Notices
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Build or buy?

Old 06-04-03, 11:01 AM
  #1  
Traffic shark
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: California
Posts: 4,612

Bikes: 2 fixies, 1 road, 29er in the works.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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?
SD Fixed is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 11:08 AM
  #2  
Kev
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,652
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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
Kev is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 11:19 AM
  #3  
Traffic shark
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: California
Posts: 4,612

Bikes: 2 fixies, 1 road, 29er in the works.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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.
SD Fixed is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 11:23 AM
  #4  
BFSSFG old timer
 
riderx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Fredrock
Posts: 1,912
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
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!
riderx is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 11:31 AM
  #5  
Spawn of Satan
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Posts: 765
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
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!
captsven is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 11:31 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 693
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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
Flaneur is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 11:42 AM
  #7  
Kev
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,652
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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.
Kev is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 12:52 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
shishi's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: brooklyn, NY
Posts: 1,290

Bikes: Sparton(custon track), Fuji

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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.
shishi is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 01:30 PM
  #9  
Traffic shark
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: California
Posts: 4,612

Bikes: 2 fixies, 1 road, 29er in the works.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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.
SD Fixed is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 01:48 PM
  #10  
hello
 
roadfix's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 18,684
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Liked 109 Times in 48 Posts
Originally posted by William Karsten
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......
roadfix is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 02:07 PM
  #11  
Traffic shark
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: California
Posts: 4,612

Bikes: 2 fixies, 1 road, 29er in the works.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally posted by George
William...........you're either fixed, or you're not......

My cat, he's fixed. Me, I'm 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......
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....
SD Fixed is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 02:10 PM
  #12  
BFSSFG old timer
 
riderx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Fredrock
Posts: 1,912
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally posted by William Karsten
So, I've got to decide how important the flip flop is.
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.
riderx is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 02:13 PM
  #13  
Traffic shark
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: California
Posts: 4,612

Bikes: 2 fixies, 1 road, 29er in the works.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally posted by riderx
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!
SD Fixed is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 02:21 PM
  #14  
hello
 
roadfix's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 18,684
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Liked 109 Times in 48 Posts
[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"?
roadfix is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 02:48 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
shishi's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: brooklyn, NY
Posts: 1,290

Bikes: Sparton(custon track), Fuji

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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.
shishi is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 04:39 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: columbus oh
Posts: 75
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
yes freewheels come in 1/8".....BMX.
horndude is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 04:56 PM
  #17  
Traffic shark
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: California
Posts: 4,612

Bikes: 2 fixies, 1 road, 29er in the works.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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?
SD Fixed is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 06:16 PM
  #18  
On Your Right
 
ZackJones's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Posts: 1,422
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally posted by William Karsten
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.
What's the guys Ebay ID? I'd like to see what he has to offer.

Thanks!

Zack
__________________
"You never fail, you simply produce results. Learn from these" - Anonymous
ZackJones is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 08:08 PM
  #19  
hateful little monkey
 
jim-bob's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: oakland, ca
Posts: 5,274
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've always found that building your own fixie is a lot more fun, but that's not always feasible for everyone.
jim-bob is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 08:45 PM
  #20  
hello
 
roadfix's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 18,684
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Liked 109 Times in 48 Posts
Originally posted by jim-bob
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.
roadfix is offline  
Old 06-04-03, 08:59 PM
  #21  
Kev
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,652
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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
Kev is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.