bicyclebikes

i've got a 1990s bike that i want to convert to a fixie, and i know quite a bit about normal road bikes, but don't have too much experience with fixed gears. what do i need to know to get started on this build, or if you have any good resources that would be great thanks

xavier853

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...eed-Start-Here!

Jimbob Jones

https://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

https://sheldonbrown.com/deakins/how-...onversion.html

The most important thing is those horizontal dropouts. Unless you want to spend big bucks on a workaround (like an EBB), your frame needs them.

A couple of LBS's will tell you that you can't use your original cranks and ring because they're the wrong pitch -geared bikes mostly use 3/32" chain, while singlespeed, fixed gear and BMX 'typically' use 1/8" chain- but there are plenty of suppliers about that will sell you a 3/32" fixed cog.

Chad1376

Not neccessarily. My Cannondale frame has vert dropouts. I've been lucky, I have 48/17 gearing. With the addition of a 1/2 link and just a bit of filing to open up the dropout, I have the perfect distance for the chain. With some trial and error, you may be able to find a magic chainwheel/cog size that works for you.

FastJake

I hope you haven't had a bike shop tell you that! Don't go back to that place, they don't know what they're talking about. 1/8 chain and 3/32 chain are the same pitch. The measurements refer to the width. You can run 1/8 chain on either sized sprocket, but you cannot run 3/32 chain on an 1/8 sprocket.

Vertical dropouts are a pain for a FG project, but as Chad says there is hope if you're willing to mess with it enough.

What kind of bike do you have?

bicyclebikes

i've got a old katana road bike....does that mean that i can use the cranks and chainring that's on there?

vandalarchitect

+1, Decent LBS's will have both options for cogs and chains.

I've never tried it but would there be noticeable play side-to-side using a 1/8 chain with 3/32 chainring?

RunningPirate

I'd reckon so, so long as the chainring is the desired size. I converted an old Dawes Galaxy and kept the original cranks...admittedly, it does look a little goofy with both the small and large chainring (the way the cranks are, I'm not able to remove the large chainring). With a 1/8" chain, everything works just fine (nice and quiet, too). FWIW, this was the first bike I ever tore completely down and rebuilt (did not need to - wanted to for the learning) - building it into a fixed was insanely easy.

...and one more thing: Brakes are your friend...

vandalarchitect

Sometimes you just get stuck like that. I've heard that some LBS's will machine the large chainring into a chain guard (I'd assume they'd just grind down the teeth). Alternatively, if you have a crankset you can remove the large chainring from just get some spacers, or make your own as shown here

FastJake

I guess there is, but it's something you'll only notice in the work stand. When you're actually riding the chain will be tensioned and it won't wobble around or anything like that. I've never noticed any weirdness running 1/8 chain on 3/32 sprockets.

Probably. If your chainrings are not removeable, you'll be stuck with the double on there. Which looks a little goofy but works fine. Can you post a picture?

nashcommguy

Depends on your budget. You can go to https://www.bikeisland.com and you can do individual comps w/o a frame/fork for 6-700.00US for a quality build. Otherwise, one can go too https://www.bikesdirect.com and get a Mercier Kilo TT or a MB Messenger for 3-400.00. It'll cost at least that much and more to do your own conversion.

In my case it was an 80s Fuji Del-Rey that I loved, so I had the frame/fork repainted and built it up myself. It ended up costing me about 400.00US.

Jimbob Jones

Apologies, I used the term 'pitch' wrong, I meant width!

Yes I did have a LBS tell me that I'd need a new ring if I wanted to convert a bike to a fixie, no I don't go there any more.

I run my fixie with a 3/32 ring, chain and sprocket.

And yes, I really shouldn't have made such a sweeping statement about dropouts...sorry all >.<

thedutchtouch

if you "know quite a bit about normal road bikes", you shouldn't need any more info. take off derailleurs. replace rear wheel with wheel that has fg/track hub (or change out the wheelset). shorten or replace chain. done.