Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Couple questions

Hi guys. I am a complete bike noob. Been reading on here last couple of days, maybe I suck at finding threads with the answers to these, but I couldn't so I am going to post a couple questions.


1. I am looking into fixed and freewheel bikes. If I was to buy a freewheel or fixed bike...(I was looking at the following: Dawes SST, Windsor Hour, and Nashbar Hounder)...Can I swap back and forth somewhat easily if I buy a new part? Do I have to change a bunch of stuff?

2. If I bought a fixed gear bike, would it be stupid to put a front brake on it? Do people do that? How hard would it be to put one on?


Thanks, sorry for being such a noob.

1. I am looking into fixed and freewheel bikes. If I was to buy a freewheel or fixed bike...(I was looking at the following: Dawes SST, Windsor Hour, and Nashbar Hounder)...Can I swap back and forth somewhat easily if I buy a new part? Do I have to change a bunch of stuff?

Any of those bike should be relatively easy to switch back and forth.


2. If I bought a fixed gear bike, would it be stupid to put a front brake on it? Do people do that? How hard would it be to put one on?
Not stupid at all, in fact it is the wise thing to do. As long as the fork is drilled for a brake it is easy to do.


3. I was looking at a freewheel bike that only had a 'coaster brake.' Does that just mean that you could stop pedaling this bike and it would freewheel, but if you pedaled backwards it would brake?
Yep, just like your first bike when you were a kid.

1) Depends on the part
2) Stupid? No. Do people do it? Yes. Should you do it? Some think so. Some don't. Please don't ask why. There is a new thread on that every month. Just look it up.

Ibkilott

iwkilott

Have you looked through the Start Here thread? (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/510358-Fixed-Gear-Single-Speed-Start-Here!) Lots of information and a "safer" place to ask noob questions without getting snarky replies.

I would pick the Windsor Hour, and it would be easy to switch between a freewheel and fixed gear. It's actually very easy.

As for the brake, that is mostly a personal decision, but if you consider yourself a bike newb I'd definitely get a front brake or a front and rear brake if you're going singlespeed (freewheel).

I will look at that, but I can brave the trolls, I am used to forums and noobs like myself in this instance coming through. Thank you for the link.




I would pick the Windsor Hour, and it would be easy to switch between a freewheel and fixed gear. It's actually very easy.

As for the brake, that is mostly a personal decision, but if you consider yourself a bike newb I'd definitely get a front brake or a front and rear brake if you're going singlespeed (freewheel).

I was definitely leaning towards the Windsor. According to the website it comes with a free brake and I was thinking I could order a freewheel as well. I started out looking for just single speed bike because I want a commuting bike that would be simple and lightweight, but I have gotten interested in trying the fixed gear bikes out.


Thanks for the reply.