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12-25-03, 07:20 AM
Here is what happens when your wife won't ride on a fixed gear bike that you build for her. I built up a nice Raleigh for my wife and she took one ride and said it was too wierd not being able to coast. Saying, "fixed gear is a guy thing". I don't know about that, as there are a number of women who post to various web groups, but so be it. I was intent on converting her to fixedness so when I came across a 1970's era Gitane tandem on the internet for sale I was off and running on another obscure quest. Attached is the result. Lugged frame with all the worrying fittings removed and appropriate French thredded parts attached. T.A. b/b's and Bardon Tandem h/s{that one was really obscure and hard to find, Thanks Harris Cyclery**, Shimano cranks and chainwheels and Phil Wood double sided Fixed 36 Hole rear hub and 36 hole front. Avid levers & Mafac cantileaver brakes w/Kool Stop pads really work and are neccessary for stoping this beast from a high rate of speed. My wife says that she does enjoy riding it fixed gear and will consider trying to ride a single again "someday". I won't hold my breath on that one. It is a handfull to ride up any size hill but the flip flop hub will let you get there if you both are in sync and are willing to stand up and honk on the hills. The downhills are, to say the least, thrilling. Like when you try to bring this thing to a quick stop. Good luck. It does allow you to share the fixed gear experience with sombody else who may not be inclined to do so and therefore may convert another person to the fold. Twice as nice.
Fixedgearhead
Fixedgearhead