Bicycle Mechanics - building my first fixed gear wheel

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Jonflee
03-26-07, 07:17 PM
i was wondering if anyone had some hints to building a fixed gear wheel. i read sheldons page on building wheels, just seeing if there are any extra hints or tricks you all have found works well for you.


DeadSailor
03-26-07, 07:30 PM
what kind of hub are you lacin up?

i wouldnt try to ghetto rig anything. buy a conversion kit, theyre not hard to get your hands on. or buy a fixed gear hub.

other than that, make sure the chain like is as straight as possible. put them washeres to work

make sure you dish the wheel right...hmmm idk what else

Jonflee
03-26-07, 07:36 PM
i have an ITOH and a Falcon, both from the mid seventies. i haven't getten a hub yet, i was thinking tomorrow i would head down to the bike shop to talk about hubs. you, maybe, have any ideas on what would be good and low cost?


the royal 'we'
03-26-07, 07:41 PM
For a good low cost fixed gear hub, get a Formula, or one of the numerous rebrands. 'Round $40-$45 usually. There've been a lot of reported problems with the cheaper Suzue hubs, so for a first build I'd say make the step up to be safe.

Good luck finding one at a LBS, though, unless you already know the place carries fixed-gear stuff.

Other than that, I can't really add to Sheldon's article, just go slow, and take a break if you start to get exasperated...

fiver
03-26-07, 08:59 PM
If your LBS ever orders parts from J & B, they should be able to get the Formula hub in 1-3 days.
Great hub for the money though. Also the Surly New hub is a great deal for $65, and the bearings are super smooth.

ianjk
03-26-07, 09:39 PM
I like my surly fixed/fixed flip flop... still only have one cog on it though.

Yeah, don't waste you time going ghetto-tech unless you just want something to try out to see if you like it. Also, if this is your first fixed gear, gear low and use a brake!