Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Track(?) drop outs

So, here I am, with two bikes fixed. Well, one that works, and another that's in a constant state of "I'm gonna make it", when really it's a back up frame.

Problem is over time, the rear wheel slides, I get chain slack, etc. It's not a big deal, but enough of a pain to start considering other options.

My options:
Get new drop outs welded on.
Get a new frame.
Get a new bike.

Now, I've kicked around the drop out idea, and from what I gather, it'll cost about 150 dollars.. But anyone who is competent will take a large chunk of time. And while I'm at it, I might as well get it painted.. and then for the money:

I could get the Surly/Pista option... I haven't ridden one, but I'm kind of liking the "old italian steel" on the Bianchi I have. I don't have stellar components.. ok, I've got thrift store salvage parts, so it's not a big deal about dumping a chunk on a new bike.

Then the track bike frame option. Seems to be the frames on italians go for about 400 - 500. Then, there's the need for components.

Opinions?

So, you have horizontal dropouts now and are considering getting track ends welded on?

Why is the real wheel slipping? I assume you've tried using track nuts hey? Perhaps a lock nut with one them little hooks that goes into the slot on the dropout could keep the wheel from slipping? Like the little jobbies they use on internal gear hubs sometimes...

got a set of these? (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3664237904&category=42319)

fssb
sparky

I was under the impression those chain tensioners'll work only on track ends... not dropouts?

I am new to ss/fixed but have been cycling seriously since I was like 11 (28 years). You have a decision, on one hand save $$$ and upgrade your old frame, but as you say might as well paint it too, so probably like $300-350? Or get a new frame and put the old stuff on it. And once you get the frame you'll be like wow my new frame is so cool you may feel weird about putting thrifty components on it. And then who wouldn't like a new bike. I too am at the crossroads. I have an older Raleigh Competition road bike that I love (Reynolds 531), it is all old school stuff, non-indexed derail., etc. I have been thinking about having it painted or upgrading to a new road bike. The wife doesn't think I need another bike, so I was thinking about selling the Raleigh, but I love that bike it was the first bike I built up. Anyway, hard decisions to make. If money isn't too much on an issue get the new bike, I have seen you post quite a bit on this site, it seems like you are into it, treat yourself. Have you ever had a new bike? If you ride alot surely you'll get your moneys worth out of it.
Hey man this is the site of encouragement and postive bike energy, do it---do it.

Good luck with the decision. Keep us posted.

Greg

I was under the impression those chain tensioners'll work only on track ends... not dropouts?
I think so too, infact, they may fit, but they'd pull the wheel out of the drop outs on verticals. Not really what I'd like to accomplish.

get a new bike. i think you should go the surly/bianchi pista/soma/iro/on one/etc. route. as i recall you ride with a brake and those frames are drilled for them. plus those frames have more road oriented geometry. of course, i guess if you get a track frame you could drill it or get a road fork...

one minute.. sohave you got horizontal dropouts, verticle dropouts or track ends?

fssb
sparky

personally, I go 180 from isotope. I say DONT get a new bike. If you quite simply want a new bike, say you want a new bike and get it. But if you're looking for an excuse for a shiny new bike, or 'stylish' trackends, don't use the slippin' wheel 'scuse. Dont know what your prob is, but it aint in the dropouts. There's a cheaper solution, I'm sure.

IMO, dented 'ol kluged together bikes have a lot more character than the ubiqituous moderns being snatched up by the poseurs. Not to mention, when you drop racerboy, no-ones gonna mistake ability with equipment.

get a new bike. i think you should go the surly/bianchi pista/soma/iro/on one/etc. route. as i recall you ride with a brake and those frames are drilled for them. plus those frames have more road oriented geometry. of course, i guess if you get a track frame you could drill it or get a road fork...

I've been drooling about a Bianchi Pista and for $550, is only $150 more than a SOMA or Surly frameset. Problem is the Pista is not drilled for a rear brake. This is only a problem if you want a rear brake like I do. The Surly and SOMA framesets come drilled for front and rear brakes.

I don't run a rear brake now, and really don't see the need for one, so I could scratch that off the list. I do run a front brake.

I have the '04 Kona Unit, great bike. Anyway, it has a new design for the rear dropouts. I don't know if it will work in all bikes but, check it out, it might! By the way, it's a great bike (did I already mention it's a great bike?). :D

I have the '04 Kona Unit, great bike. Anyway, it has a new design for the rear dropouts. I don't know if it will work in all bikes but, check it out, it might! By the way, it's a great bike (did I already mention it's a great bike?). :D

That's a SS MTB. I'm more of a FG street bike personality.

got a set of these? (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3664237904&category=42319)

fssb
sparkyChain tensioners only work with trackends.

if you want a new bike, get one..if you want to fix the one you got, get a better set of track nuts that include serrated washers. Sheldon Brown from Harris in Boston or Business Cycles in FLA will definitely have them...

randy