Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - smaller frame than normal on fixed bikes?

hey everyone, someone told me that when buying a fixed bike, you need to buy a smaller frame than you normally would on say, a 10 speed or whatever. is this true? im in the market for a fixed beater, im 6'1 and typically ride a 56-58. should i go smaller on a fixed or stay within that range? thanks everyone, this forum has been awesome helping me learn about building up my bike.

takeshi

that really only applies when people are buying track frames. a beater fixie is typically a converted road bike. if the road bike fits you now, it will fit you as a fixie.

i guess i should have asked first: do you want a track bike or a converted road fixie?

that really only applies when people are buying track frames. a beater fixie is typically a converted road bike. if the road bike fits you now, it will fit you as a fixie.


unfortunately, the bike i'm riding now isn't going to be converted, i'm probably going to buy a used one from someone else, so when im shopping around, should i be looking for a 56-58 then or smaller?

unfortunately, the bike i'm riding now isn't going to be converted, i'm probably going to buy a used one from someone else, so when im shopping around, should i be looking for a 56-58 then or smaller?

Track frames have higher bottom brackets and as the frame size is the length of the seatube from the center of the BB to the top of the seat tube (or center/top of top tube) it stands to reason that a higher bottom bracket wil result in a greater standover height for any given size frame.

For example, say you ride a 62cm touring frame that has a 7.2cm BB drop, a 61cm track frame with a 6.2cm BB drop would give you the same standover height....this assumes that both bikes have the same size wheels, etc.

Jim