Originally Posted by
TMaples
My bike just came in the mail today and i was working on assembling the basic things. I put in the handlebars, saddle, and front wheel. I haven't screwed with the brakes or anything yet, because I don't really know what I'm doing. Anyways, I kind of just pushed the bike around a bit and I think it in fixed gear right now. I heard these bikes can be easily changed from fixed gear to single speed so it can cruise, which is what I want. I heard someone about a flip flop hub, what the hell is that, and how do I use it?
Also, I thought the bike had a quick release front wheel and saddle, but its not that way either. Is there some part I must add or something? Do I have to buy it?
Sorry for being such a bike newb, but all your answers are greatly appreciated.
An easy way to figure out if the bike is on the fixed gear side of the hub, when you roll it around do the pedals move with the rear wheel? If so it's fixed, to change to single speed so you can coast(proper term, not cruise) just turn the wheel around and attach the cog to the other side of the hub, you'll probably have to re-mount the tire so it's rolling in the correct direction.
Quick Release(QR) isn't really the best thing for a commuter or a bike that gets locked up a lot, QR = easier to steal stuff off of. But if you must have it you can buy a QR skewer for the from wheel.
Also it does sound like you may be in over your head with assembling your bike and I do agree that you should bring it to your local bike shop(lbs) and have them finish assembling it and make sure what you did is correct. I assume you probably don't know how to properly torque a hub so that the wheel stays true and all that, which your lbs will do for you.
If you really want to work on your bike yourself I would still recommend having your lbs finish assembling it and then look into reading about basic cycling maintenance. It may not be as cool to have them finish it but it's better than having a bike that falls apart and the risk of injury or death.