Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Track Dropouts Necessary?

Hello all. I've been lurking on this forum ever since I decided to get a new bike. So, here's the deal. I recently picked up a '91 Diamondback Prevail Frame and Fork on eBay for super cheap. I'd like to build this bike up with a flip flop hub, fixed/free. Below are the dropouts. Should I get these dropouts hacked off and get track dropouts instead? If so, are there any shops in DC/NOVA/MD that are willing to do this? Any help is appreciated.

http://i19.ebayimg.com/03/i/01/87/c6/3e_1_s.JPG

Those are pretty short horizontal drop outs... and not to be a dik or nuthin' - but they would be track ends (not track dropouts) since you can't drop the wheel out of them ;).. anyway - you could try a hub with those dropouts and see if you can get enough tension on the chain... if not you could use a singulator type device and hang it off the derailleur hanger there... or get new ends put on (you don't need track ends, you could also get longer horizontal dropouts put on)

you could use a singulator type device and hang it off the derailleur hanger there...
I disagree. I don't think running a fixed gear through a singulator would be a very good idea.

I disagree. I don't think running a fixed gear through a singulator would be a very good idea.

Eh, probably right, but he/she could use the freewheel side at least...

Hey roberts and lucklust... thanks for the help. And roberts, you weren't being a "dik". By the way, I'm a guy. So, does anyone know of a bike shop in DC that can put new ends on my frame? I spoke with CityBikes in Adams-Morgan and they had no idea.

I think you'll probably need a framebuilder... reckon you could just go around to the shops and keep asking?

there's certainly 'some' degree of adjustability in there....playing with difft gearing combos; you can certainly get VERY close....a FI eccentric axle can fill in take up any slight remaining inadequacies (sic)

I would think thatr having someone put new ends on your frame would be pretty pricey. why not just go with a new frame?

I've read elsewhere on this board that having someone put new ends on the frame can run around $60. If that's the case, I won't be buying a new frame. Additionally, I'm not working with a lot of money and would hate to go out and get a new frame.

I didn't really know what the cost would be, I was just thinking it would be expensive.

What is the frame made out of? Steel is quick and easy. I had some done cheap.

I do not know if you can mess with aluminum.

Try asking any good local shop about area framebuilders...start with Revolution and/or Pro Bikes in DC or that shop (who's name I can't recall) in College Park right by U. of Md. I lived in DC for a few years and remember there was a framebuilding school in suburban MD but can't for the life of me remember that name either. Good luck.

It's RC cromoly, which I'm assuming can be referred to as just steel.


What is the frame made out of? Steel is quick and easy. I had some done cheap.

I do not know if you can mess with aluminum.

I think I would try filing those out a little longer before I got it pro modified. But then, I'm a metalsmith. I don't think it would affect integrity. (except you would do this in an even line, unlike the wonky picture...)

I've got a pinarello with even less adjustability than that and I've found a ratio that works great. Go to: http://www.peak.org/~fixin/personal/fmu/php/index.php you can get pretty close with their calculator, and then it's just a matter of experimenting with ratios and using half links. Cheaper than new dropouts if it works and you can get a ratio you are happy with.

I think I would try filing those out a little longer before I got it pro modified.Excellent suggestion... I'd try that first myself.

George

I've got a pinarello with even less adjustability than that and I've found a ratio that works great. Go to: http://www.peak.org/~fixin/personal/fmu/php/index.php you can get pretty close with their calculator, and then it's just a matter of experimenting with ratios and using half links. Cheaper than new dropouts if it works and you can get a ratio you are happy with.

HEY!!! you have that pinarello pursuit/TT bike that's all swoopy, right? where's the pictorz!? WE (I) NEED PICTORZ!!!!!

HEY!!! you have that pinarello pursuit/TT bike that's all swoopy, right? where's the pictorz!? WE (I) NEED PICTORZ!!!!!
In time, things are a bit wacky around here right now. It is damn sexy though. Damn sexy.

Hello all. I've been lurking on this forum ever since I decided to get a new bike. So, here's the deal. I recently picked up a '91 Diamondback Prevail Frame and Fork on eBay for super cheap. I'd like to build this bike up with a flip flop hub, fixed/free. Below are the dropouts. Should I get these dropouts hacked off and get track dropouts instead? If so, are there any shops in DC/NOVA/MD that are willing to do this? Any help is appreciated.

http://i19.ebayimg.com/03/i/01/87/c6/3e_1_s.JPG
One solution you might consider is a White Industries ENO eccentric hub. It has an off center bolt hole that allows for adjustment of the chain slack.
I have had bikes converted to track ends from their original configuration and the cost for the Stainless Steel track ends was about 40 Bucks, not including any painting necessary. If you are having the frame repainted then that is not an issue. The White hubs would allow you to get up and running without altering the frame and see if you like it. The hubs can be used again with another frame if you don't.


fixedgearhead

Thank you all! This has been extraordinarily helpful. Perhaps I'll post a photo of my bike when it's finished.

Thank you all! This has been extraordinarily helpful. Perhaps I'll post a photo of my bike when it's finished.


I run a fixed with the same dropouts as the one in the picture. I run a 46/17 and have no problem with tension. If you find the gearing you want there are chainring/cog combo's that would work for you without messing with the dropouts.


Tony