Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Hmmm... Tell me, should I go fixed gear?? Will my frame work?

Hey y'all, thanks for dropping in. I recently joined BF in an effort to gain info on a CCM roadbike I have. As I mentioned in my other posts i was a pretty avid cyclist in the 80s but drifted, far away.. LOL At 48yo I discovered quick that "out of shape" was not for me so I bought a sweet old Gitano and hit the streets, as a truck driver I have time to ride almost every day and lost 15 pounds! Then the bike got stolen. :mad: I bought the old CCM but havent found any info on it and then today, came across a "fixed gear guy"! So here is my question for all of you: I have 3 very nice Mountain bike frames I acquired in trades. A Gary Fisher, a Haro and a Boulder.. the Fisher is perfect and my favorite. Favorite as in "looks cool", I know SQUAT about mountain bikes. But, would this make a good fixed gear daily rider? I have 2 forks, one suspension and one fixed, and a crankset. I also have a brand new set of Street Slick tires for mountain bike wheels. The bike undergoes some abuse being in the truck day in and day out and maybe it would be simpler without the gears? I ride mostly flat ground, on the streets and a few small hills if they happen to be in the area I am in. No off road...Yes I am the "over 40" crowd but hey, I aint skeered! LOL My budget is shot but based on the info I get from y'all maybe I could beg borrow and steal to get riding again soon. Thoughts? Be Honest! Thanks again.. Tod

Hello,

This is was my bible when I started riding fixed gear. I suggest you start with this.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed/index.html

Depending on your rear dropouts it could be fairly easy and straight forward or a pain in the ass. Horizontal drops make for a way easier conversion than vertical. In fact most people on here will tell you to not go fixed if you have vertical drops, but go single speed freewheel instead. I'm a rebel (or a dummy depending on how you look at it) and went fixed with vertical drops on a converted mountain bike. Not the best option, but it's definitely doable.....
A pic as "proof":
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k113/coma061/newb.jpg

Here is how "Fixie" I am NOT... never even considered the difference between a true fixed gear and a single speed freewheel! Thats payin attantion for ya. I guess "fixed" really means "fixed" huh? Pedals dont stop unless the tires do? I need to read that "Bible" tonight but if that is the case I am thinking the single speed freewheel would way more suit my riding. Tod

It would be much easier also. Freewheel and a chain tensioner will give you way more freedom in gear options. I managed to hit the "magic ratio" first try, and luckily I like the ratio! Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Thanks for all the advice so far, and the links were VERY helpful. As I mentioned I am a truck driver and keep the bike with me to ride. What I didn't mention is that i also have a 7yo son who travels with me full time, I have custody of him. So I have decided to build 2 bikes out of the frames I have, a Gary Fisher and a Haro. They are both going to be the same.. single speed, freewheel, front disc brakes. I may have to use shorter cranks for my sons bike but I think I can make it work. Any info, parts recommendations or parts for sale would be greatly appreciated.