Cost differences between modifying a fixie, or building from a frameset.
06-10-09 | 10:45 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Hilly San Francisco
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.
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.
06-10-09 | 11:04 AM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,973
Likes: 145
From: Tampa, Florida
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.
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.
06-10-09 | 11:06 AM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 795
Likes: 18
From: Chicago, IL
Bikes: Schwinn Voyageur
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.
06-10-09 | 11:22 AM
#5
PanGalacticGargleBlaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 7,531
Likes: 9
From: Smugglers Notch, Vermont
Bikes: Upright and Recumbent....too many to list, mostly Vintage.
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
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
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