RC914

Hello,

Newbie here. I just picked up a Leader LD-720 TR frameset the other day for my first build. Looking at all these great bikes is keeping me motivated. So far I'm enjoying this forum a lot. Any help, suggestions, tips from other riders is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

max5480

put parts on it
then take pictures of it

EdgewaterDude

Ok, so this may not be fixed gear/SS specific, but it's in regards to my FG/SS bike so...

I've got bullhorn bars with a MTB front brake lever and caliper brake. I don't have a rear brake, but I ride SS most of the time, so I do want one.

So, I want to convert to drop bars and put some drop brake levers on. I'm guessing that I'll obviously need road bars, a set of levers, and a rear caliper (plus brake cable/housing.)

Can I still use the brake cable for the front brake I have now?

What's the most cost effective way to go about this? Do they sell some sort of a kit that includes the brake levers, calipers and lines?

Thanks in advance!

chenghiz

bikeisland.com sells complete lever+cable+housing+caliper kits. Your LBS, if it is cool like mine, will probably sell you housing by the foot and cables for cheaper than you will find online. I would suggest checking them first.

I would suggest not reusing the cable and housing from your current bars. The type of end on the brake cable is different for MTB levers than it is for road levers.

max5480

just go to a bike shop and ask for those parts.

measley0101

ive got a saddle question. I am relatively new to bike commuting and have been riding a schwinn caliente frame on fixed wheelset for the last few weeks. i probably average about 75 miles a week. i have been having mucho pain in the taint-al region and was thinking about switching saddles. i am currently riding a pretty generic GT which is moderately comfortable. I am 5'8" 180 lbs and in good shape...well at least im no fatty. i know the grundle probably has to be somewhat conditioned to the abuse it takes on a bike but does anyone have a suggestion as to what saddles i should be looking at and where to get them? thanks a ton.

max5480

Rolls, Regal, Turbo, Concor, Brooks

cycling117

I am 5'5" and I was told a 52cm would be the right size for me. Your list states 48-49cm. Now I'm confused.

Street rider

52 would probably be big. I'm 5'10" and ride a 54cm frame, but sometimes it depends on the geo of the specific frame that can make sizing slightly different. Who told you a 52 would work?

cycling117

I've been shopping for a bike on eBay, and a couple of sellers there whom I've emailed told be a 52cm would be my size. One of them also has a chart that reads those 5'5" fit a 52cm.

RGNY

my regular lockring tool won't work on a Sugino lockring.

proper tool for ?:

JohnDThompson 

ThirtyFive

Heyy. I got this bike from bikes direct https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../clockwork.htm. I've been riding it for a bout a year now. And I want to convert it into a Fixed gear. It has a flip flop hub right? Can anyone help?

Pinkbullet3

From https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../clockwork.htm:

markaitch

the proper tool for the sugino cog system is a park bbt-9 bb tool

ThirtyFive

Okay cool. So can anyone explain what I need to do from here?

zibbidibobjuwey

I was wondering how to figure a good gear ratio. I want to get a chainwheel and cog, but I don't know what sizes to get. Thank you in advance.

Edit: Nevermind, just found this thread, in case anybody else see's this and is wondering the same thing.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...imer-for-Newbs

ddeadserious

You need to buy a threaded cog and track lock ring. Then either go to your local bike shop to have them installed, or google how to install it(with the proper tools).

Both can be purchased here: https://www.retro-gression.com/category/drivetrain

Doohickie

I scanned through and maybe it's in this thread somewhere.... if so, let's rehash it anyway. I built a wheel for my SS that has a flip-flop hub so I can try the wonders of FG. I typically ride with toe clips, no straps. Would doing this on a FG be, well, just dumb, or could I get away with it? I suppose my options would be to use the straps with toe clips (I think I have some straps in the garage), or get some power grip straps and lose the toe clips. FYI, I'm 49 (if that makes any difference).

JohnDThompson 

No. You'll want better foot retention if you're riding fixed, especially if you're riding brakeless.

On a fixed gear bike, the pedals keep going whenever the bike is in motion, so if your foot comes off the pedal it can be difficult to get it back on again until you slow down considerably. If you're relying on your legs for braking power, this can be a disaster. Even if you have brakes installed, the pedal keeps coming around to smack the back of your leg with every pedal revolution. Straps (with or without toe clips) or clipless cleats are what you need. Personally I use toeclips, straps, and slotted cleats but I realize I am a distinct minority here.

FWIW, I'm 56

Doohickie

It was a SS bike, so I have brakes front and back; not too worried about that. I guess I'll dig out the toe straps then.

Doohickie

Took my first ride with just the toe clips, no straps... mostly cuz I really just wanted to take it out and didn't want to take the time to switch. So far, so good, actually. Of course I'm not playing bike polo or doing bike gymnastics with it.... taking it easy so far. I think I tend to ride a little toe down, so just having clips might be enough for me. Maybe when I start taking the bike out more and hit some bumps and stuff the toe clips will make sense.

Geeeyejo

Another newb here - just built my first fixie at 50 and liking it a lot. I do an intermodal commute with a folder daily but have the ability to take a larger bike on the train/ferry. Thinking of taking the fixie at least afew days a week. My fixie is a low cost Schwinn build with 69 gear inches. I am learning something new each time I take her out and still overcoming the habit of coasting (and the bare knuckle results of forgetting and feet flying off the pedals). Pics on another thread in this forum...

FBR

Hi
All
I'm new to the fixie stuff and just starting out so dont shout if i'm posting in the wrong place etc.

I have been looking around at some bikes and i have not got a clue where to start.
I used to a lot of BMX years ago and i'm now getting cabin fever so i need to get out and ride.
I have been looking about on the net and i have found one of these..

https://mafiabike.com/manhattan/manhattan.html

The price do not seem to bad but i am just wondering if any of you guys have used them and if there is any more feedback out there on them?
So before i spend up!
Ill like some feedback if you guys could help.
P.S i'm in the UK.

Thanks

TejanoTrackie 

That is a FGFS (fixed gear free style) trick bike. It's not very practical for general riding.