Cost differences between modifying a fixie, or building from a frameset.
 

There an older French frame that I'd love to build upon, and currently my two options are to pick up a local fixie, and convert it into a geared bike, or to buy the frameset in another state (frame, fork, bb, and headset included) and build up from there. The price between the two options is roughly $100.

Assuming I have no components, but could buy used components on the cheap at the local bike co-op, how much would I be spending if I went the frameset route? I'm not exactly looking to create a collector's item, but just a pretty good bike on gorgeous 531 frame. Also, I haven't checked out the fixed-gear yet, so I don't know what sort of wheels and cranks are on it, so let's just assume some halfway decent wheels.

Thanks folks.

Its hard to say as it dpends how the local fixie is setup. does it have a dedicated fixed gear hub or does it have a conventional road bike hub?

Your always better off buying something thats as close to what you want as possible. Always. Starting from a bare frameset is the most expensive route you can take.

If they're halfway decent fixed gear wheels, they probably won't be compatible with a geared drivetrain. The crank you may be able to use, if its a road double converted to a single ring for fixed gear use. I'm sure you can get the rings you need from a bf member. Its nice to have bars, stem, seatpost, brakes and saddle. If the wheels are any good you can sell them and get your extra $100 back, and still have all that extra equipment I just mentioned. Then you'd just need derailleurs, shifters, and the right wheelset.

has the fixed gear had the bosses filed off? my klein cannot go back to a geared bike because the derailleur mount was ground off. can a flip flop hub take a cassette? the fixed gear may be a much simpler project.

The frameset option has a Headset and BB already? Those are two of the most Pain in the ass parts on old french bikes so thats a good thing.

I bought a complete bike and ended up just using the frame, fork, heaset and BB. Here's what the rest cost roughly.

Handle Bars - 45
Bar Wrap - 25
Stem - 30
Brake Calipers - 30
Kool Stop Pads - 25
Brake Levers - 45
Brake and Shifter Lines - 25
Front/Rear Derailleurs and Shift Levers - 50
Crankset - 45
Pedals - 30
Rims - 50
Spokes 50
Hubs - 40
Tires & tubes - 60

like 500 bux probably. I try not to do all the math ;)