Is there something wrong with my fixed gear conversion?
#26
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,992
Likes: 710
From: Boulder County, CO
Bikes: '80 Masi Gran Criterium, '12 Trek Madone, early '60s Frejus track
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.
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,929
Likes: 2
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.
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.
#28
Waiting for Summer !
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 753
Likes: 1
From: Sthlm , Sweden
Bikes: E.Merckx Corsa extra PK Banken,E.Merckx Corsa extra TT,E.Merckx Strada,De Visini,Olmo Gentleman,Peugeot PA-10,E.Merckx Corsa extra Team Issue,Nishiki Olympic Royale,Nishiki Olympic
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.
pop a 3 speed on there and your back in business .
you will be the coolest kid on the block

.
#31
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.
#35
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 664
Likes: 1
From: Belgium
Bikes: ca.1975 Gitane Interclub - 90's Colnago Master Competition- ca.'84 Merckx Corsa - '77 Groene Leeuw - ca. '78 Guerciotti - ca.1984 L'Express - 1974 Gitane 'Super Olympic' - Peugeot 1981 PXN10 - 1975 Peugeot PR10 -1974 Norta -1974 Peugeot PX10 LE
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
- 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
#36
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Portland Oregon
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.
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.
#37
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
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!





