Bruno Mckenzie

Alright forum folks, take it easy on me as this is my first post in a topic that I am relatively new to. I am simply seeking out advice on which components I should seek out for my first build come October when I get my first custom pista frame and fork from FACTORY5 in Shanghai.

I just recently purchased my first fixed gear bike and was instantly hooked. The components aren't anything special: all-city crank set(46t), ritchey headset, ritchey classic stem and bars, alex r2002 wheelset with a 17t cog and I currently have some platform pedals on with straps. This is all built up on a generic steel track frame. I was riding a 1950's Schwinn cruiser, with drum brakes, 8 speed derailleur and a weight of 50lbs for the past 4 years and am thrilled with the simplicity and versatility of a fixed gear.

I am looking to combine quality parts with all around strength for my next bike. Not too worried about lowest possible weight and would happily spend the extra monies on quality parts that will outlast cheaper stuff. I bike as a form of commuting and recreation and the city I live in is relatively flat.

Alright, let loose with questions, advice and trolling accusations(not a troll)

Jaytron

So you're asking us to build your bike for you, without a budget?

prooftheory

Just move your stuff over until you figure out what needs improving.

Bruno Mckenzie

I am asking about advice on components that would suit an everyday city riding fixed gear bike. Contrary to what one might think about a "noob", I've done some research on components and was just looking for advice. I can say that I am probably not going to be putting Phil Hubs on it, but definitely want stuff that won't crap out on me in a few years time. Lets say that budget is not a factor, but I clearly don't need the highest end stuff...

Jaytron

Honestly without a clear picture on what you want to replace now, just transfer everything over like prooftheory said.

Replace stuff as you need to.

Bruno Mckenzie

I appreciate the suggestion, but I am hoping to have two complete bikes and am looking at this as an opportunity to build up my first bike(with guidance, of course). I guess I was just hoping to have people share with me their everyday city setups, good components and components to stay away from.

I suppose this is quite vague and a lot to ask for.

Huffandstuff

Just browse the post your bike thread and see what people are riding, once you find out what you like, go from there.

Bruno Mckenzie

Upon browsing this forum further(this is my first forum I've been apart of) I've realized what a ridiculous thread I have made.

Sorry contributing to the overwhelming number of ridiculous threads.

iTripped

Hey at least you looked to see how many others have come before you. If you are putting together your bike in October that should give you loads of time to figure out what else you may want for it.

GromCake

ehh, there's way worse threads than this started every day don't feel too awful. on my beater/daily ride i tend to go with the cheaper stuff from trusted brands, sugino rd2 cranks are affordable and solid and just go with the matching sugino bb, pretty much always formula hubs if you want good hubs that aren't going to cost you too much, nice affordable izumi or kmc chain, dimension and kalloy are fine brands for nothing special but also not garbage seatposts, bars, and stems, charge makes some of the best saddles for the money, i always allocate a good chunk of the budget for wheels, velomine has a huge selection of really affordable rock solid wheel builds like i don't understand how their wheels are so cheap i've looked into cost of building a wheelset and just got the same build at velomine for cheaper than i could've built it on my own, soma or eai cogs, cheap set of mks pedals, most trusted tire brands have great budget options. but yeah idk hope that helps i guess

Cyril 

Wow.
This is an excellent reply.
If the OP doesn't want it, i'll take it.
srsly.

europa

You'll need handle bars - all useful bikes have them. I like road drops and love the larger diameter, compact drops available now, very comfy.

Saddles ease the pain of the seat post and by preference, I use Brooks leather. These work well because they mold to your rear over time and provide the most comfortable seat you'll get. No need for padded panties but if you're into that sort of thing, you can use all the fancy saddles too.

Wheel rims. Recently, the 23mm width rims have become popular because 23mm tyres produce a similar profile to tubular tyres. Although I haven't used them, the H+Son Archetype is getting a very good reputation.

Hubs. No real need to go beyond the Formula/Novatec level, but you can if you want.

My Hillbrick runs a Miche Express wheelset and I love them. Based on that, I'd suggest the Miche Primato hubs with Archetype rims as a very nice wheelset.

My Hillbrick also runs the Miche Primato cranks and brakes and I love them too. Having said that, there are plenty of options.

You won't go too far wrong contacting Scrod at Retrogression and having a chat with him. He'll not only have all the bits he'll be able to guide you to a balanced set up within a decent budget.

Best of luck with your build ... and as always, it doesn't exist without photos.

WestPablo

So ya see! Here's proof that there IS intelligent life in the Single Speed & Fixed Gear Forum!

MattoftheRocks

All good advice. If ritchey is not quality enough for you, why not just go full Campagnolo Pista? That was kind of sarcastic In my experiences, DuraAce and Pista just aren't much more durable than All City or Alex, but they are more finely crafted. The only noticeable jump in quality that I've ever noticed in components is in those produced by Pacific to be equipped on their bikes sold in the US in stores like walmart, dick's and target- they're aweful. I can render worthless a full DA drivetrain in about the same number of miles as I could anything else that you have on your current fixed or any of the bits that have been suggested. I will, though, second the Brooks or charge options for the saddle. I currently only use Brooks