Here's my fixed mountainbike. I constructed it a few years ago from my Schwinn Speedster that I rode since I was 12. Fixies give you a whole new appreciation for the trail...and hills!

I love the frame. I've been looking to pick up an old schwinn for cheap to convert to a 1 speed town bike. I haven't done fixed off road yet, but I plan on doing it soon. Trails around here are very technical, so fixed will be a big challange.

One speed is all you need!

Ba-Dg-Er:

Turning SS evangelist mode on -

One of the beauties of a single speed is they can be really cheap to build. My first SS MTB was made from an old frame and spare parts. The current SS I ride is a Surly MTB frame & fork which can be had for around $325. My fixed gear road (old Fuji lugged frame) bike was purchased for $2 at a police auction - It did need some TLC and elbow grease. Bought a proper fixed rear wheel which ran me around $140. Still only have ~$150 in it for a really cool fixed gear.

Bottom line: you can scrounge an old bike and build one for cheap. Come join the dark side!

Oscar, that's a cool looking frame. I have to say that you SS guys must love pain. I have a hard enough time climbing on a geared bike much less on a SS.

Badger, what frame are you looking to buy?

I was the poor college student not to long ago, so I understand. Priorities must lie where your cycling heart is.

Keep an eye out, people moving, rich college students leaving at the end of a semester - lots of people give things away just to get rid of them. You never know, you might get lucky.

Well everyone, I crossed over to the darkside. I just finished building up my wicked SS. I've gone hardcore strengthwise and bought a Specialized P.3 and built it up with some Kooka cranks and a Marz Z-2. I know you retro-grouchies won't approve, but it's solid and feels great!!! Especially in the air. I'm planning on taking it out for the first real ride (not just around the neighborhood) this coming weekend!! I hope my knees survive.

One question for anyone/everyone. What do I do about a chain tensioner? I bought a Kore, but it won't fit the burly stays of the P.3. The gear I've selected is close to being full link chainwise, but the rear wheel is not completely in the drop-outs. Will this be a problem? I was thinking of getting one of the chain tensioners that bolts to the derailleur hanger. Does anyone have one of those?

Let me know!
Thanks

I love it, another convert!

Do you mean because you are running suspension? Ride what makes you happy - besides I love Bombers, I run a Z1 on my geared bike.


Can you elaborate about not being completely in the dropouts? If these are verticle dropouts, you should be able to force the wheel down into the drop out OR file a small amount of material from the dropout to get it in OR file the axle so it has a flat spot that lets it slide in.

You can get a tensioner, or just use an old derailluer. Also, some people have been experimenting w/ a homemade design that seems easy to make and looks like it works well. Check this link: http://www.geocities.com/mtnwuff/SStens.html

Friend of mine recently moved to Sarasota - name is Dario - said he's been riding w/ some of the local shop people. Do you happen to know him?

Riderx, thanks for the cool link, I think I'll play around with the pull down theory, I'm thinking of taking the Kore tensioner that I already bought and an old derailleur and make some modifications and create my own.

Unfortunately, I don't know a Dario, but send him to the following website and have him sign up and I'll get in touch with him. www.clubmtb.com. ClubMtb is a ride scheduling website, it works pretty well and if you haven't you should try it out. He'll have to navigate his way around to US, Florida, Sarasota and he will eventually find S.O.R.C.E. - Sarasota's Off-Road Cycling Enthusiasts. It's a small club I started and we try to get together for a club ride at least once a month. I work part time (Saturday's) at the Village Bike Shop, have him stop by and introduce himself.

You should come visit your friend and we'll all head up to Hardrock or Razorback for a day of riding. Thanks again for the tips on the chain tension.

Later Gator
Boomer:thumbup:

If you can use the "push up" method, it's best because you get more teeth engaged on the chain. Sometimes you can't though and have to use the push down method.

I forwarded your info on to my friend in FL, thanks.

Riderx, I just got the notice that your friend Dario signed up. Thanks. I haven't spoken to him yet, but I'm going to try to get a hold of him sometime this week or weekend. Thanks again for the info on the chain tensioner, I haven't had time to play with it yet, but hopefully I can tinker around this weekend.

Later Gator
Boomer:D