Fixed Gear/Single Speed - Start Here!

[TejanoTrackie]

im super new to the fixed gear scene. I'm 6'5" 195lbs 32" inseam and i have an old raleigh frame and fork nor sure of the size. i took off the old 27" tires and a friend of mine gave me some 700x23c rims with a 16t fixed gear on the back. i've got bars, seat, cranks, 48t chainring, pretty much all the parts. the frame has vert dropouts and i'm looking into a frame n fork. from the charts it looks like ill be leaning towards a 60cm frame.

would something like this be ok?
Murphy Himself 60cm frame & fork

The shipping cost is ridiculous.

[just dank]

i know, but will my parts work on this and is it a correct size for me?

[TejanoTrackie]

If your parts match the dimensions of the frame, then yes, just like any frame. As to size, it's probably in the ballpark, if that's what you ride comfortably on the road.

[just dank]

there's also the iro angus. 59 or 62?

[TejanoTrackie]

Stop double posting. You've got a new thread going as well.

[trvth]

Interesting, below the pics in the Murphy ad, it states


FREE USA SHIPPING

[TejanoTrackie]

Interesting, below the pics in the Murphy ad, it states


FREE USA SHIPPING

So, since when was Canada annexed to the USA?

[trvth]

So, since when was Canada annexed to the USA?

Ah, missed the OP's Hamilton, ON location.

[dk2ck]

Do you guys recommend any specific cog brand? I'm looking to pick up a new 16t or 17t cog for my Motobecane Track because the stock 15t cog is pretty cheap and sounds pretty terrible.

Also, is it safe to assume the noise is from the cheap cog? Or can it be due to chain tension that is too tight/slack?

[TejanoTrackie]

For 16T or smaller I'd recommend Dura Ace, which will cost between $20 and $25 depending on where you buy it. For 17T and larger I'd recommend Soma, which in black will cost less than $20. And yes, the stock cogs are pretty bad, not very round or well machined. Even the one that came on my more expensive Kilo WT was pretty bad, and it sounded like it was full of gravel. Chain tension was pretty uneven on it as well. As soon as I changed it, the drivetrain became silky smooth and quiet and chain tension was very uniform.

[dk2ck]

Would switching the cog help with the chain tension? (I assume it'd be similar to switching a chainring, right?)

Thanks for the help!

[TejanoTrackie]

Would switching the cog help with the chain tension? (I assume it'd be similar to switching a chainring, right?)

Yes.

[dk2ck]

Thanks!

Would the cheap cog also explain a "bumpy" ride? I've been riding my Motobecane Track as a singlespeed since I got it and made flipped the wheel today to try fixed for the first time. The ride is definitely not as smooth as my freewheel. Or would that be more likely caused by a chain that is too tight?

[TejanoTrackie]

IDK what you mean by a "bumpy" ride, but you can adjust the chain looser to see if it makes any difference. In any event, the chain should have about 1/2" total up and down slack at its tightest point. You need to rotate the wheel several turns before you will be able to find the tightest point.

[muckymucky]

this image should be stickied (onto the first post of this thread)

[carleton]

this image should be stickied (onto the first post of this thread)

That is awesome! Is there a larger medium-resolution version?

[dbndzb]

I'm pretty new to single speeds... I took a dive and bought a complete surly steamroller, and switched it to a freewheel (I hadn't ridden fixed, and was trepaditous to go too far too fast). Right now, it's still completely stock, but I'd like to upgrade. Also I like the feel of the frame so far, but I don't ride particularly long distances at the moment, mostly campus and town transport. So a few questions:
1. Did I buy a good frame, and what are the most telling factors?
2. Parts and components, which, how much, etc.

[dsh]

The Steamroller is well thought-of.

[muckymucky]

That is awesome! Is there a larger medium-resolution version?

and pdf: http://aarline.info/hotaar/wp-conten...am_Aarline.pdf

[ismai1]

hey guys! I've been riding my fixie for a while now and I ****ing love it! My girlfriend wants a bike pretty bad, but I know she's not much into cycling. Her birthday is comming up and I want to know if I could snag a bike for around 150-200 for her bday, could you guys make any recommendations? it would just be a bike to ride from class to class with. Thanks dudes help a brotha out!!

[TejanoTrackie]

Hey man, is your gf petite? If so, this might be just the ticket, about $170 with shipping >>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...STRK:MEWAX:VRI

[ismai1]

yeah she's 5'5ish so that might work! I've found another at a LBS thats about 180 walk out the door so I'm trying to decide. I'm sure she'll be happy with anything and even happier if the colors look nice. girls

[TejanoTrackie]

yeah she's 5'5ish so that might work! I've found another at a LBS thats about 180 walk out the door so I'm trying to decide. I'm sure she'll be happy with anything and even happier if the colors look nice. girls

Oh, for sure get the lbs one, all set up and a lot less hassle.

[ismai1]

Can anyone recommend me a good set of tires? I'm wearing down my stock tires pretty quick and I think my front has a leak. I'm looking for something that wont puncture so fast but also wont slow me down too much. Thanks dudes!!

[evilcryalotmore]

Im a girl.