Fixed-Curious: Convert Raleigh Reliant or Buy New Fixed?
 

Searched BF (not working), google (including focusing on BF), and Sheldon Brown and couldn't come up with much good information about the Raleigh Reliant bicycle my neighbor had put out for the trash. Looks like it is a 1979, made-in-Taiwan. The frame has surface rust throughout, but nothing structural (in particular, the chainstays and fork dropouts are in good shape). The wheels, drivetrain, cables, and brake levers are toast. Given the lack of stuff on the web and the weight of this bike, I take it I have not exactly stumbled on a rare treasure.

My question is this: I am "fixed-curious" and was thinking that my next bike -- this fall or next spring -- would be a fixed gear, probably with a flip-flop hub (think Redline 925). Would it be worth converting this Reliant instead?

I figure the single biggest expense would be a new wheelset (not going to build my own) and, given that I'm new to fixed gear bikes, I'd want the help of a LBS to get the BB/chainline right. All that looks like it is going to run at least $300. Should I just save my $$ for a new bike?

I wouldn't spend $300 on a conversion, especially on a frame like that. If it were a Raleigh International or Competition or something with a nice Columbus or Reynolds frame, I might convert it, but I have a basement full of spare wheels and parts, so it doesn't cost much. If you haven't ridden fixed before, you are going to want at least a front brake, and a rear brake as well if you ride a lot of hills.

em

hmm, I'd say that the large majority of the parts you'll use would be transferrable to a nicer frame, so if the Raleigh is your size then give'er.

Having converted an old Trek 400 for way too much money, I'm going to go out on a limb and say you should convert. Are the wheels really toast? If you can salvage the front wheel, you're looking at buying a brake, lever, BB, crankset, and fixed rear wheel. You can do this for $100, if crafty on EBay. OR you can talk a friend out of some parts he'll never use in his parts bin.

Or you could buy the Redline for $300, I think. But the conversion will be more fun.

Is what it basically boils down to is cost verus the experience of building your own bike. If you want to learn about bike mechanics and get some satisfaction in recycling a toasted bike go for it. However if you just want a fixed bike and/or are on a budget get the Redline.

Food for thought. The Redline is $500 and I do have a front wheel sitting in the basement that I could use...Thanks guys.

Try the redline. You're ready, I can feel it.