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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Another annoying fixed gear newbie question

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jele

07-12-08, 06:38 AM

Hi,
I'm looking to build from scratch/buy a fixed gear bike for commuting.
However, due to poor road quality I'm looking for something more like a
hyrbrid/trail frame which can take hits a bit more than a track frame. So....
Can anyone suggest a robust frame to turn into fixed gear bike
(or full fixed gear bike with a hybrid like frame, something more like a bhianchi volpe?)

Thanks!

Ziemas

07-12-08, 06:41 AM

Take a look at the IRO Rob Roy. Mines quite nice, even over cobblestones.

operator

07-12-08, 07:21 AM

allencb

07-12-08, 09:37 AM

I ride my Surly 1x1 as a fixed gear from time to time (Surly flip/flop with freewheel on other side). With slicks, it would do quite well as a commuter and be tough enough for anything. There might be room for a 700c wheelset if you stick to roadie tires (I know it can accomodate 650b mtb wheels and tires). I know folks that do the same thing with the Karate Monkey. The benefit of the KM is that you can run a 700c wheelset and the fattest road tires or even 29r mtb tires.

How tough do you want to go? :)

Chris

MrCjolsen

07-12-08, 09:50 AM

Don't worry about the frame, worry about the tires and wheels. What you want is room to put on larger tires in the 28-32mm range.

If you find an old frame that once had 27" wheels and run 700c rims, you will probably have clearances for larger tires. That's all that matters - just about any old frame should be "robust" enough for normal riding on bad roads.