Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Conversion or Buy?

I was planning on saving money to buy my first fixed gear but my dad said he would give me his Bianchi aluminum road bike. He said we could convert it to a Fixed gear but I am unsure because it is Aluminum. What would be required and is aluminum okay? Tips and ideas please

If it's aluminum, it's most likely fairly modern, which means it probably has vertical dropouts, which doesn't provide a good base for a fixed gear conversion.
There is nothing wrong with aluminum though.

Do you have a picture of the rear dropouts? where the back wheel goes?

If it's aluminum, it's most likely fairly modern, which means it probably has vertical dropouts, which doesn't provide a good base for a fixed gear conversion.
There is nothing wrong with aluminum though.

Do you have a picture of the rear dropouts? where the back wheel goes?

I do not have a picture of the rear dropouts. How important is it when converting my bike?

I do not have a picture of the rear dropouts. How important is it when converting my bike?

Essential.

Unless you have your dad buy you a wheel built around an ENO eccentric hub.

Buy even then, it's so much better to start with a proper frame (track ends).

Buy, too many unknowns.

not for nothing, but if your dad wants to give you a functional multi-geared road bike, why are you so "fixed" on fixed-gear? i mean, you may like riding geared (you don't sound, apologies if so, like you've ridden a whole lot geared or otherwise on a road bike. and that's ok).

i got a fixed gear at age 37 because i wanted a new challenge (oh and it was) that would make me ride my bike(and it did). you may not be so jaded/experienced/pick your word, but maybe it'd be OK to ride geared.

Don't convert if you want a bike, convert if you want a project.

You're dad gave you a nice bike, ride it. You can also save up for a fixed gear and ride that as well.

not for nothing, but if your dad wants to give you a functional multi-geared road bike, why are you so "fixed" on fixed-gear? i mean, you may like riding geared (you don't sound, apologies if so, like you've ridden a whole lot geared or otherwise on a road bike. and that's ok).

i got a fixed gear at age 37 because i wanted a new challenge (oh and it was) that would make me ride my bike(and it did). you may not be so jaded/experienced/pick your word, but maybe it'd be OK to ride geared.

Maybe youre right. I have been riding geared bikes (mountain bikes) since I can remember. I might transition from a geared MTB to a geared road bike, and then a fixed gear track bike?

Don't convert if you want a bike, convert if you want a project.

You're dad gave you a nice bike, ride it. You can also save up for a fixed gear and ride that as well.

Youre right. It's a nice bike and it doesn't need to be converted. I can ride it as is, and if my dad wants to make a project out of it, we will convert it.

You have a head on your shoulders.

You have a head on your shoulders.

Thank you sir!

There's a lot to be said for having a geared bike AND a fixed gear. ;) Neither does everything the other does and some days, you just feel like riding the other one :speedy:

Completely service the bike your dad's giving you and enjoy it. Meanwhile, start planning your fixed gear - it's a lot easier to do that properly if you already have a good bike to ride.

Hi! When you convert an old road bike to fixed gear you create a bike special, different, the only one...for me it's the best choice, if you do it you will create a bike with history, sustainable and completely customized for you, and probably with best components than a bike you buy...

wut. Did this guy even read the thread?

Nope.

Borat caint read.

Can't read. Don't want to.