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Is there something wrong with my fixed gear conversion?

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Is there something wrong with my fixed gear conversion?

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Old 11-03-09 | 01:17 AM
  #26  
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Nothing wrong with the bike as far as I can see. I like it very much, even though it is not exactly my cuppa tea (see photo for what is), so I'm not going to offer you a pile of money for it. You made some nice choices and put some hard work into it, and I appreciate that.
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Old 11-03-09 | 01:28 AM
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It looks nice.

The basic problem, in my opinion, is that single speed bikes are being pursued for their appearance, their apparently simplicity of design and their aesthetic, not for their function. After the build and after the very short honeymoon (one hill long) most riders realize that functionality is more important than style.

Now, the thought line I was pursuing the other day was that you get the multi-gear functionality AND the simple, clean aesthetics of a single speed by putting an internally geared rear hub on your bike.

Dah ting is dis, you gotz to haz brakz on dah cycle! And a gear changing cable, too, for an IGH.
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Old 11-03-09 | 01:47 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by oldbobcat
Nothing wrong with the bike as far as I can see. I like it very much, even though it is not exactly my cuppa tea (see photo for what is), so I'm not going to offer you a pile of money for it. You made some nice choices and put some hard work into it, and I appreciate that.
+1

pop a 3 speed on there and your back in business .
you will be the coolest kid on the block
.
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Old 11-03-09 | 01:52 AM
  #29  
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Part out the bike. You can usually get more overall from that (and people won't be sticker shocked by the complete price). Use second-hand or cheaper parts to build the bike up as a geared bike and sell that way.
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Old 11-03-09 | 11:08 AM
  #30  
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Thanks guys. I thought about parting the bike out but I really do not want to strip the bike unless I have to.
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Old 11-03-09 | 11:35 AM
  #31  
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Too many hills and thus selling it? Hilly riding means you need to change the bike from your Corvallis frame of mind. Put lower gearing on it and continue riding fixed in your hillier area. British bike riders rode fixed on rides including hills. If a certain one or two hills are too steep for your lowered gearing, then walk up those hills and ride all the others. Try 60 gear inches. I ride my 1944 Claud Butler Continental Club in a hilly coastal area with 46/20 (60 gear inches). You may wish to consider putting brakes on it for your convenience to ride a hillier area. I use front and rear brakes to control my Claud Butler easily on long steep downhills. It's not just me riding single gear in hilly areas. I ride occasionally with some younger guys who ride single speeds at 60-68 gear inches and they jam up the hills okay.
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Old 11-03-09 | 12:37 PM
  #32  
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Hills is a small reason. There are a number of other reasons for selling it as well. But thanks for the thought.
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Old 11-03-09 | 01:37 PM
  #33  
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Part it out if you want to get a bit of your money back but I have a hard time believing you put $750 into this bike.
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Old 11-03-09 | 01:45 PM
  #34  
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Thats including the original purchase of the bike, all the parts, facing and chasing, etc.
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Old 11-03-09 | 01:56 PM
  #35  
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From: Belgium

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If there's two things a prospective buyer couldn't care less about, it's :

- price when new
- I put (amount in dollars or whatever) into this build

It just is not relevant and will often irritate buyers as owners will usually exaggerate anyway.

Joseph
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Old 11-04-09 | 12:14 AM
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Hey Vintage87, I noticed you decided to part your bike out on CL. I think that will be your best chance at getting a decent amount back. I very much so doubt you will get very close to what you paid.

PS: Always build with used if you want to make money when selling a bike you have built, and even then it can be iffy.
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Old 11-07-09 | 12:01 AM
  #37  
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Yeah, I was bored and decided to throw it up there. I had a couple offers wanting me to part the wheels out, which I will not do and I had a guy offer $50 for the saddle, which I would rather keep then let go for that much. I would love the money, but it's a very nice riding and looking bicycle. I figure I need to keep a bike my myself!
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