (sp) view in an older bike, and usually they are less flexy with the lugs if u can get them, then almost any new fixed frame.
Hope that helps. Oh Steal is REAL, especially for a fixed. If you have more detailed questions just shoot me a PM. I deal with couriers and fixie yuppies all darn day so i'm sure if I dont know the answer one of them will!

Good luck

 

[Nate at RIT]

Well after doing some net research yesterday, think I'm actually going with the-build-up-it-with-parts route. It actually came out cheaper that route. Got a Jamis Nova frame (steel CX frame), to start with, Van Dessel fixed/free hub, and various cheap yet reliable parts. Should be a blast to ride

 

[lanman]

Specialized Langster, thats all I have to say, awesome deal on a fixed/single speed bike, comes with the flip flop hub, obviously not super light or quality parts but by far the best deal for the money http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=6852&JServSessionIdroot=bes402n6rz.j27002

Edit....well obviously that wasnt all I had to say...

 

[-B-]

Fuji track bikes are stout and easy on the wallet too.

 

[neurostar]

Can a front brake be added to either of those bikes without buying a new fork? (or drilling... )