Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - fixed speed ? again

So if I have a standard road bike - I am thinking about converting to a single speed .
Do I buy a hub that is designed for flipflop will this aline my chain up correctly( or do I need a chain singleator on top of the flip flop hub)?
I hope that ? makes sense,
John

forgot to ask this also- Does it really make a difference if your frame was built for a fixed or not?
I mean I see post saying you should have the rear axel slide in from the back instead up from an angle -Why would this really make a difference?

mainly you need horizontal dropouts, in order to adjust chain tension. if you have vertical dropouts you will need a singleator to adjust chain tension. chainline is a different issue that will be affected, but not necessarily solved, by installing a singlespeed hub.

the following link will tell you all you need to know, and then some. enjoy.

http://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html

Performance has parts to convert a roadie into a single-speed, but that will not be or feel the same as a fixed-gear bike.

Remember that fixed gear (no coasting) is different from single speed (only one gear, but with a freewheel for coasting). Old road bikes usually convert to fixed gear quite nicely. The easiest way is to buy a fixed gear rear wheel and cog, remove the uneeded shifter-stuff from the bike, and install a chain. You may need to mess with the spacing of the hub, or the position of the chainring to get a straight chainline.

Single speed is even easier, you need something to maintain chain tension (unless the bike has horizontal dropouts), and then a BMX freewheel, or a single speed kit for a cassette hub.

I suggest spending a lot of time at http://www.sheldonbrown.com reading about fixed gear and single speed. If you still have questions, come back and let us know!

peace,
sam

Would these be considered horizontal dropouts? Thanks again..

YES! Those dropouts are perfect for use as a singlespeed or fixed gear bike!

how about a hub like this?

http://members.aol.com/trsrehnt/z/477.jpg

its a flipflop apparently but i thouht they were to have stepped and reversed threads for a lockring?
anyone care to explain? could this be used for a fixie?

I am new and dont ride fixed yet but am looking for the cheapest way to convert possible..

its a flip freewheel... cannot accept a 'proper' lockring. nashbar has their fixed hubs on sale for CHEAP

That hub would sort-of work... But it would be a cludge. You could thread a cog on, but there would be no way to keep it on. You could use locktite or jb weld, but again, its a cludge. If you already own that hub, and don't want to buy anything, you could get away with it, but don't buy that hub.

I'd look for a 'real' track hub, which will have two sets of threads on each side. Like mentioned, Nashbar has their high flange track hub on sale right now, its 30$, which is damn cheap, and its a basic quality hub. It even includes lockrings, which saves you another 20$ down the line.

peace,
sam

That hub would sort-of work... But it would be a cludge. You could thread a cog on, but there would be no way to keep it on. You could use locktite or jb weld, but again, its a cludge. If you already own that hub, and don't want to buy anything, you could get away with it, but don't buy that hub.

I'd look for a 'real' track hub, which will have two sets of threads on each side. Like mentioned, Nashbar has their high flange track hub on sale right now, its 30$, which is damn cheap, and its a basic quality hub. It even includes lockrings, which saves you another 20$ down the line.

peace,
sam

right on..thanks guys...havent bought it but saw it for like 5$ on ebay

i ll go with the nashbar hubs...any ideas of quotes for building a cheap but safe wheel around such a hub? sorry for so many questions but i ve not built a wheel before

right on..thanks guys...havent bought it but saw it for like 5$ on ebay

i ll go with the nashbar hubs...any ideas of quotes for building a cheap but safe wheel around such a hub? sorry for so many questions but i ve not built a wheel before

see the "ghetto aero wheelset love" thread if you know how to build your own wheels.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=113727