Southern California - SoCal Fixers & SS'ers

What do you ride? How much fixed/SS riding do you do? Are you a recent convert? Thinking about trying fixed or SS? Post your rides! :D

Good one George! I ride SS when I ride with my son (I will post pics later).

My fixed gear build is coming along...:D

All the mechanical conversion is complete. We rebuilt the headset and bottom bracket also. Chopped the bars.

The cosmetic phase is yet to come. New paint, seat, pedals, bar tape...

I still want pink :p...and I still don't know what the frame is...generic 80's cro-moly from Japan.

Custom Titanium Fixie. 44x16. Rode it on Grand Tour Highland last year and GMR several times. Rode it almost exclusively all year until recently. Just purchased a Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL.



http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc42/davidwu001/DSC00804.jpg

as soon as i get my money scraped together i'm getting an iro mark v.

I commute on specialized langster.

I ride a de-stickered brushed aluminum Giant Bowery. It's heavy. 48x18 fixed. I leave it at work as an errand runner and lunch time ride. Got it a few months ago.

I put a deposit down on the IRO Rob Roy group buy. Long wait. I want it NOW!

Bought a KHS in July and have about 400 miles on it. I commute to work 2-3 times a week (8 miles round trip) and if I have time I add another 15 on the bike trail. I'm going to flop the hub to the fixed side as soon as I have some time.
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n135/jfquan/KHSFlite1007-21-07.jpg

actually, after reading the thread in ssfg, i think i might just get a mercier kilo tt. everybody that has one seems to like it and say it's a great bike as a first fix. plus, it's only $350 shipped!

bryans BALLS DEEP ride is a kilo tt.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1346/1364288664_b866a0bbb3.jpg
iro mark v
46/17
dura ace cog/lockring
nitto rb-009 bullhorns
black non machined velocity aeros
soma clips with kashi-whatever sprint doubles
everything else is garbage and needs to be upgraded.

ive had it for a little over a month and ive gone over 500 miles.

Custom Titanium Fixie. 44x16. Rode it on Grand Tour Highland last year and GMR several times. Rode it almost exclusively all year until recently. Just purchased a Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL.Nice! I've been looking around for a not so custom Ti street fixie frame. Where and how did you acquire that frame?

I realize this thread is asking SoCal peeps so I hope you don't mind me butting in.
I ride a Surly Steamroller around Town. Its steel with a Brooks Saddle (of course).
Vanessa

My fixed/SS saga:

I bought a singlespeed mountain bike in '03, after a couple riding buddies started riding them, and looked like they were having way too much fun. I figured I'd just ride it occasionally for fun, and to mix things up. Now it's all I ride and/or race off-road. Haven't ridden a geared bike off-road in two or three years. I'm currently riding/racing a Gary Fisher Rig 29er. Love it.

After getting into singlespeed mtbs, I decided I wanted the same simplicity and ease of maintenance for my grocery-getter commuter, and built up a beater fixed-gear from an old Nishiki frame. Rode it for a year or two before starting a new job that came with a 15 mi. commute. 30 mi./day was further than I wanted to ride an ill-fitting beater, so when I happened across a closeout IRO Jamie Roy, I jumped on it and built that up using the parts from the beater. I ride that, during the off-season, to work and back, and have done a few longer rides on it (Rosarito-Ensenada, rode out to LA for the Bicycle Film Festival last summer, Palm Springs Century, etc.). I haven't done some of the crazy climbing rides, that some of you guys do, on the fixed gear. Having done enough of those off-road, I know that I want the option to *coast* downhill after a monster climb.

A few months after getting the IRO I got tired of stressing about it (It's not spectacular, but it is not a cheap build -- Phil Wood hubs laced to Open Pros, Reynolds Ouzo Pro fork, etc.) while it was out in front of the grocery store, or locked up outside of a bar or something, so I built a new set of wheels, got some new, inexpensive parts, and resurrected the original beater as a grocery-getter/coffee shop/bar-hopping ride.

Cut to a few months ago, and the first FG/SS forum IRO group buy, that I couldn't pass up, and the beater is now upgraded once again. Making my total SS/Fixed stable consist of two IROs, and two Gary Fisher Rigs (Got a new Rig this year, through my race team, after having already bought one about a year ago. The older Rig might soon show up, along with the old, beater, Nishiki frame, in the buy/sell forum.)

Nice! I've been looking around for a not so custom Ti street fixie frame. Where and how did you acquire that frame?

Got it from China. Build to your specs for about $600. www.xacd.com.cn

I realize this thread is asking SoCal peeps so I hope you don't mind me butting in.
I ride a Surly Steamroller around Town. Its steel with a Brooks Saddle (of course).
Vanessa

Were you thinking about bringing your Steamroller to L.A.? I ride one too, with a Brooks (of course)..:D

Got it from China. Build to your specs for about $600. www.xacd.com.cnThanks! I think I've visited their site before among a couple of other Ti fabricators overseas. Now, how did you get them to install trackends?

Specialized Allez converted to SS here - had it for around a month or so and love it. Haven't had a chance to ride much at all lately, but it's well-suited for my usual ride on SGRT.

http://luwin.smugmug.com/photos/184988297-M.jpg


Currently geared 42x18, but I am looking to likely swap to 42x16 - trying to work out whatever I can to avoid using a tensioner as the frame has a vertical dropout. Don't foresee it replacing having a geared bike, but it's a fun little thing to just take out and spin around on.

Currently geared 42x18, but I am looking to likely swap to 42x16 - trying to work out whatever I can to avoid using a tensioner as the frame has a vertical dropout. Don't foresee it replacing having a geared bike, but it's a fun little thing to just take out and spin around on.

Fixed or SS?

I'm assuming fixed, based on the wheels, and presence of two brakes. Dunno that anyone makes a fixed hub for those Bontrager rims.

Might be more than you want to spend on a "fun" bike, but have you heard of the White Industries ENO eccentric hub? Build a rear-wheel around one of those, and it'd obviate the need for a tensioner.

I still want pink :p...and I still don't know what the frame is...generic 80's cro-moly from Japan.

If you go pink, be sure to go all the way :)

http://www.aztlanbicycle.com/images/products/lowrider-accessories/PINK_CHAIN.jpg

Roadfix,you're major! A fixed isn't a fixed without a Brookie!!
I can only take one bike at a time unfortunately.
You really need to come to London its rapidly becoming the.fixie capital of the world.
I don't own a Car and zoom around Town on my Rollie, I can get around faster than any Car anyway, I hardly ever unclip I simply stick my hand out and lean on the Car next to me, most Drivers just turn and smile, so I blow them a kiss, if they look angry I simply give them the finger, my fixie brings the best out in me, Drivers could never catch me anyway.
I've leaned on a few rolls royces in fact they're just the right height.

My fixed free build is moving along. I acquired my fathers old 1988 Specialized lugged steel frame that is turquoise and white. It was speced with full 105 components and has a rear spacing of 126mm. I have stripped the frame of all but the BB and headset. I repacked the headset with new grease as the old had become like caramel. Steve at Open Road said the BB is fine and to leave it, so I did as the Zen master orders.

I will be reusing the old Campy post, 105 cranks and brakes, and Specialized quill stem. I recently followed instructions to "shiny up" aluminum parts but have not completed the process. The parts have been de-anodized and removed the oven cleaner but have not polished them. I am in search of a buffing wheel and time.

I recently acquired my new handlebars, Nitto Randonneur bar from Velo Orange, WTB saddle from Bike Nashbar on sale with free shipping, and just 5 minutes ago ordered my wheels from bicyclewheels.com (http://www.bicyclewheels.com) for 160$ shipped. They are Formula 32 hole fixed/free with Mavic CXP 22.

I still need to get cog and freewheel, likely a 44 tooth chainring, white brake cable housing, cheap wellgo clips from Open Road, and tires (hopefully something with white walls in either 25mm or 28mm).

My originally plan was to use the bike for shopping around town and general playing around with the occasional longer ride just to mix things up. I plan to ride free most of the time so I will be running two brakes. I want to slowly learn to ride fixed and will practice around the Rose Bowl. I am now thinking about leaving it stored at the office most of the time and riding a few days at lunch. I work in Old Pasadena and can get in about a 45 minute ride around the Bowl and shower at work. Time will tell how the bike gets used.

If you go pink, be sure to go all the way :)

http://www.aztlanbicycle.com/images/products/lowrider-accessories/PINK_CHAIN.jpg

I've seen those chains...but aren't they kind of magenta? I want matching pink, darn it...:D

Candy pink...

http://www.rustoleum.com/product.asp?frm_product_id=32&SBL=1

Here's some pics of my track bike. After 6-years of racing at Dominguez Hills, it's a little beat-up.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/DannoXYZ/Cycling/TrackBike1.jpghttp://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/DannoXYZ/Cycling/TrackCrankPedal.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/DannoXYZ/Cycling/TrackFrontWheel.jpghttp://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/DannoXYZ/Cycling/TrackRear.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/DannoXYZ/Cycling/TrackRear2.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/DannoXYZ/Cycling/TrackRear3.jpg

I ride an 80's nishiki singlespeed started @ $30 from craiglist took off from there, has 48x18 gearing has never changed, Done my first solo century on it from Escondido to Dana point harbor and back. Organized a Out & Back Pie ride up Palomar and Mesa Grande and pedaled this beast up and over for close to 8k ft of climbing on that same gearing.

Before the roadie SS, I also had converted one of my MTB's to SS, loved it but kept dropping the chain so I had to put the gears on it. After riding with JAMMER at Aliso I copied his idea of a three speed on the full suspension 5"x5" travel. Triples up front and one gear in the back, using the rear derailer to take up the chain slack. Done Aliso many times with it and Santiago Truck Trail with it (7 miles of climbs, and 7 miles of fune DH). Currently looking for a SS 29er on the cheap. Hope to pick up a Monocog or Haro sometime after the wedding next month.

Fixed or SS?

I'm assuming fixed, based on the wheels, and presence of two brakes. Dunno that anyone makes a fixed hub for those Bontrager rims.

Might be more than you want to spend on a "fun" bike, but have you heard of the White Industries ENO eccentric hub? Build a rear-wheel around one of those, and it'd obviate the need for a tensioner.


It's an SS - simply a spacer kit with the 18t cog. I haven't heard of the ENO hub, but I'll look into it!! The Bontrager's were already on the bike so that was the cost-efficient way to roll.

Thanks! I think I've visited their site before among a couple of other Ti fabricators overseas. Now, how did you get them to install trackends?

I just told them what I wanted via e-mail.... geometry, dropouts, dropout spacing, even where I wanted the cable stops (or lack of). They'll send you a CAD drawing for your approval. Once the drawing is approved and they get the money (int'l wire) it takes about 2 weeks for delivery.

I'm riding a Miyata 512 SS right now, and I'm about to purchase a Kilo TT.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f57/wahoolee/kilottredtape.jpg

i have these for it but haven't put them on yet:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f57/wahoolee/redvelocityrims.jpg

Don't have one yet, but I'm going to see about buying a Langster next month. A LBS has one in my size that will be clearance priced with all the new models out now. I can't wait. I'll replace the wheels as I understand the stock ones aren't that greatest.

I have a late-70's (I think) aluminum Alan frame that is currently set up single-speed. When I started riding last year, this was the only bike I rode for the first month or so. I love the zen simplicity of a single speed. Even though it has a flip-flop hub... for some reason, fixed gear really doesn't interest me.

It's very much a parts bin special (42x16). I keep meaning to upgrade everything, but I just don't ride it often enough at the moment.

Roadfix,

I've been riding fixed in the off season. It's a borrowed Trek with a 39x15 gear. It's just for training. I don't ride it around more than 3 people because I don't want to kill them.

Oh yeah,
I've had a SS mountain bike for years. They're two different kinds of riding to me. Both are done in my off season.

go fast - how do you like your mercier?

Bowery fixed gear 39 14/15.

Been riding for about a year - great bike!

Here's mine...built from spare parts, LBS freebies and one expensive hub (ENO) :)

http://www.betheball.com/CJ-Fixie.jpg

sweet looking rig there, what's the gearing?

39x15...I like to spin

1966 Austro Daimler Bergmeister conversion.

I'm here!

Iro BFSSFG SE frame (similar to Mark V). Green, purple, and pink with hints of red and black. :lol: Fixed gearing is 46-17 i believe (with an 18t freewheel on the other side). Just put on about 30 miles over the weekend (i know not much, but i was on a mini-vacation and could only slip in three short 10-15 mile rides with my girlfriend back at the hotel) but there were some short challenging hills along the Carlsbad coast and passing people wearing kits that were riding geared bikes was alot of fun. :D

go fast - how do you like your mercier?

i like it a lot. it is a big-time value for $340 shipped and is a quality bike. i put a flip-flop eno hub with a 19 single speed cog but i need to change the chain ring from a 48 to something smaller so i can spin up and down the hills here in manhattan beach and palos verdes. i'll be changing the pedals soon, too.

I love my fixy

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6987/fixedgear3fi3.jpg

What do you ride? How much fixed/SS riding do you do? Are you a recent convert? Thinking about trying fixed or SS? Post your rides! :D

80s Univega conversion, 46 / 16. I'm a recent convert. I converted because I wanted to learn as much about bikes as possible and do so by building my own. I already have a geared road bike and to keep my learning project within a reasonable budget (i.e., preserve my marriage), I decided to try a SS build. Plus, I wanted to get stronger.

Since August, I've been commuting on the SS -- 4 miles round trip -- and using it as a cruising bike -- you know, leisurely trips around town. Maybe once a week I'll take it out for a good 20 mile pounding. Over the weekend, we rode the SART from Green River to Newport Beach and I decided to use the SS. It was surprisingly easy, and of course, incredibly fun! I was concerned that I'd poop out on the way back on those couple of inclines into Yorba Linda. Turns out it was no problem. The total mileage on the SS is now about 250. I have ridden about 3 miles on the fixed side of the hub. That was very strange. But intriguing enough that I'll be back.

80s Univega conversion, 46 / 16. I'm a recent convert. I converted because I wanted to learn as much about bikes as possible and do so by building my own. I already have a geared road bike and to keep my learning project within a reasonable budget....... I have ridden about 3 miles on the fixed side of the hub. That was very strange. But intriguing enough that I'll be back.

So far my fixed gear costs all of about $18...But the most expensive part is coming up...paint...the obligatory Brooks saddle....:D

I get to ride it later today for the first time. I'm kind of nervous...a little scared about it actually. :p

Is it like getting used to being clipped in? Will I fall or crash? I only have a front brake. Is that a bad idea? ;)

So far my fixed gear costs all of about $18...But the most expensive part is coming up...paint...the obligatory Brooks saddle....:D

I get to ride it later today for the first time. I'm kind of nervous...a little scared about it actually. :p

Is it like getting used to being clipped in? Will I fall or crash? I only have a front brake. Is that a bad idea? ;)

It's easy at first to forget that you can't stop pedaling -- especially (I've found) when you're doing things like (1) reaching down for a water bottle, (2) looking back to check traffic, or (3) slowing to make a sharp turn.

When starting out, it's good to go for short, frequent rides. I've found that the odds of problems based on (1), (2), and (3) above increase significantly toward the end of rides, when fatigue and spaciness set in. You gotta keep your head in the game, until it becomes 2nd nature.

You should be fine with just a front brake.

Enjoy!

It's just like riding a regular bike . . . just don't stop pedaling. I've never crashed due to something specific to the fixed gear.

Front brake is a good idea. Please keep it there until the end of your days. Rear brake is optional.

So far my fixed gear costs all of about $18...But the most expensive part is coming up...paint...the obligatory Brooks saddle....:D

I get to ride it later today for the first time. I'm kind of nervous...a little scared about it actually. :p

Is it like getting used to being clipped in? Will I fall or crash? I only have a front brake. Is that a bad idea? ;)

You'll be fine, just make sure to pay attention when starting and stopping. And try it out someplace quiet at first. Front brake only is fine unless you really like bombing down hills (like Mr. Roadfix). :D I have only a front brake and have been fine so far. Just don't freak out and keep pedaling. The bike will remind you if you try to not pedal. ;)

The bike will remind you if you try to not pedal. ;)

Amen to that, brother.

So far my fixed gear costs all of about $18...But the most expensive part is coming up...paint...the obligatory Brooks saddle....:D

I get to ride it later today for the first time. I'm kind of nervous...a little scared about it actually. :p

Is it like getting used to being clipped in? Will I fall or crash? I only have a front brake. Is that a bad idea? ;)

roadfix's response to my similar question was helpful. It went something like "It'll try to eject you, but don't panic." So I made and effort to (1) not panic and (2) keep pedaling.

I found that stopping was the strangest thing, because on a freewheeling bicycle I usually leave one foot clipped in and complete my stop with my foot -- perhaps it's a weird technique, but it's worked out for me. On the fixie, you have to keep pedaling (even while you're braking) until you come to a complete stop. So don't forget to get your feet free of clips or straps.

Most importantly: have fun :)

So far my fixed gear costs all of about $18...But the most expensive part is coming up...paint...the obligatory Brooks saddle....:D

Good for you!.....we'd like to see more ladies on these single cogged bicycles...:D As for paint, you'd be surprised at how good a simple rattle can paint job can come out. Of course, this is best done when the frame is completely bare of all components to make frame prepping easier before spraying. I've spray painted a few project bikes myself and they all came out good.

Good for you!.....we'd like to see more ladies on these single cogged bicycles...:D As for paint, you'd be surprised at how good a simple rattle can paint job can come out. Of course, this is best done when the frame is completely bare of all components to make frame prepping easier before spraying. I've spray painted a few project bikes myself and they all came out good.

A buddy of mine just had his frame sandblasted for $15. He had them do a powdercoating too for a grand total of $75. You might want to ask around at some local body shops, of if you're near a community college with an autobody program, they might have the equipment and interest in helping you out.