Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Semi Clueless newbie wants to start a project

Hi all

I like the idea of trying a singlespeed for fitness and something different. Here is my proposed project bike. I know it might not make sense to use this bike, but it used to be my dad's so I would like to keep the wheels turning. I guess the first step is horizontal dropouts?

Thanks in advance


FXjohn

First step is to go to http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed/index.html and read a bunch of stuff. It will go over options for conversion and chain tension and all kinds of wacky stuff. That frame looks like it should have a bit of movement on the rear dropouts (better picture would help) if so you should be able to make it work for cheap.

Thanks familyman, you're right it's too hard to see.
It's a huffy Scout from the 70's, 10 speed.
I'll get it down and post a better picture.
Sheldon Brown's site is great.
Sounds like a flip flop hub would be good til I decide if I want freewheel or not.

FXjohn

If it's that age you'll probably be able to just spin off the multi-cog wheel and spin a free wheel on. It's not cassette like the newer stuff. You'll be able to use the current wheels if you want. Of course they're probably nice heavy chrome steel which is far from ideal.... but for $15 total investment you could probably have that baby rolling down the road as a SS. Then decide where to go from there.

hard to tell from that angle, but that thing looks very sexy... diggin the paint...

It might be hard to ride upside down...but thats you deal, not mine...:D

Yeah I gotta get the helium outta those tires! :beer:

I don't mind buying new wheels, I'll probably just end up using the frame.
One of the hard things is knowing where to buy all this stuff cheaply.

FXjohn

your project sounds exactly like mine. but i found my bike behind a dumpster and it even came with a PEDAL AND A HALF!!! now talk about smokin' deal! i just have to go get a new front tire so i can ride it to the store and borrow the pedal wrench to slap a new pedal on.

If it's that age you'll probably be able to just spin off the multi-cog wheel and spin a free wheel on.

Please explain! I picked up a bike from the 70's and it has really old shimano stuff on the back (Shimano Eagle) I want to take it to a SS and all I have to do is get the rear cogs off and replace with whatever is necessary (hopefully cheap)

Problem solved. Now all I need to do is put a BMX freewheel on the back.