Hello, friends.

I’m mostly a roadie and have been through several decent geared bikes. Several months ago, I decided to see what all this fixed gear excitement is about. I acquired a Surly Steamroller in need of some TLC and went about setting it up according to my tastes.

This Surly was to be used for general fitness riding, occasional commuting, chasing my kids around the park, and cruising paved trails with my wife. Therefore, I chose a riser bar, front brake, sensible 700x25c tires, toe clips, one water bottle cage, and 39 x 14 fixed drive. I also have a 16 tooth freewheel, but I've not used it yet.





This pink bar had the shape I wanted, and it was CHEAP, so I went with it. Stole a matching water bottle cage off my daughter’s bike, and voila!—I can pretend the color choice was deliberate.

I might replace the seat. I’ve used this one for a long time on other bikes. While I don’t dislike it, I kind of want a nicer one on the ‘roller. I’m considering getting a Brooks C15, just have to talk myself into coughing up the 150 clams.



This immediately became one of my all-time favorite bikes. It fits me just right, rides beautifully, and requires very little attention (now that I have it dialed in). The Origin8 crank that came on it was junk, and I went through a few others before finding one I’m happy with. Nothing on the bike is what you’d call high-end or light weight, but I didn’t spend much money on it, and let’s face it: I’m not trying to race it on a velodrome. It works great for its intended purpose.

-----

Finding myself so pleased with the Surly, I decided I want another fixie, but one set up more like a track bike. I had a pretty limited budget and thought it would be fun to build a conversion, rather than save up for a complete factory built bike.

My idea for this one is something I can take to flat-ish, mostly traffic-free roads and just go all out for an hour or so at a time, on a durable, pure, and simple machine. So I kept my eye open for a cheap ‘70s to early ‘80s ten speed. It would need horizontal dropouts, which most bikes had during that era. It would of course have to be my size (about 56 cm). And the frame would have to be in decent shape. The rest is unimportant, because I’d scrap most of it and use my own wheels and other parts. The search was on…

It only took a few months before an excellent candidate appeared on a local classified website. It’s a twelve speed Takara that was just begging to be converted:

Before
$25 bike, weighs 33 lbs. as shown. Missing chain (easy to replace) and rear derailleur (I don’t need that anyway). Needs a little cleaning up, but the frame is in really good shape overall.



Stripped down
Frame and fork weigh about eight pounds. I threw away a bunch of excess items: front derailleur, shifters, cables, brake calipers, brake levers (times four!), reflectors, second chain ring, five extra rear cogs, kick stand, various brackets and cable stops. I’ll also ditch heavy steel parts in favor of more elegant replacements: wheels, handlebar, seatpost, and pedals. The crank is heavier than it needs to be, but I’m keeping it (to save money and because I kind of like it).



I wish this were like many European bikes of its era with chrome fork legs and rear stays. Those are beautiful to me. The important things are that the frame is not bent, seat post isn’t seized, and the bottom bracket threads are in good shape. And I don’t think it’s too ugly. It’s pure coincidence that the color is similar to my Surly. Also happens to be about the same color as my wife’s mountain bike.

After
Weight is now just a hair under 22 lbs., ready to ride. Improvements include sealed cartridge bottom bracket, nice 700c wheels with high-flange hubs from All City, modern tires, track handlebar, excellent seat & seat post, Speedplay clipless pedals… and nothing that it doesn’t need. Drivetrain is a pretty steep 53 x 16, which will make me work hard, but that’s okay because I want to go fast! I’m into this around 400 bucks total, including the pedals, the most expensive item on it.






It most certainly is special.


Now truly customized. But I need to scrape off the 2, or at least cover it up, because it’s now just a Custom 1.

I’ve taken it for a few rides, and here are my initial impressions:

1. The low, forward bar makes the bike seem rather compact and sporty, in spite of frame geometry that suggests otherwise.

2. Fit is very nice for my 5’11” body.

3. Gearing is just right for the flat terrain where I’ll normally ride it. Hills, on the other hand, would be a problem.

4. In terms of handling and ride quality, this frame is a flex-o-matic wonder. The sticker on the seat tube says “high tensile tubing,” which I assume to mean steel, but they don’t specify that, so maybe it’s got some rubber parts mixed in. This thing makes my Surly feel like a tank.



Now I’m hooked. Geared bikes will continue to have their place in my garage, but I think I’ll turn to my fixies often and not be sorry at all to spend time and miles on them.

As a SS/FG newbie, I’m open to feedback of all kinds from you more experienced folks. I don’t think I’ve done anything here that qualifies as a jackass hipster wannabe move, but if I’m wrong, please say so. Have ideas on how I can improve my bikes even more (for not much dough)? Let me know. And if you have any questions, ask away, because I like talking about my projects!