squardo

Im looking to build my first fixed bike. I know some about bikes but can someone list the minimum parts I need to put together a fixed gear bike!? Any help will be much appreciated! Thank you so much.

jimmytango

Honestly man, if you don't know what all you'll need, just buy a complete and learn by wrenching on it.

Nagrom_

+1

you gotta know a few things about something before you can start from scratch......

squardo

I mean I know some about it! I'm not like completely new to fixed bikes I was just asking for a list of parts I'd need...

carleton

No.

Learn to help yourself. Start by reading the stickies at the top of the board. No one is going to hold your hand. Specific questions get specific answers.

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

squardo

Well alrighty then thanks for the help....

bbattle

This should be in giant flashing neon lights on the forum front page.

jimmytango

We aren't trying to be dicks, but it's one of those things that you'd already know if you were ready to build a bike. We are concerned for safety, ya know? We don't want you building a bike, ****ing it all up, and having a critical failure while you're bombing a hill/weaving through traffic.

Street rider

I got the same thing when I first came here asking what a good beginner bike would be. You get used to it pretty quick.

squardo

Yea I understand hah. I just feel like it would be more fun and feel more accomplished if I made my own. But I understand I'll just read up about them more. Thanks guys.

Santaria

It is, ultimately. But for you to come online and ask a group of random strangers what parts, specifically, you will need to build up a single-speed or track-style bike implies to others that you might not be ready to build it completely alone. The list isn't that long, but knowing why you are building it has just as much appreciation, if not more. The research, time and understanding spent learning to turn a wrench - in some cases for free at local bike shops - frees you up from following the commercial concept of what is "a good bike." But it also leads you to making certain risks, assumptions that can't be snubbed off with a cool flick of the chin and a "whateva" under your breath. You simply have to know what it takes, part-for-part to build up a bike - or at the very least have some idea of how to do the research yourself. I am, by no means, an expert. But I spent two summers (at age 38!) working alongside a seasoned bike mechanic for almost no pay so that I could have some understanding of what it takes to maintain, build or customize a bike. I still don't know everything, probably never will.

What people are trying to tell you is that you can't assume a 1" headset is the same as a 1 1/8th inch, or a 1.25" - that you might need a English threaded BB versus the various other iterations. What brakes you think are appropriate to the frame you have - and if the frame can accommodate them. Does that stem work with that handlebar you bought with visions of fixed-wheel skids dancing in your head? What crankset is going to work for you and still make you feel some sense of pride when you put it on the rack to polish it and show it love?

These things can't be taught - nor can they merely be placed in some ASCII list where you can go through a grocery store and pick each part, licking your pencil and with your tongue firmly clenched in your teeth scratch off each part like you were marking off Mr. Plum in Clue - they must be learned, researched and appreciated for more than the sum of their parts.

pigmihippo

First off I am sorry for the responses. It is really sad to see fellow bikers so rude. One person asked for some simple help and got a lecture as if he were some two year old climbing the table. I wish I could give a list or at least three different lists for you to try, unfortunately I only know how to ride what I enjoy most a single speed free. I do however have a luxury, a husband who knows how to fix bikes so I never have to worry or think about it. I can tell you that one biker should be able to find a forum of fellow bikers who could appreciate another wanting to learn and helping them out. Good luck to you. I do hope you find what you are looking for and you get the chance in life to enjoy it.

pigmihippo

You write so pretty. You should write a book

carleton

Maybe he should just find "a husband who knows how to fix bikes so [he will] never have to worry or think about it."

xavier853

Thank god for husbands that do all the work. So when you break down on the road, 20 miles from home, you'll have no idea what to do.

TejanoTrackie 

Dude, haven't you ever heard of cell phones ?

pigmihippo

Awe so I sense concern? Thank you for worrying about me.

squardo

I understand what you guys are saying. Since I don't have the availability to work at a bike shop what are good online resources for this informaition? Thanks and sorry if there is already a thread for this.

carleton

https://www.wikipedia.org/






(Again...specific questions get specific answers. Vague questions get vague answers.)

solipsist716

Just lurk around and read threads to get an idea of what products have decent reputations, and which are certified pieces of suck. Don't feel the need to break the bank for some "bling" factor. When you're newer to bikes, you really will get more enjoyment out of using components that are simple, sturdy, and headache-free. I'm not saying you have to settle, but the main point of riding is to have fun. You can upgrade later on down the road. The search bar is your friend. So is youtube, if you can't figure out how to take apart/put back together certain parts of your bike. It's not rocket science, but it's also not merely common sense stuff - if everybody could do it, bike mechanics probably would be out of a job. Take it slow and enjoy yourself man. And like jimmy said, we're not trying to be snobby, but this is the kind of thing you have to learn on your own.

squardo

Yea I get where you are coming from. That's all my questions! Haha thanks.

LesterOfPuppets

Frame, fork, headset, stem, bars, grips or tape, maybe a brake or two, maybe a brake lever or two, maybe some cables and housing, wheels, seatpost, saddle, maybe seatpost collar (depends on frame), bottom bracket, crankset, pedals, clips/straps (unless you go clipless), chain, rear cog, lockring, rimstrips, tubes, tires.

I think I got it all.
GLHF

LesterOfPuppets

Oops, maybe spacers, depending on headset/fork/stem

bryantm3

you should probably find a place where people volunteer to fix up bikes and just watch for a while, and learn over time. here in atlanta there is a bike co-op called sopo in the village where everyone comes together and fixes their bikes.

ben4345

This thread is full of win.

Seriously though, I was in the same boat a while ago, wanted to build from scratch. I found these forums, lurked for while, came to my senses and bout a full bike. One that is close to what I want and price, then I customize it to perfection. Like adding bullhorns, time trial levers, new tires, stem and chain. Now I have my bicycle, not yours. It's also not very cost effective to buy part by part,

P.S. I don't think people here are trying to be rude. You see, these people could tell you all the parts to get, then what brand/make/model/size. Then they would not hear the end of the questions, and perhaps you misread someones instructions and ****ed up your bike. Or cause you to crash, or worse, you end up hurting some else. Then we wouldn't hear the end of your hate.
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