Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Noob + Vitus bike = help

Hey All,

I've owned a 52cm Vitus bike for a few years. This one is vintage, nice shape. Haven't ridden this year yet, bored, and not excited about getting on bike in it's current state.

I think I want to go single speed(this is the jist of my knowledge). I pretty much know how to ride a bike & that is all, and ride hard.

What are advantages of converting a bike to single speed, as far as exercise is concerned?

I was browsing the faq., don't think I'm technical enuf to go @ something like this myself.

How much on the lower end would something like this cost?

Are there independents that would do installs piece meal out there? i'm in nyc(guessing yes)

Any advantage to straight or bull bars?

Bump, for a little help :)

What kind a Vitus..? i used to ride a Vitus 979 converted to Fixed

If you have a 979 like me, with a freewheel, you may have experienced the annoyance of it auto-shifting on hard pedaling. Going singlespeed, this hopefully wouldn't happen- though if it did, you'd throw the chain instead and be really screwed. The Vitus 979 is a flexy frame (at least my 60cm is) so going fixed gear is a little iffy, IMO
Technically single speed is no different than a fixed gear conversion, except you should leave the rear brake on. Pick a gear that is appropriate for your terrain.
Exercise-wise, you work harder going up hill. Unlike fixed gear, you get to coast, so you go faster downhill but lose the physical benefit of spinning all the time.

Trivia Question: What's the correct pronunciation? Is the "i" long, or short?

neither...it's an 'ee'

Thx for the reply guys. I have some info regarding brand???
Bottom bracket(I believe), it says Vitus Brevete, and depose, and serial#. Wheels are Ambrosio 19 extra elite. Many Campagnolo components, stronglight(crank??), Handle bar says Super competizioni, I believe that is secondary name, as main name may be rubbed off??.
There is a lot of italian components on this bike, albeit old stuff. Definitely needs a refurb of some sort. The bike is very light weight, i love it. It is short for me(6' tall), frame I believe is 52cm, but I ride it just fine, and actually like the way I can control it.
So knowing this, any opinions on which way to go with this bike?
Should I go single speed, or some new components based on the way it is now?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3593087795_6ef4283455.jpg?v=0

Here's a pic, albeit not a great one.

neither...it's an 'ee'

as in 'eek'!

Looks like it's in good shape, why not just give it a tune-up and ride it as is?
The only thing is, if you're 6', a 52 is too small for you. If you ride it a lot, you may find you get knee pain, neck & low back pain.

I agree with Vinfix, the bike is likely too small. However, you know best, you're riding it.

The smaller riders liked Vituses; but bigger riders tended to rip them apart at the lugs, they were just too flexy, esp. at larger frame sizes. They're pretty bikes, though.

Sean Kelly, the great Classics rider (who was probably a stronger rider than all of us on this thread put together and multiplied by some large factor) rode and loved one, but he was a smaller rider. You're likely okay.

Hmmm, thx for the info. It is a pretty bike, and it's in pretty good shape overall.
I think the components even though nice to look at, kinda stink, i.e. the brakes, etc. Supposing I just would change the brake system. What should I look for as far as brand, not very expensive but decent, and are there certain specs?

how about using the search, it's all on the net don't badger us.

Vertical rear dropouts are a big factor in setting up your drivetrain esp fixed; probably not an issue if you stay SS.

A former racing teammate's GF (from France) always referred to my 979 as a VEE TOO'.
But then again she pronounced Schwinn "Schwine"

I digress.

I love the way some of those Vitus frames look - very cool. If it fits you convert it and give FG a try. You can always switch it back. I ride in NYC and tried my first FG bike last year. Now I have two and ride fixed about 80% of the time. Lots of fun but hard to describe. You just have to see for yourself.

I'm going to PM you the name of a great independent bike shop in NYC who will do the job right and for a very fair price, should you decide to take the plunge.

Oh, and I highly recommend trying bullhorns. I've used drops, risers, straight and bullhorns in the city and like bullhorns the best. They give you more hand position options than straight/riser bars and I like the more upright positions better than drops for navigating city traffic. I also like bullhorns that are made for that purpose (i.e. time trial bars) better than flip and chops ones, as they tend to give you a bit longer reach and more leverage.