Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - My first build - a few questions:

I am in the middle of converting an old Lemond frame into a SS/fixed.
I had the frame stripped and powder coated white. It looks pretty sweet.
I was toying with the idea of building the wheels. I'd like to learn how to do that, but after looking into it, realized its much cheaper to just buy a wheelset. So that will wait for another day. I'm sure I'd screw it up anyway. So I've ordered those online and they're on the way (Mavic rims/ Forumla flip flop hub)
I'm using the old headset and bottom bracket / cranks. Also the original front brake. (all campy)

What size tires to you folks recommend?
I need a brake level that I will mount on the flat part of the original drop bars. Any recommendations for that? My only criteria is that it be white / silver, as everything else on the bike is.
There was a nickel-sized cover over the hole in the cranks that covered up the bolt that goes into the spindle. I boogered one up trying to remove it (pin holes). Any idea where I could a replacement?
Seems to be the norm here, that you run with old style pedals w/cages. Why those, over clipless?
And recommendations on pedals?

oh, and one more thing. Water bottle cages? What's the deal? I've looked through a gazillion photos in this thread, and rarely see a water bottle cage. Is that just cuz its not cool? Don't you people ride far enough to get thirsty?

What size tires to you folks recommend?

I like 25s for general road riding

I need a brake level that I will mount on the flat part of the original drop bars. Any recommendations for that? My only criteria is that it be white / silver, as everything else on the bike is.

get a cheapy from nashbar or performance and de-anodize it.

There was a nickel-sized cover over the hole in the cranks that covered up the bolt that goes into the spindle. I boogered one up trying to remove it (pin holes). Any idea where I could a replacement?

a bike shop

Seems to be the norm here, that you run with old style pedals w/cages. Why those, over clipless?

so I can walk around in comfort

And recommendations on pedals?

whatever

oh, and one more thing. Water bottle cages? What's the deal? I've looked through a gazillion photos in this thread, and rarely see a water bottle cage. Is that just cuz its not cool? Don't you people ride far enough to get thirsty?

I have two cages on mine, but I live in Austin and get thirsty walking my dog around the block in the summer time



:thumb:

gracias!

And recommendations on pedals?
I am a big fan of MKS GR9s. Very comfortable with all street shoes. You can't go wrong with a lot of the MKS lineup: Sylvan Tracks, Sylvan Lites, etc.

Wheel size- 23s or 25s will serve you well. Just get good quality tires (gatorskins), in the rear at least.
Pedals- for my build I was limited to pedals that had a 1/2" spindle, so i've got cheapie ones w/ cages now. Will order some better ones once my funds increase.
Water Bottle Cages- Yeah...It's the cool factor. My stickered-out nalgene goes everywhere i go, so it stays on the backpack. No need for cages, but it also looks cleaner.

I'm sure I'd screw it up anyway. So I've ordered those online and they're on the way (Mavic rims/ Forumla flip flop hub)
I'm using the old headset and bottom bracket / cranks. Also the original front brake. (all campy)

here the only issue is that the chainline in the front is correct. if it is too far out, which on a stock road double bb it very well could be, i would try flipping the bb spindle otherwise you might need a new bb


What size tires to you folks recommend?
23, 25

I need a brake level that I will mount on the flat part of the original drop bars. Any recommendations for that? My only criteria is that it be white / silver, as everything else on the bike is.
i would recommend 2 aero road levers. there really isn't any advantage in going with a lever on the flats in your case..

There was a nickel-sized cover over the hole in the cranks that covered up the bolt that goes into the spindle. I boogered one up trying to remove it (pin holes). Any idea where I could a replacement?
Seems to be the norm here, that you run with old style pedals w/cages. Why those, over clipless?
And recommendations on pedals?

convenience mostly. gr9s are a good choice


oh, and one more thing. Water bottle cages? What's the deal? I've looked through a gazillion photos in this thread, and rarely see a water bottle cage. Is that just cuz its not cool? Don't you people ride far enough to get thirsty?

cages = less zen!