Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - I had to try it on...

So I got this old Raleigh Grand Prix and decided to we what all the fixed gear fuss was about. I made the rear hub "fixed" after removing all the cassettes and rode about 20 miles today. All I have to say is I ride about 25 miles a day and I love fixed gear bikes after riding this! It's a lot of fun and a challenge(to me) and I didn't spend any money. The only question I have is how to upgrade the bottom bracket to square taper so I can get more of a gear selection. Also riding with no brakes isn't that bad if you pay attention. I still have mine on there but haven't used them once in the hills of Fayetteville Arkansas. I guess toe clips are the only upgrade I really need. I'm posting this because I have read a lot of forums and all I have to say is if you want a fixed gear bike get one and ride the damn thing! Then ask questions.

I made the rear hub "fixed" after removing all the cassettes

I've only worked on a Grand Prix once, so I may be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure that is not possible. Did you make it a single speed?

No I took the cogs off the hub, and two were threaded one 14 tooth and the other 17. I welded the freewheel (couldn't get it off the hub with a sledgehammer) and put the 17 on the inside and 14 on the outside as a lockring with red loctite. I used the 40 tooth front sprocket and shortened the chain. It is really smooth and rides great. Haven't been able to do a skid yet but I'm getting there.

Honestly if anyone had any mechanical knowledge whatsoever they could build one for nothing. I don't see what all the "not possible" stuff is all about. Sheldon brown is the best as far as this goes. If I could meet that guy I would shake his hand.

If I could meet that guy I would shake his hand.

You can meet him, but you have to be dead like him first.

Honestly if anyone had any mechanical knowledge whatsoever they could build one for nothing. I don't see what all the "not possible" stuff is all about.

thats a good one

I misspoke, I apologize. Welding a free hub was a fleeting thought, but I honestly didn't think someone would do that.

Nice. I signed up to a forum to get insulted by someone with money. Only a professional bike builder can make a good fixed gear hub. No one ever built one out of a welded freewheel and got away with it. Oh lawdy lawdy I'm a shuckin and a jivin'

Listen guys, I'm sorry I have a ****ty mig welder and I am liscenced to use it, but common, can you at least say: hey man, I think it's cool you tried to build your own fixed gear hub. It's so cool you made the obvious work and didn't have to BUY one. Jeez guys what's up with all the hate?

Welcome to the forum. It can be coarse in here so try not to take anything too personally. You can share some photos of your bike here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/865353-It-s-2013-Time-for-a-new-Post-Your-SS-or-FG-megathread!/page3)