Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Fixed Gear drivetrain questions etc.

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WoundedKnee
06-22-09, 12:32 AM
About a month ago my girlfriend decided to give me a frame(it says American Flyer on the front, not really familiar), she and her dad completely took it apart before she gave it to me. This was a mistake, I believe. Mainly because I'm really confused about the bottom bracket stuff, as I am new to bike mechanics.

I've learned alot in the past few days, but i'm still not entirely sure what I need.

If I measured right the width of my shell is 70mm. What else do I need to know, and will it effect what cranks I am able to get? (http://www.eighthinch.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=C&Product_Code=or8_withchainrings_black&Category_Code=cranksets_bbs)


I will appreciate any and all help, this will be my first time building a bike.

Cyclaholic
06-22-09, 01:04 AM
Let me introduce you to Mr. Sheldon Brown (RIP)

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

His website is the bicycle bible, it has an immense wealth of knowledge well worth your time to read... it's an enjoyable read too.

I strongly recommend you have a good read as it will be an invaluable reference tool for your first build. Come back here if you still have questions or don't understand something.
WoundedKnee
06-22-09, 01:31 AM
Thanks, that's where I've learned most of what I know. He's not alive? :[

The bb stuff has just got me confused though.

Steev
06-22-09, 05:43 AM
You might want to try the bottom bracket measurement again. 70mm is usually an Italian threaded bottom bracket, highly unlikely on a bike badged "American Flyer".
Seems there's a new company using the American Flyer name, but it used to be a Schwinn brand based on a limited Google search. If that's the case, then you'll have pretty limited options for bottom bracket/crankset. Check this Sheldon article.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/opc.html
HandsomeRyan
06-22-09, 05:46 AM
Thanks, that's where I've learned most of what I know. He's not alive?

In addition to having a great website, he was also a contributing member to this forum. He was every every bit as intelligent and helpful as people say he was.

Unfortunately, Sheldon went on to become Jesus's bike mechanic on Feb. 4, 2008.
Scrodzilla
06-22-09, 06:29 AM
The image of Jesus tearing through my town on a well-tuned, super tarcked-out fixie will be with me all day.

:lol: