dburbott

I have a Trek 4500 that I would like to convert to a fixed gear bike. I don't know much about putting together or building bikes, but so far I have learned that I am pretty good at taking one apart................. I apologize if the questions are a little strange. I am new to rebuilding.

My plan:

Take everything off the frame and get a new fork instead of the judy Rockshox Judy TT suspension... this I need help with because I have no clue what fork I should get... I just know that I want something that is not a shock and is rigid and lighter.

Oh, and I am having a hell of a time getting the cranks and the gears off the bottom bracket. Am I just too weak or is there something that I'm missing?

Then I'm gonna get everything that I can repainted a solid color... can I paint the handlebars and the stems? I would think I couldn't because they aren't aluminum... what are they made of? Should I forgo the straight bars and get drop bars?

Then I want to convert the gears to a single fixed gear. I have no idea how, and the conversion information on the internet basically makes me think I am going to have a hell of a time because of my vertical dropouts... Any and all help would be appreciated.

matt wisconsin

sheldonbrown.com

end.

dburbott

Yes, have already checked out his conversion page... for those of us who aren't gearheads, it is a bit much to take in early in our conversion careers..........................................