amandav123

Hi everyone, so this is my first post here, although I've been lurking for a while and have learned a great deal. Anyways, I'm working on my first conversion. I bought a Fuji SJ-10 that I'm going to paint and build up as I get the money. So I have two questions. First, the frame is pretty tiny, it still might be a little big for me, but after a month of looking it was the only thing in my area that would even be close to fitting me. So anyways the wheels are smaller than 700c, and I'd like to put new 650c track wheels on it. Does anyone have a source where I could get a pair? I've checked ebay and have googled it a bunch but haven't come up with any results. Suggestions? Colors options would be nice, and I read here that you could find deep v's, but where would I get them built up? I'm also open to any other suggestions as color options would be nice, but I'll probably just go with chrome anyways. I don't really have any bike shops around me so I'm trying to do most of the ordering online.

Second, and the more important of the two questions. Just to see what it looked like, I tried to throw my boyfriends 700c wheels on it. The back wheel fits, although just barely, and the front wheel WOULD fit, but the axle isn't the standard 15mm. It seems to be 9/16 and the fork is built for that so the bigger axle won't fit in there. Am I going to be able to find a wheel in any size with an axle that will fit in the fork or am I going to be stuck with the front wheel that came on the bike? That would suck, the wheel is kind of trashed..

I know this was long but please help, I really want to start working on building this up, but as of right now I'm at a dead end... thanks in advance.

-Amanda

imoscardotcom

fixed or singlespeed conversion?

amandav123

Probably Single Speed at first, but I'd prefer a flip flop hub so that I can go fixed when I build up the courage.

imoscardotcom

was the wheelset you tried to fit into your frame a track wheelset?

stevo

1. Go to your local Triathalon shop (lotssa 650cs there)
2. 15mm vs 9/16 is simply the nut size; most axles are (iirc) either 9mm or 10mm. I really find it hard to believe a fork would accept a 9mm but not a 10mm. If that were the case, you could replace the axle/cones in the new wheel.

amandav123

Yes the wheelset I tried was a track wheelset. It came off an Iro. And the fork almost accepts the axle, and if I REALLY forced it, it would probably work...but I can't imagine it being the right thing to do to force it like that...

stevo

get a caliper and measure the axle (youre trying) and the fork.

please.

nayr497

Is there something wrong with the bike as it is now? Unless you have the knowledge, skill, tools, and money, the conversion process *can* become long, slow, and expensive. Just a cautionary note. If you are looking to get into riding more, it might be best to save the conversion route for later on. I just wouldn't sacrifice my(your) only functioning bicycle to begin a SS conversion process. But...maybe you have a stable of bikes...I just don't understand why one might want to convert a working, geared bike to a so-so single speed, unless they have some other geared bikes and this will be a townie/grocery/bar bicycle.

You mentioned the front wheel is "trashed." What does this mean? Out of true? Broken spokes? Broken hub spoke hole?

Can you boyfriend help at all with this process? Is he a skillful bicycle mechanic? If not...maybe time to find a new one

From what I gather, that bike is a rather low-end, older road bike. Buying colored, pre-built deep V rims laced to a decent hub could be expensive and a bit like lipstick on a porcine friend.

I'm also confused about the hub/axle fit on the fork. You mean the fork is not wide enough to fit over the axle washers and seat onto the axle? On a steel frame pulling the fork out just a bit really isn't a big deal.

And, if you are already at a "dead end," I foresee a long, difficult conversion process. Spacing your hubs/axles/wheels could be the least of your worries. Just wait for all the small part sizing, thread types, and sourcing parts. That is when the fun really starts.

And also, what do you mean about "courage" to ride fixed? If you can ride a bicycle well enough, riding fixed just takes a minor alteration of legs, brain, muscles. I would say though that if you are not a somewhat regular or avid cyclist, pedaling all the time, up hills and down, might not be as fun as it seems. I'm just saying if you legs aren't in cycling shape, you might want to ride a geared bike for awhile.

Not telling you what to do, just giving my opinion. it's your bike and your legs. Enjoy.

amandav123

I got the bike for 10 dollars, and it wasn't functioning. Most of the parts were pretty badly rusted, to the point where they would have to be replaced, except for the frame oddly enough. The wheels are out of true and pretty badly rusted as well. I know it can be a long and expensive process, but its something that I really want to do, just for the experience of doing it more than anything. I already have an older road bike that I ride around town, but I'd like a single speed as well and since I have the time, it will give me something to work on and get me a lot of experience. I know it won't be the nicest thing, and I'm fully aware that I could get a brand new fixed or single speed for the same price as what I will probably put in to this, but what kind of experience will that get me? And it will be the same as the other 10,000 people who have bought that pre-built bike as well.

My boyfriend can definitely help me, but I sort of made a big deal out of doing it myself so even though I know he would love to help out, I'd like to see how much I can take care of myself before I ask him.

I think deep v's might be a bit much as well, although when the bike is painted they might not look too bad. The main reason I asked about then, besides the color possibilities, is that I've seen them mentioned in that size several times when I did my searching and so I was hoping there was a place that I could easily get them from, thats all, I'm definitely open to all kinds of other options.

And as for the fork, yes it won't seat on to the axle. The axles on the wheel that came on the bike are smaller than the ones I tried off of his Iro and the fork won't accept the larger axle. I'll try and measure it this afternoon like steveo requested, but hopefully I'm explaining it right now, maybe I'll try to take a photo to show it a little better.

huerro

Amanda,

Where are you located? If you have a bike coop, they might be a great resource, especially for tools and knowledge while still letting you do it yourself.

amandav123

So apparently I was thinking this through MUCH too hard. Today I put a wrench in between and just gave a tiny bit of pressure and they stretched out just enough to fit the larger axle perfectly. Problem solved, but thanks to everyone for all of the help. i really appreciate it.

Now if only I could find a pair of 650c wheels...

Thanks again!

-Amanda