Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Bianchi Conversion Advice

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Meph
06-21-12, 12:19 PM
Ive got a decent late '80s bianchi strada that I picked up for $15, and I'd like to convert it into a ss/fixed commuter. I'll need to buy the whole shebang: wheelset, cogs, freewheel, chain, etc, and I'd like to buy it all in one place. I guess my budget would be around $200. Other considerations I have: its a red frame, so it'd be nice to do white wheels, and I'm a big guy (220ish) so I'd like to have some sturdy wheels.

I'm also open to just setting this frame on the shelf and buying new if I can get something of decent value

Can you all help me put together a shopping list?

Nagrom_
06-21-12, 12:24 PM
Alex R450 to formulas front/rear
cromo cog
steel lockring
kmc z410

$225.75 shipped

www.retro-gression.com
Spoonrobot
06-21-12, 12:34 PM
540 is out of stock bro.

Velo-Mine is a good source for wheels and has all the rest of your parts as well, shipping is around $15-$20.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/redmodels/Untitled-10.jpg

Nagrom_
06-21-12, 12:38 PM
540 is out of stock bro.

It was in my cart still, from when I priced it up. haha, my bad.


check now.
Spoonrobot
06-21-12, 12:40 PM
lawls.

OP, keep it under $250 and you should be gtg. That will give you an excellent conversion without getting into new-bike territory cost-wise and ruining the value curve.

You have everything else right?
Meph
06-21-12, 01:32 PM
Thanks for the tip for VeloMine. How do these (http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=87_172_173&products_id=1384&zenid=6jmujjtu1lf4d1i85p13rklil5) (DeepV+Formula) wheels look? I'm perfectly OK dropping the whole color thing and going with the Alex450+Formula route, but I don't have any experience with them. Are they a better value?

And yeah, I'm pretty sure I have everything else for the build, but you all know how upgrades go.
ddeadserious
06-21-12, 01:40 PM
The Deep V's are better rims.
Nagrom_
06-21-12, 01:41 PM
Thanks for the tip for VeloMine. How do these (http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=87_172_173&products_id=1384&zenid=6jmujjtu1lf4d1i85p13rklil5) (DeepV+Formula) wheels look? I'm perfectly OK dropping the whole color thing and going with the Alex450+Formula route, but I don't have any experience with them. Are they a better value?

And yeah, I'm pretty sure I have everything else for the build, but you all know how upgrades go.

Veeps to Formula's are a classic.
markaitch
06-21-12, 03:52 PM
unless you have to have deep rims like those veeps, velomine's box sections like sun m13 (or cr18) rims/formula hubs wheelsets are really nice & will save you a few bux...