Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Building up a fixed gear from scratch

Hello. I was wondering what a list of parts of that I'll need to buy to make a fixed gear bicycle. I'm planning on using this frame: here (http://newhaven.craigslist.org/bik/1906226814.html)
As you can see, it already has the handlebars and fork. What's a complete list of everything else I will need? I don't want to buy the wrong parts. Let's just assume the wheel size is 700c. Thanks!

Well, looks like you already got the wheels in mind.

1) Pedals.
2) The thing that the pedals attach to.
3) The thing that attaches the thing that the pedals attach to.
4) Chain.
5) Chainring and bolts.
6) Tires.
7) Moxy.
8) Wrench to take off the kickstand.

Bottom bracket.
Cranks.
Chainring.
Pedals.
Toeclips and Straps.
Chain.
Rear wheel with fixed hub. (Or spokes, fixed hub, and rim, and rim strip and tube and tire.)
Rear cog.
Lockring for rear cog.
Front wheel (or etc. and quick release)
Bar tape?
Looks like there's a front brake. You'll need pads (probably), cable, brake lever, cable housing.
Seatpost.
Saddle.

Are all bottom brackets the same size (universal/interchangeable)? So if I were to take a bottom bracket out of any (scrapped) bike, would it fit this frame? If no, then how would I measure the size of the frame's bottom bracket?
Also, If you could advise me to any super cheap but good cranksets (<$50), that'd be great.

This is a list of what I've compiled this far. This should be it, right?

Frame ($25): http://3.ly/MkkR
Fixed wheelset ($130): http://www.amazon.com/Track-wheelset-Complete-single-wheels/dp/B003XF071G
Chain (~$10)
Crankset (~$40)
Bottom Brack (I don't know how much or which model/make. ~$20 new?)
Pedals (~$10)
Bar tape (~$15)
Saddle (~$15)
Seatpost (~$8)
Spray paint (primer, multiple colors, gloss) (~$20)

Spray paint (primer, multiple colors, gloss) (~$20)

I object to this one! Unless the paint is really wrecked, I'd leave it alone. I always like those old forks with the chrome tips.

But really, it's your bike so do what you want with it.

Agreed on not painting it. EighthInch makes a pretty good SS crankset. Not sure about BB, I assume that it'd be standard English threading though.

As far as bottom brackets go, no they are not all universal but most are. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bbsize.html Thats everything you'll ever need to know about bottom brackets and then some. Read up. As far as wheelsets go... Check out www.velomine.com . I don't know if there is anything wrong with the ones you posted but I didn't see any mentioned of the brand of hubs or rims so thats generally not ideal. Velomine has prices similar to that on good sets.

As far as the rest of the stuff... I'm not sure about your estimates for prices. If you are buying anything new I'd expect to pay a bit more.

Get a SRAM PC-7X or PC-1 for chain.

Also, invest in a good lockring tool, like the Hozan or a Park.

Grease your threads, grease your seatpost, don't grease the bottom bracket spindle.

Hey kinda a side question that might help this guy and me at the same time. i would make a new thread but i fear getting flamed by you A holes....my question is what are some brands to stay away from...or better yet a few mid rang stuuf that wont brake the bank but some stuff thats better than generic...

Nice frame, don't paint it.

I'll give you parts recommendations, eh?

1. Before buying anything, take that silly kickstand and luggage rack off. Bikes look better without them if you're not using them.
2. Shimano 105 front brake. There's some vendor on ebay that got them wholesale and sells them for $40.
3. Brake lever, anything made by SRAM is good here.
4. Fixed gear wheelset, get 27" wheels as not to mess up your geometry. I highly recommend Origin8 track hubs; cheap and smooooooth.
5. Shimano sealed-cartridge bottom bracket (the LBS stocks these usually)
6. Any crankset made by Sugino; I'd recommend RD, RD2 or Messenger.
7. Whatever pedals you'd like, I don't know if you want to go clipless or not, your call. Just make sure you get some sort of foot retention.
8. Get a SRAM PC-7x or PC-1 chain like Vixtor said. They're really safe.
9. Saddle/seatpost, huge variability here so I can't really recommend one
10. Bar tape! I really like stuff made by Lizard Skins and Cinelli, but generic Nashbar stuff is decent too.
11. Cog- whateva man, just don't skimp in this area because cheap ones can strip.
12. Lockring- same.

Best of luck on your build! Have tons of fun with it!

4. Fixed gear wheelset, get 27" wheels as not to mess up your geometry. I highly recommend Origin8 track hubs; cheap and smooooooth.


Huh? 27" wheels are only 8mm larger in diameter than 700c wheels. I doubt it will mess anything up. Get the 700c size wheels if you're buying new. You'll have a much larger choice of wheels and tires. The LBSs around here don't even carry decent 27" tires anymore.

You can buy all of the parts listed above, but you need sort of a "master plan" for it to all come together smoothly. Also, some of those parts come in various sizes depending your your personal dimensions. So, buying any handlebars, stem, cranks may not work.

This frame will cost $25...and the rest of the bike will likely costs waaaay more than you expect and take weeks or more to get it on the road. ESPECIALLY if you don't know what you are doing.

My unsolicited advice: Save up and buy a complete bike (new or used).

The correct tools to build it up.

HEY you're in CT! I'm in Bpt! Anyway, I went and bought a frame with the intention of making an FG out of it way before I knew ANYTHING about fixed gear building. Overall I got away with it because I was doing a conversion and I used many of the parts that came with the bike; brake, front wheel, crank, stack bolts, tires, etc. I only ended up spending about 200$ total for a complete bike (and having a stockpile of mediocre components). But if I were to do it again I would buy a complete bike, It would just be simpler (in your case probably cheaper) and you'd be on the road enjoying the ride a lot sooner.

$25 for a Puch frame?! And a larger sized one too?!

I say build it - it'll be way cooler than anything new.

Hey kinda a side question that might help this guy and me at the same time. i would make a new thread but i fear getting flamed by you A holes....my question is what are some brands to stay away from...or better yet a few mid rang stuuf that wont brake the bank but some stuff thats better than generic...

Do you really think that by insulting everyone in here, we're going to give you any solid advice? Do some damn research on your own, fool.

Hey hpmcardle (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?200772-hpmcardle) wouls you say Sram is an all around good brand for the price point. i see a crank set by them i plan on picking up with the next paycheck. thanks for that list BTW `!

I've built two fixies from frames. (The first one was stolen.) I certainly could have gotten a complete bike for less than I spent, but I got the bike I wanted, probably with better components, and had a lot of fun. I think, given the option, I'd always rather build up a bike than buy one.

I've built two fixies from frames. (The first one was stolen.) I certainly could have gotten a complete bike for less than I spent, but I got the bike I wanted, probably with better components, and had a lot of fun. I think, given the option, I'd always rather build up a bike than buy one.

me too. definitely paid more, but learned ALLOT in the process, and also....its fun!! the 200 or so dollars i spent extra meant a more custom bike, better looking bike (subjective but my opinion is what matters since im riding it), better components, and bike mechanic knowledge. that, and the fun of building a bike from scratch!

Good. I think I'll go ahead with the building. It just doesn't seem right to me to just buy a fixed gear. Here's a full list of all the parts I'm planning to buy. Tell me if I should go ahead with these parts and if they fit and if I need any more parts. I'm 15, I just spent all of my money on a macbook, and I'm pretty much relying on my parent's money, so If you could keep it cheap that'd be great. Here's the list of parts:

Frame ($25): http://3.ly/MkkR

Fixed wheelset IN WHITE ($100): http://www.cyclingcloseouts.com/Products/Eighthinch-Amelia-Wheelset-in-Black--White--Silver--Orange--Purple--or-Lime-Green__amelia_wheels.aspx#tab3

Chain (~$15) http://cgi.ebay.com/New-KMC-Z410-BMX-Bike-Green-Bicycle-Chain-1-2-x-1-8-/380264062449?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5889811df1

Crankset (~$35) http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=87_96&products_id=434

Bottom Bracket ($25) http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=87_88&products_id=696

Pedals ($15) http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=87_94&products_id=348

Saddle (~$20) http://www.amazon.com/Origin-8-Pro-Road-Saddle-White/dp/B002MKHRD4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1283982523&sr=1-1

Bar tape "FLUORESCENT" GREEN (~$15) http://3.ly/WAcx

Seatpost (~$8) http://www.amazon.com/M-Wave-252411-Seat-Post-25-4mm/dp/B001V57W68/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1284000980&sr=8-1

How do I find out what size seatpost and bottom bracket I need?

Thanks again!

How do I find out what size seatpost and bottom bracket I need?

Best way (since it doesn't come with a post): take the frame into your LBS. They'll try out some seatposts in your frame. Then when you buy it, you'll KNOW it fits. In my experience there are a ton of different sized seatposts and none of them ever seem to fit when I want them to.

Good. I think I'll go ahead with the building. It just doesn't seem right to me to just buy a fixed gear.

Why is that? Don't get caught up in the hype that you need to build a "sweet fixie" from scratch. There are TONS of failed projects...and it looks like you are about to buy one that gave up on this frame and is selling it. If it's selling for $25, then either it's a POS or there is some fatal flaw with it. Seriously. No one sells a frame for $25 unless it's crap.

Building a bike from scratch when you don't know what you are doing and you don't have anyone to help you can (and *will* likely) be a frustrating experience. Do you have any tools? If not, add them to the list of things to buy. What tools do you need? Ahhhh...start a thread for that, too. How do you install __________ ? Make a thread for it.

I'm not trying to bust your balls or discourage you. I'm trying to head off a major project that is not well planned by an inexperienced bike mechanic.

Dude, just buy a complete bike from a bike shop (which comes with service, support, and a warranty) and hit the road 30 minutes later. Seriously. You can be riding tomorrow afternoon OR you can start on this project.

If you want a project, get your folks to buy a complete bike, then you buy the upgrades later when you get cash. That way, you can ride immediately, and still have the "sweet ride" a few months later....which is about when the project bike would have been done.


Also, you forgot to add shipping to your prices above.

That way, you can ride immediately, and still have the "sweet ride" a few months later....which is about when the project bike would have been done.

Time isn't really an issue. I already have another bike that...fits me good enough. The downstairs tenant has tons of road bikes and knows all about them. My friend's dad the same. I've built tons of things...I just rebuilt an entire engine. I know I shouldn't underestimate the bike building just cause i've built other things, but as long as I do tons of research (read sheldon brown's website religiously) and ask an expert before each major move, I think I'll be okay.

Why is that? Don't get caught up in the hype that you need to build a "sweet fixie" from scratch. There are TONS of failed projects...and it looks like you are about to buy one that gave up on this frame and is selling it. If it's selling for $25, then either it's a POS or there is some fatal flaw with it. Seriously. No one sells a frame for $25 unless it's crap.

Building a bike from scratch when you don't know what you are doing and you don't have anyone to help you can (and *will* likely) be a frustrating experience. Do you have any tools? If not, add them to the list of things to buy. What tools do you need? Ahhhh...start a thread for that, too. How do you install __________ ? Make a thread for it.


I disagree. Unless you really don't know what you're doing, go for it. And if you get stuck just go on Sheldon Brown's site for help. I've built up 4 FG/SS bikes so far and each one has been a fun learning experience. Yes, sometimes it was frustrating. But the end result was so much more meaningful than just buying a bike. Then again I'm one who likes to tinker and can't leave well enough alone. I probably enjoy building bikes as much as I do riding them.

Edit: sounds like you're off to a good start. Enjoy!

Man, if time isn't an issue, then wait and build your project around the foundation of a NICE TRACK FRAME (modern or vintage) instead of this one. You are making an orange into an apple. Since you are starting from scratch, just buy a really nice apple to start with. Remember, conversions were popular because people already had old road bikes and stuff laying around and they stripped those bikes down to the bare minimum. They were Franken-bikes. The bike messengers of the 80s and 90s (the ones that were the prototypes of the scene) used real track frames.

This project is sort of like the guy that spends an hour in the bathroom trying to make it look like he just rolled out of bed. Or buying a pre-worn out and faded hat from Abercrombie.

Do what you want, man. You asked for advice and I gave you more than you asked for.

I'm not trying to bust your balls or discourage you. I'm trying to head off a major project that is not well planned by an inexperienced bike mechanic.


Building a bike is not a major project.

Building a bike is not something to fear.

It's easy - even for the inexperienced.

And it gets even easier once a person gains experience.

Building a bike is not a major project.

Building a bike is not something to fear.

It's easy - even for the inexperienced.

And it gets even easier once a person gains experience.

I know this. But the guy is 15 and on a budget. I just think that he should buy a complete bike instead of this project. And if he *is* set on a project, start with a track frame.

If you think that having nothing more than a $25 frame and no tools, parts, or experience this project will be "easy - even for the inexperienced" you are mistaken. The easy way is to buy a complete bike and modify it over time.

Not everyone cares about gaining experience. Some just want to ride a nice bike.

I'm out. You guys got this. squiresuzuki, let us know how it works out.

A track frame might be fine if you want to ride like you're riding on a track. If you're not riding like that, a road frame geometry is probably better. If the frames decent and fits you, then go for it.

Sometimes good bike stores will have old parts lying around for good prices. I got cranks for $20 once, and I've gotten small parts now and then for free.

I ditched the idea - not because I thought I would not be able to handle it, but just because I found a cheaper alternative. I found an early 80s Centurion road bike, in perfect condition. I paid 150 bucks for it...but he said he paid 700 bucks for it back then. I thought it was a good deal, and the brand seemed good quality from looking around the internet. Of course, this eliminates my need to buy the bracket, cranks, handlebars, brakes, etc. I just bought the EighthInch Amelia wheelset with cog, tire, and tube for 100 dollars online. I'm waiting for it to come. You can see pics of the bike here: click here (http://www.flurpal.com/andrewsuzuki/fixedgear). Tell me, is this bike too valuable to be painted? I wish to paint it white. If it is, then how do you think it will look with the existing frame, but with white rimmed wheels, orange bar tape and and orange chain?

i think the painy looks fine the way it is. but its your frame, do what you want with it. :D

I paid 150 bucks for it...but he said he paid 700 bucks for it back then. I thought it was a good deal, and the brand seemed good quality from looking around the internet. Of course, this eliminates my need to buy the bracket, cranks, handlebars, brakes, etc.

Sorry but I wouldn't have paid $150 for that bike. I'm not saying you got ripped off, but no way was that a $700 bike in the 80s. It will, however, be perfect for your fixed gear project. Paint it if you want, but be warned: it probably won't turn out as good as you're hoping unless you know what you're doing. You might want to consider getting a new crankset for it, as yours are not forged.

Edit: You might need a new front brake if you're changing the front wheel. It looks like your pads are already bottomed out in the front. A 700c wheel is 8mm smaller in diameter than your 27 inchers, and as a result you might not be able to get the pads to reach.

Why do fixers pick the front wheel to leave the brake on?
Before I ordered those wheels, I only measured the rear wheel brake pad's room for adjustment, stupidly. Originally I was going to only buy a rear wheel until I saw just that these 2 wheels were cheaper than any one wheel out on the internet...

Why do fixers pick the front wheel to leave the brake on?
Before I ordered those wheels, I only measured the rear wheel brake pad's room for adjustment, stupidly. Originally I was going to only buy a rear wheel until I saw just that these 2 wheels were cheaper than any one wheel out on the internet...
Front brake is more effective than the rear, so if you're going to leave on one brake it should be the front.

Why do fixers pick the front wheel to leave the brake on?

Because the front brake is the important one. Plus, a fixed gear bike already has a rear "brake" because you can slow down or skid the rear tire by backpedaling.

Sweet centurion decal! I haven't seen one like that before. I like that bike the way it is, but it's yours and you should do with it what you want, I think you'll enjoy it as a conversion. But since you asked here is my 2 cents.. I wouldn't paint it, I'd clean it up real nice though, make it nice and shiny. I think it would look awful with an orange chain and bartape, go with a regular chain, and since you got white wheels I would do white bartape, or cream-colored like those decals!\

Edit: KEEP THE TIRE SAVER ON!

I was considering white at first, but then I thought that they would just get really dirty really fast.

Hey hpmcardle (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?200772-hpmcardle) wouls you say Sram is an all around good brand for the price point. i see a crank set by them i plan on picking up with the next paycheck. thanks for that list BTW `!


Sorry man, I haven't been checking this stuff lately! Yes, SRAM is sweet. Decently priced and pretty much bulletproof. Their chains are awesome.

Huh? 27" wheels are only 8mm larger in diameter than 700c wheels. I doubt it will mess anything up. Get the 700c size wheels if you're buying new. You'll have a much larger choice of wheels and tires. The LBSs around here don't even carry decent 27" tires anymore.

It won't really mess up the geometry that badly, but I just like the uniformity of keeping 27's on a bike that was built for them. You can get pretty decent tires and tubes...I mean, my bike is wearing Conti gators. Weinmann LP18's are nice, light 27" rims. Problem solved, mate! I mean, I see what you're saying, for sure, there's a larger selection of 700c's. I don't know, I guess it's just my opinion in the end, and it's definitely possible to build a nice set of 27's.