saja

Hi,

I commute in NYC by my a road bike now. So far I have a lot of fun from it.

I am thinking to switch to a used/old looking fixed gear because
1. I can also ride in rainy days and in winter since stopping a roadie is quite difficult when it is wet.
2. fixie is easy/simple to maintain
3. My road bike cost me $1400+ so far and it is only 1 year old. And I pay $50/month to park my road bike to an indoor garage. I think an old looking fixie attracts less thief. It will save me the parking fee.

In NYC craigslist, I found that used fixies easily cost $600+. which is too much for me.

So I am wondering if anyone can help me to build a fixie. Of course, I'll pay for the service.

So here is the requirement:
Frame size: 50-52 cm, better look old (not to attract thief), but need a quality one, since my commute is 30 miles/day. Frame better be steel or cro-mo.
Need Fender, or need to have enough clearing to install fender.
Need front brake.
Gear Ration TBD.

BTW, BD has windsor the hour for $299.95.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/thehour.htm

I hope to control the cost to similar price range, but I would expect the frame quality to be a little better (since I am looking for a used/old looking frame).

If you can help me, can you send me the cost to m4jyh@yahoo.com? Or

Thanks!

bad news hughes

thieves don't really discriminate in NYC. given the opportunity, they would steal a rusted out huffy.. but less parts to steal

bitterspeak

When you said "Will pay"... does it mean you'll pay the person that's going to help you? Or pay for the parts to build the bike?

Azul the Cat

I would hope both.

saja

Sure I'll pay both.

Please send cost estimate to m4jyh@yahoo.com

saja

BTW, BD has windsor the hour for $299.95.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/thehour.htm

I hope to control the cost to similar price range, but I would expect the frame quality to be a little better (since I am looking for a used/old looking frame). The make of frame better be steel or cro-mo.

667

I seriously doubt you are going to build a decent bike for less than that.
You should buy that bike and upgrade as necessary?

bitterspeak

I was actually thinking of this exact same bike when I read your post.

The thing is, it's hard to find an "awesome" deal on a frame on CL and when you do get it, its usually a little weathered and beaten. And unless you go to a place like "The Bike Kitchen," where there are surplus parts you can scrounge up, chances are your bike will cost more than $299.95. I say get the Windsor, wrap it in electrical/duct tape to give it a crappy look, and just ride it.

This is not to discourage you from building... Just my two cents.

ianjk

Your road bike needs some brake adjustment/diff. pads.

A brakeless fixed wheel bike provides very little stopping power. (I know some of you are skid-masters, but overall, a bad set of brakes will stop you just as fast (probably fster) than trying to use backpressure).

Catnap 

www.bikeslug.com - single speeds for $100

or PM me for a nice single speed in your size for a bit more $$$.

brooklyn_bike

you should re-read the part under his "requirements" where he says he wants a front brake on his fixed gear conversion.

itsIRIEpat

That BikeSlug has a pretty far out business model.

brooklyn_bike

try to find a good deal on a decent 80s (maybe japanese) steel bike. if you're lucky you'll get one for 150 - 200 from CL or eBay. but i bet the cost of additional parts (rear track hub, cog, lockring etc) and the cost of paying for the time/effort of conversion will still put you above 300. good luck.

sp00ki

... or i will f*** you up.

lol... i love eurotalk.

B Piddy

That's pretty sweet