Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - SS Conversion

Ok, I've been posting a few topics in the past few days. I apologize for all the questions, but I'm fascinated by SS's! Since getting started with my ghetto, quicky conversion, I think I'm ready to really do one up this time.

So here is my question, the thrift store around the corner from me has a 52cm, mid '80's Panasonic (similar to this one (http://www.teamkarim.com/bikes/used/images/062206-04.jpg), except blue) for $20. There is a lil' rust on the seat post and the nut (excuse non technical terms...) and the paint is chipped something fierce, but other than that it is solid. Would this be a good candidate for a SS conversion? Are these good frames or should I consider getting a modern frame? It seems kinda wide in the back, would an SS hub and rims fit? It's the perfect size and feels good...heavy, but seems real sturdy.

Yes, yes, I know to the experienced, completely lame newbie questions...my bad I'm new to all this and have never built a bike before.

Any advise is appreciated.

Cheers. (damn, was a I long winded or what?) :)

it should work. what does the rear dropout look like, somewhat horizontal? keep and redish the rear wheel, or if you go with new 700c wheels the brakes may or may not need to be swapped so they reach the rims.

You can use the existing hub and rims. Just need a tool to remove the existing freewheel, then spin on a single speed freewheel. May need to re-allocate spacers between right and left to get straight chainline, after which you redish the wheel.



It seems kinda wide in the back, would an SS hub and rims fit?

I'm with odie if the frame fits, it's a perfect candidate.

Excellent, I'll buy the bike tomorrow.

btw, thanks for the help guys. Best forum I've been on so far.

cheers.

it should work. what does the rear dropout look like, somewhat horizontal? keep and redish the rear wheel, or if you go with new 700c wheels the brakes may or may not need to be swapped so they reach the rims.

Yea it has horizontal-ish drops like my Azuki.

You can use the existing hub and rims. Just need a tool to remove the existing freewheel, then spin on a single speed freewheel. May need to re-allocate spacers between right and left to get straight chainline, after which you redish the wheel.

What size (diameter) spacers do you use?

you could spin a bb lockring on before the freewheel as a spacer work quite well

Make sure it fits first.

The spacers are already on there. You just need to swap them from one side to the other.

Or follow Retem's suggestion. That works too.



What size (diameter) spacers do you use?

dishing and spacing wheels takes a lota skill and I don't know how experienced people are

Well, I've never redished a wheel in my life and I'm about to have a go. Mind you, I reckon that if I stuff it up, it's a perfect excuse to buy one of Sheldon's hubs and get a shop to do it properly :rolleyes: There's a silver lining in every stuffup ... you just have to have enough money to capitalise on them :p

Richard

Well, I've never redished a wheel in my life and I'm about to have a go. Mind you, I reckon that if I stuff it up, it's a perfect excuse to buy one of Sheldon's hubs and get a shop to do it properly :rolleyes: There's a silver lining in every stuffup ... you just have to have enough money to capitalise on them :p

Richard

dude go to spicercycles.com order a set of their star track hubs they are the same quality and they are 55 bones

get on neshbar and they have open sports for 23 bones each then take it to your lbs and have them build em

or just buy a wheelset off ebay which would be cheaper I got a cheapy for my bar bike for 140 shipped

Well, I've never redished a wheel in my life and I'm about to have a go. Mind you, I reckon that if I stuff it up, it's a perfect excuse to buy one of Sheldon's hubs and get a shop to do it properly.
Go to it. It's an old, crappy wheel. The worst that will happen is you gain some experience and learn a little about how wheels work. Just go slow.

Sheldon's hubs are on super-sale due to a supplier F-up right now, snag 'em while their cheap!