Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - worth it to convert 89 Trek 1200?

I've got 2 89 Trek 1200s. Aluminum frames with the first 105 components. Is it worth converting one of these to a fixed/ single speed? They are 8 speed. Will the dropouts and spacing work from these? Any experience using an eccentric rear hub to accomidate for not having true horizontal drop outs.

Would it be worth it? It wouldn't be worth it to me, but then again, I already have a track bike. The question is, would it be worth it to you?
Granted, you won't get stares because of the uniqueness of your ride. A 1200 just doesn't invoke the same kind of lust that a colnago or a 3rensho does.
In order to convert the bike to a fixed, you would need a new hub, spokes, rim, and a rear cog. That is 200 at the least. You could pick up a conversion or a track bike for a little more than that, and you have another bike. That's not a bad thing.
Singlespeed, on the other hand, would be far less costly. You could do it for less than 30 ( new chainring bolts and spacers on the rear) Use the RD as a chain tensioner. Remove extra parts.
In summary, fixing it would cost too much to make any sense, but SS would be justifiable.

The dropout spacing will work, and don't worry, the eno will bolt to everything.

i have a trek 370 and i converted it to fixed. got a great deal on the eno hub and built up a velocity deep v rim.

i love it, works great for long rides due to the road geometery

well...i don't see the 1200 in the old 89 brochure:

http://vintage-trek.com/TrekBrochure1989.htm

You'll want the drop out to be horizontal. Check your bike and this link to see what you've got:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html#vertical

Finally...is it worth it? I think it is if you have horizontal dropouts and if all you need is a rear wheel, cog and lockring. I don't think it's remotely worth it if you have to use and eccentric hub. Here's a quick estimate of what you'll be looking at spending:

Option 1
Buying a rear wheel, cog and lockring (this will only work if you have horizontal dropouts): $100-200
You could peruse around to find some used stuff and you could probably get there cheaper. If you buy new, you'll spend over a $100 and perhaps close to $200.

Option 2
Buy a used track bike. Folks often refer to this option, but I don't know where they're finding track bikes in decent shape for a good price. I see some every now and then for $400.

Option 3
Buy a used conversion. Sometimes these can be found on the cheap.

Option 4
Eccentric Hub. I don't see the point of this....I can't find how much the fixed eccentric hub costs, but the freewheel eccentric hub costs $160. That's just for the hub! When you add the cost for building up the wheel, it just doesn't seem cost effective. So my conclusion about this option is that it really isn't and option. Another option that I would never consider would be a suicide hub.

Hope this helps. There are any number of other options out there, which i'm sure you'll read about on this thread or in this forum. Good luck!

EDIT: I convereted an 83 Trek 400 for my fixed gear and it was definitely worth it! Some folks don't like aluminum for fixed gear bikes, but I don't have first hand experience as to why that is.

I need to look at it further as far as drop outs. I have a sweet old masi Nuova Strada that would be an awesome fixed it has dropouts somewhere between horizontal and vertical. but it has threaded holes on the back of each drop outs that looks like you could put some screws in to adjust the positioning of the rear hub.I thought that is what they were for... or maybe they're just rack mounts...

On the 89 catalogue you have to click on the specs page to see the 1200; that catalogue only shows the steel models. The 1200 was alu.

I haven't seen any track bikes for sale.

Thanks for the suggestions I'll have to keep looking at what is out there.

the eno hub i got was from ebay for 75 buxx.

please don't **** up the masi