Build or buy?
 

I've been going through all the motions of buying and old road bike and fixing it into a fixed/free bike. Spending time at my LBS, reading this forum, etc.

But I just got in contact with a local guy who has pre built ones for less than it would cost me to build one.

I've always enjoyed doing things on my own, as you can learn a lot from building.

However, I wouldn't begin to attempt to build the wheel anyway (the predominant piece on the bike), and it the deals are pretty sweet.

Opinions?

I say go for it, then tear it down and build it backup to get that experience :) And there are always upgrades and repairs that need to be done so you will learn thorugh that experience. I was in the same situation as you a few weeks ago, I enjoy building up my bikes, but came across a good deal on a fuji track on e-bay so picked it up. I should be getting it by friday :)

The guy I'm talking to is selling fixed bikes on ebay. I just opened an account and emailed him off line: he's local.

Buy it. I've seen the guys deals on ebay, and if you can avoid the shipping charge (like you can), they are a great deal.

Go for it!

I think building a fixed is have the fun. But If you have a local guy building fixed gears for cheap, you will also miss a few headaches by buying one already setup.

I have seen some of those conversions on ebay and they do go for pretty cheap! It seems the pictures are usually blurry though ...Hmmmmm!

If you have a real nice frame hanging in the workshop, just waiting for a purpose, then go ahead and build it fairly cheaply- who knows, fixed gear may not suit you as well as you expect? If your local guy's deal includes a really nice frame and value wheels, that might be the way to go. I'd certainly want to try out it's ride characteristics before adding it to my collection.......
If you lived in Seattle, Sweden or Scotland, I'd say hurry up before the summer goes; down in SoCal I guess you can take your time a bit longer:)

One other person bought a bike from that guy on e-bay, and he was happy with the bike. They are converted older road bikes the auctions end anywhere from $50-200 depending on frame etc.. I almost bought one but them I came across this fuji on e-bay, the guy misslabeled the auction as a Fugi so only got one other bidder. Since you are local go for it, figure on average you will only spend $100 or so and if is not what you like you can resell it on e-bay and get your money back.

If it is your first Fixie and a good deal, go for it. You can always build up your own later on or add on to the bike that you are going to buy. Although it shouldn't cost all that much to build one.

The one down side so far:

He doesn't "do" flip/flop hubs, that is, fixed/free. This was my idea of a start up rim. There was one available to me, but I don't like "borrowing" things (just my wierd nature).
So, I've got to decide how important the flip flop is.

William...........you're either fixed, or you're not......

But on the other hand, when you've ridden 75 miles out and completely bonked out, it's nice to know you can always flip and come home on the 17 freewheel.........
I think my next fixie will be 15fixed/17free......

:D My cat, he's fixed. Me, I'm not. :D

Quote:

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But on the other hand, when you've ridden 75 miles out and completely bonked out, it's nice to know you can always flip and come home on the 17 freewheel.........
I think my next fixie will be 15fixed/17free......

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This is one of my concerns... and it seems to be a popular and well based option on many bikes on this forum. It's been recommended more than once....

I think you'll find it's not very important at all.

Seriously, if you really want a flip-flop, you can build up a wheel later. I'm guessing you pick up one of these guys bikes for under $100. Unless you've got all the parts around, you'll have a hard time building one up for less. If you like it, then think about changing things up.

Start cheap, see if you like it.

Thanks. BTW, I like the web site. Entertaining!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by riderx
Seriously, if you really want a flip-flop, you can build up a wheel later.


True......I just picked up brand new flip/flop Suzue basic track hubs at a LBS for $49 (cheap cheap) and laced up old Mavic MA40's that's been laying around. Thinking of going 15fixed/17free on this set. Does anyone know if freewheels come in 1/8"?

Don't worry about the flip/flop hub. I have one but I have yet to use the free side. Once you get your fixie you'll most likely not need to go free wheel. like everyone has said you can get one later on.

yes freewheels come in 1/8".....BMX.

Well, I'm communicating with the ebay guy via email right now. I let him know about the forum (I'm sure we wouldn't mind another fixed gear person, right?).

I guess now I need to know what componentry to look for?

What's the guys Ebay ID? I'd like to see what he has to offer.

Thanks!

Zack

I've always found that building your own fixie is a lot more fun, but that's not always feasible for everyone.

So true........besides riding, building and tinkering for me is a very important factor. Otherwise, I would not 'enjoy' cycling as much as I do now. Besides, when you build, you get to spec the bike exactly the way you want it.........although I find it generally more expensive than buying a complete bike outright.

Building and tinkering is half the fun, but not always cheaper. If you can get a prebuilt one fairly cheap you can always upgrade the components as you go to get it exatly the way you want it :)