Fixed Gear Riders?

[jinks]

Originally Posted by SScheetz

This old man wants to get one of these.

yeah, I've been lusting after one of those too. But I get joy out of taking care of my converted fixie, so I can't get myself to retire it. I've been riding a converted fuji ace for the past couple years. And of course it's steel. I commute about 90 miles a week on it these days. I save money on gas, and blow it on more toys! As for brakes I do have a front brake. The thought of riding without brakes at speed scares the hell out of me. I'd be too worried about it to enjoy the ride. Here's an older pic.

I wouldn't be able to give advice on bike size, because it's such a personal thing with top tube length and height. Just go to a bike store, ride some road bikes. Find a size that's good and use those specs. As for cogs, it's all about gear ratios. I run 42x15 which is in the high 70's or low 80's gear inches. Most people stay in the mid to high 70's for commuting, but everyone's different. It works well for my commute, which only has one serious hill. If you're going for a pre-built bike, just try out what they ship with and adjust from there. Changing a cog is a breeze, but it gets expensive to experiment. You should see how many chainrings and cogs I have in my garage, hehe.

[roadkillross]

could i convert something like this with ease?

Univega Nuovo Sport Road Bike Made in Japan


or this
ROAD BIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!X-Mas

[Schecky]

LeMond makes a nice steel one:
LeMond Racing Cycles » 2006 Bikes » Fillmore

Originally Posted by downhillross13

could i convert something like this with ease?

That's what I did for mine. Bought the frame off eBay and went from there.

[jinks]

Originally Posted by downhillross13

could i convert something like this with ease?

It's hard to say. The second bike you listed doesn't look like it has much of a horizontal dropout if at all, so you won't be able to adjust chain tension very easily. I can't tell with the univega. Plus those bikes are way over priced, I think. I got a bike off of ebay and converted it too. It's not hard, but you need the horizontal dropouts unless you want to dump money for an eccentric hub, which makes no sense IMO.

Here're a great couple pages about fixies and conversions:

Fixed Gear Conversions
Fixed Gear Bicycles for the Road

[roadkillross]

what type of frame should i look for? a road frame obviously but how mmany cm's? im 6'3" so im guessing 62cm?

[1_fez_rider]

Here's what I have...

Before the make over...Those classic moustache bars are pretty comfy!


After the make over...took off the fenders, made my own bull horns, and eventually (after the pic was taken) spd pedals.

[Schecky]

Originally Posted by downhillross13

what type of frame should i look for? a road frame obviously but how mmany cm's? im 6'3" so im guessing 62cm?

You need to know your inseam length using the book method.
I am 6'3" also, but I ride a 58cm.
If we don't get rained out, I will have a used 60cm Specialized road frame with some Ultegra hub wheels for sale at the swap meet.

[roadkillross]

sounds good ill have to check it out. anyone want to bring a fixie so i can try it?? its cool if u dont

[Wrecker]

I know this is a bit late, but there is a great bike shop in Seal Beach--King's Bikes, they have a few fixies and messanger type guys.

For a cheap fixie, with brakes, and even a free wheel that you can flip-flop, check out the Specialized Langster. I love mine and you can pretty much do anything to it.

Or, if you want a total sturdy one, Surly has the Steamroller that you can build up (and attach a front brake)

I usually ride around my house, short bits, and my gearing is 48-17. I don't get too spun out, and can still climb hills as fast as the slowest jogger.

[Schecky]

Originally Posted by Chelle

I know this is a bit late, but there is a great bike shop in Seal Beach--King's Bikes, they have a few fixies and messanger type guys.

Where are they located? Decent bike shops are few and far between for us North Countyites.

[Wrecker]

King's Bikes is right on PCH, just passed Seal Beach Blvd (if coming from HB).

They were really helpful when I went in, and they are the ones that had the great Parking lot Swap Meet...they may even know someone that wants to get rid of an old fixie (I think one of the shop guys had a Surly for sale and there may be a few other fixies that did not sell at the Swap Meet).

They hooked me up when I wanted to change the gearing on my bike, as Specialized makes it difficult.

[PHAT TIRE]

Originally Posted by bikebike69

Ross you should check out Bicycle Kitchen on Helliotrope downtown. About as cheap as you can go. There you can build your own from second hand frames and parts on hand,just takes a small donation. They are a great group,ask for Ben he runs the show but anyone can help you. Good luck,you should ride singlespeed or fixed with a brake for while if your not used to riding in L.A. traffic. I cant tell you how many times I have been hit or run off the road.

I've heard that this shop is awesome from a buddy. I might have to go get one!

[One leg rolled up]

khs has a decent one called the flite 100 that I've put a lot of good miles on. same price as a pista without riding the same thing as everybody else. you can see mine on my website link.

You can see me at Adrenaline too and we can get one together for you. We've built quite a few of them lately, and I'm selling some of my fixie parts