Originally Posted by
Rootzilla
I was also referring to the replies that blame the would-be-converters for wanting to score hipster/street cred/whatever points. So what? How's that a threat to you? If someone wants to experience the joy of riding fixed gear and is inspired by it being somewhat marginally fashionable, how's that skin off your nose? Do you feel the new fixie kids somehow reduce your own OG fixed rider status or what is it? Yeah, riding a fixed gear on the street does not necessarily make sense - depending on the criteria you use to define sensible - but I should think most of the posters on this forum do it anyway. So where's the sense of calling a fixed gear neophyte a wannabe-hipster? Some of the attitudes on this forum quite regularly baffle me.
I'll start here and work my way forward. It'll make more sense. You're absolutely right. i'm a big bully for pointing out that routinely we have people that come to the SSFG forums and are led to believe that a
ll they need is a free frame some spare parts they have laying around to make a complete bike and a set of bicycle-oriented tools such as a chain whip, the proper track-cog pliers, wrench or just really strong hands and a dry rag to build the perfect conversion.
I'm not going out on a limb with sarcasm because I'm mean, I'm hoping the point will be seen without me having to bold it. But because that isn't working. Bold added.
Originally Posted by
Rootzilla
[snipped]...if the OP can build a wheel, I should think he has the skills to make this happen. If his dad has all the tools, who knows how many parts he has? Plus to me it makes more sense converting a nice old road frame for street use than buying a new 'trackish' frame, but that's just me.
In the least mean way of putting this - if his dad has the tools why exactly is he coming to this forum to get advise on how to build it? My recommendation was completely off. OP, your dad is probably far more qualified to help you build a fixed-gear conversion based on the fact that he has the specific tools to build it with you.
Originally Posted by
Rootzilla
[snip]...this is not all that positive and encouraging an environment.
Let's really look at the original post, shall we Root?
Originally Posted by
Invictus35
I'm planning on buying a road bike to convert to a fixed gear. I've found one on craigslist and the guy is willing to give it to me for $80, however I'm a bit skeptical of giving the money because I've asked several times what brand the frame is and he has avoided answering it. here is the ad
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2837251334.html
also if it's a generic brand is it worth dishing out $80? I mean it is quite cheap, but I'd rather fork over 120$ for a schwinn or Peugeot that I've seen. And also as for the rear wheel/gear/hub what are some recommendations for turning it from 6 to 1 fixed gear? Should i just buy spacers and use one of the stock gears? I've been reading on the forums but haven't been able to decide and also figure out what number of teeth I should go with. Btw, I just started cycling this past week. I've ridden on and off but now I'm getting into it more, but frankly the idea of one single gear appeals to me more than many.
Also I'm not trying to be a hipster. I may upset some people with this but making a fixed gear and painting it some extravagant colors just because your friends did is stupid. I want a fixed gear because they are awesome to ride. That's what cycling and riding should be about. Not pink and purple combos. No offense to those that have those colors and actually ride.
Much gratitude replies. Thanks!
He started out by saying, and I'm not putting words into his mouth:
I just started cycling this past week. I've ridden on and off but now I'm getting into it more, but frankly the idea of one single gear appeals to me more than many.
So that means he's ridden at least 1/7th of a week. You do realize you're suggesting we offer him advise on how to build a wheel (I won't even bother linking to the post later by him
where he cannot identify the part of the wheel he's rebuilding - hint - the rim) with that kind of experience?
Otherwise, I agree. We should be more nice to the new members of the forum who are looking for random strangers on the Internet to somehow impart wisdom without rising to the level of being dangerous. In other words, we have fun and joke with them in the hopes that they learn to sit around, read, get some knowledge, maybe ride the bike that they have (if its working) and worry less about destroying it to avoid looking like hipsters (which the OP has already indicated is not his reason for wanting to ride fixed-gear - but rather - well he gave absolutely no other variable.)