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-   -   Where are you guys aquirnig your frames for conversions? (https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/664133-where-you-guys-aquirnig-your-frames-conversions.html)

EssEllSee 07-20-10 10:04 AM

Where are you guys aquiring your frames for conversions?
 
I converted my first bike into a single speed last week (already have a fixed and wanted to see if I liked the single speed side -- I didn't). Anyways, I had the frame lying around because I wrecked it years ago and it just was sitting in my shed, and I had a few parts lying around so I fixed it up and it ran great.

So now I'm looking to convert another bike into a fixed and was wondering where you guys are getting your frames? You guys just have these things lying around? Buying old roadies off CL and flipping them? Dumpsters? Ideas?

cg1985 07-20-10 10:13 AM

Some people here are against 'conversions' of functioning bikes, and you can avoid their wrath buy buying a frame designed for Fixie/SS use (Pake frames, Soma, Kilo, etc etc).

For conversions though it depends. In my area, C-list is waaay overpriced most times. Though I recently found a frame on their for 40 bucks (see my peugeot thread). My first conversion I found at a garage sale.

i've seen people find great bikes at Thrift stores, but I never seem to find any there.

Also, sometimes the guys at my LBS have their own frames in garages that they end up not using.

EssEllSee 07-20-10 10:16 AM


Originally Posted by cg1985 (Post 11144724)
Some people here are against 'conversions' of functioning bikes, and you can avoid their wrath buy buying a frame designed for Fixie/SS use (Pake frames, Soma, Kilo, etc etc).

For conversions though it depends. In my area, C-list is waaay overpriced most times. Though I recently found a frame on their for 40 bucks (see my peugeot thread). My first conversion I found at a garage sale.

i've seen people find great bikes at Thrift stores, but I never seem to find any there.

Also, sometimes the guys at my LBS have their own frames in garages that they end up not using.

Is this because it decreased the amount of geared bikes in the world, which could ultimately cause the geared bike to become an "endangered species?" I dont want to build from the ground up, because it is a little out of my price range. Granted, I'm not really looking to convert fully functional bikes, just old run-down, possible wrecked ones, such as my first one. I also like the look of the older bikes personally :)

caloso 07-20-10 10:17 AM

A few years ago, I picked up a Trek 660 frame on eBay for the purpose of building up as a fixed road bike. At the time it seemed like the only choices for a true fixed gear frame was a track frame, which I didn't want. Now there's a bit more choice if you want brakes, bottle cages, and a road geometry.

cs1 07-20-10 10:25 AM


Originally Posted by EssEllSee (Post 11144668)
I converted my first bike into a single speed last week (already have a fixed and wanted to see if I liked the single speed side -- I didn't).

What didn't you like about SS?

EssEllSee 07-20-10 10:29 AM

Honestly after riding fixed for a couple months, I didn't feel the same connection with the bike while riding single speed. The first time I got on single speed, I tried to backpedal to slow down and nearly ran into a curb :(. Stupid, I know, but I wasn't used to having to use brakes to slow me down. I was used to having my pedals control every inch of my movement, and didn't like having to rely on brakes to control my speed. In fact, the idea of coasting frightens me, I feel out of control. Nothing against single speed (my girl friend loves hers) but I just enjoy the fixed aspect more.

cg1985 07-20-10 10:30 AM

The reason people don't like conversions, is because a lot of people take perfectly functioning geared bikes, and strip them down just because they want a single speed, when there are perfectly good new SS frames you can buy at reasonable prices.

Though personally, I love the unique-ness of Conversions, it's one of the reasons I like the fixie fad so much, because each bike has it's own flavor.

EssEllSee 07-20-10 10:32 AM


Originally Posted by cg1985 (Post 11144844)
Though personally, I love the unique-ness of Conversions, it's one of the reasons I like the fixie fad so much, because each bike has it's own flavor.

Exactly, it's completely unique.

Leukybear 07-20-10 10:46 AM

Garage sales.... relatives... you'll never know if you don't ask. You might even get their barely ridden failed new years resolution bike that's been stored in a dark and dry back part of their garage.

dsh 07-20-10 10:46 AM

Don't sleep on eBay. There aren't as many local options as craigslist, but what local options do pop up can usually be had at decent prices (once you subtract the ridiculous shipping quotes because you're picking it up).

illdthedj 07-20-10 02:55 PM


Originally Posted by cg1985 (Post 11144724)
Some people here are against 'conversions' of functioning bikes, and you can avoid their wrath buy buying a frame designed for Fixie/SS use (Pake frames, Soma, Kilo, etc etc).

For conversions though it depends. In my area, C-list is waaay overpriced most times. Though I recently found a frame on their for 40 bucks (see my peugeot thread). My first conversion I found at a garage sale.

i've seen people find great bikes at Thrift stores, but I never seem to find any there.

Also, sometimes the guys at my LBS have their own frames in garages that they end up not using.

yes usually i am of the opinion people overprice old road bikes because of the popularity of conversions....
but the other day i scored 2 frames for 50 bucks total...both in sound condition....some Philips frame from the 60s and a 80's centurion accordo. the centurion's paint was also in super good condition.

basically if you are in the market for a road bike for conversion just keep checking craigslist every week or so. once in a while you will find a good deal because the seller just wants to make space and get rid of something and a low price means getting it out the door quicker.

illdthedj 07-20-10 02:57 PM


Originally Posted by EssEllSee (Post 11144831)
Honestly after riding fixed for a couple months, I didn't feel the same connection with the bike while riding single speed. The first time I got on single speed, I tried to backpedal to slow down and nearly ran into a curb :(. Stupid, I know, but I wasn't used to having to use brakes to slow me down. I was used to having my pedals control every inch of my movement, and didn't like having to rely on brakes to control my speed. In fact, the idea of coasting frightens me, I feel out of control. Nothing against single speed (my girl friend loves hers) but I just enjoy the fixed aspect more.

i only like freewheel if theres a coaster brake involved!

ianjk 07-20-10 02:58 PM

Dump, rummage sales, once found a dude who bought a utility truck and trailer full of bikes and parts (from a former shop owner) and was selling bikes for $10 each just so he could get rid of them and use the truck/trailer I picked up: $2 Brooks B-15, $2 x 2 Belt (Japanese leather saddle), $5 Tange chrome road fork, $3 Schwinn World (minus wheels), $2 Bianchi road bike (minus wheels and ding'd frame), 198? Miyata 912 for $10 (full shimano 600 arabesque group), 1966 Schwinn Continental (with original purple tape and cables) for $10. My buddy picked up all the smaller frames (nabbed couple nice sekines).

Our dump/reuse center used to be good until people started picking up anything that could possibly work to flip on CL or rummage/flea sales.

Figure that I find a steal every 6 months or so. Have a pile of nice frames/components just waiting for the time/effort.

xavier853 07-20-10 03:24 PM

craigslist has some good ones.
ebay
LBS

dsh 07-20-10 03:33 PM

I envy you guys that live in areas where you can respond to a craigslist bike posting more than 30 minutes after it goes up, and still have a chance to get it.

hairnet 07-20-10 04:07 PM

I got mine from the bicyclekitchen because I am one of the few that are tall enough to ride it. They really wanted someone to take it

Squirrelli 07-20-10 04:24 PM

I got my Norco frame my landlord, he used to tour on it and such. I rode it as 10 speed until the derailleur broke.


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