Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - I'v got my eye on a vintage Olmo frame...

Chanced upon a early 80's 56cm Olmo track frame, gorgeous lugged blue columbus tubes. The only thing is the beast takes a 26" front wheel (which UCI banned in the early 90's, I think), and has a forward sloping top tube. Anyone with experience on these? Are they ***** to ride on the street?

i've got a pursuit bike (650c front wheel). it's fun as hell to ride on the street! i think there are a couple other folks on here who have them too...

which UCI banned in the early 90's

What's UCI?

UniCycles International. thats why they banned front wheels.

I don't have an Olmo but do own 2 sloping top tube bikes. A KHS Aero track bike that I added brakes to which still uses 700c front and rear and a vintage Battaglin TT bike wth a 650c front and 700c rear, 10 speeds, full Campy Nuevo Groupo.
Both are fun to ride.........but, the low bar position puts a strain on shoulders for extended riding. I am building up a road bike now with a little more sensible geometry(but it won't look as cool).
Tony

i've got a pursuit bike (650c front wheel). it's fun as hell to ride on the street! i think there are a couple other folks on here who have them too...

cool. I'll build it up

UniCycles International. thats why they banned front wheels.
hilarious and deserved

UniCycles International. thats why they banned front wheels.
yeah i gotta say i laughed out loud to that.

UniCycles International. thats why they banned front wheels.

coffee through nose... hurts... :)

Right, got the frame plus some Fir tube wheels laced to campy record high flanges, a neat 'olmo' seatpost and ugly as feck Turbo saddle. Building to commence...

Right, got the frame plus some Fir tube wheels laced to campy record high flanges, a neat 'olmo' seatpost and ugly as feck Turbo saddle. Building to commence...

niiiiiiiice.

i put 2" risers on my bike, depending on your lower back's tolerance for being in a lower riding position, you might want to do the same.

coffee through nose... hurts... :)

You've got it easy. I was drinking sake.

niiiiiiiice.

i put 2" risers on my bike, depending on your lower back's tolerance for being in a lower riding position, you might want to do the same.


I'll put in a Look Ergostem and bullhorns. I quite like a 'painful' stretch position and as this is gonna be my weekend showoff fixie I don't have to worry about having 30lbs of packets on my back, so I guess it will be just fine.

UniCycles International. thats why they banned front wheels.

Thanks a lot di*ks. My feelings are hurt now. I am going to go cry now.

And I still don't know what it means.

After all our time together.

I can't even get a straight answer out of you.

I am going to go and ride down to the lake and cry. *weeps*

The mission of the International Cycling Union (UCI) is to develop and promote all aspects of cycling without discrimination of any kind, in close cooperation with National Federations and major associates.