2024 Post your Single Speed and Fixed Gear Thread
08-26-24 | 09:22 AM
#101
Temporary Sentient
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 471
Likes: 448
From: Usually on one of my bikes
Bikes: '93/'94 Yokota Grizzly Peak (MTB), 2021 Bear Bike Armata (Track), 2021 Schwinn Kedzie (SS)
08-26-24 | 09:52 AM
#102
Temporary Sentient
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 471
Likes: 448
From: Usually on one of my bikes
Bikes: '93/'94 Yokota Grizzly Peak (MTB), 2021 Bear Bike Armata (Track), 2021 Schwinn Kedzie (SS)
A slight derailing (see what I did 
) of the thread.
I've seen the yoobtube vids and always worried about the increase on the knees (and difficulty on the hills) of single speeds. Now ymmv (ofc) but at age 63 I acquired a track bike stocked at 48/16 (3.0 ratio). Before that was a converted Schwinn cruiser at 2.0. But each time the big trial run (50 miles total through East to Downtown Atlanta with its hills) surprised me. With the 2.0 I made it without ever getting off the bike (14% grades near my house). With the 3.0 I only dismounted twice (the 14% er, though I stood on other 14% grades successfully) on the near house hill and a freakin 20%+(?) on ramp to the Beltline. I would've sworn, when I started with only a multi-geared 0.8 ratio many years ago, that those feats would've been impossible. But, today, it would seem that I am in the camp that believes single speed/fixed gear (at least) CAN make you a stronger cyclists. Again, be careful with YOU as ymmv.
) of the thread.I've seen the yoobtube vids and always worried about the increase on the knees (and difficulty on the hills) of single speeds. Now ymmv (ofc) but at age 63 I acquired a track bike stocked at 48/16 (3.0 ratio). Before that was a converted Schwinn cruiser at 2.0. But each time the big trial run (50 miles total through East to Downtown Atlanta with its hills) surprised me. With the 2.0 I made it without ever getting off the bike (14% grades near my house). With the 3.0 I only dismounted twice (the 14% er, though I stood on other 14% grades successfully) on the near house hill and a freakin 20%+(?) on ramp to the Beltline. I would've sworn, when I started with only a multi-geared 0.8 ratio many years ago, that those feats would've been impossible. But, today, it would seem that I am in the camp that believes single speed/fixed gear (at least) CAN make you a stronger cyclists. Again, be careful with YOU as ymmv.
08-26-24 | 09:59 AM
#103
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 3,346
From: Greenwood SC USA
Bikes: 2002 Mercian Vincitore, 1982 Mercian Colorado, 1976 Puch Royal X, 1973 Raleigh Competition, 1971 Gitane Tour de France and others
The RoadUno is intriguing - my wife and I briefly had matching Quickbeams, which were the ancestor of this bike, but without attachment points for chain tensioners or derailleurs. I rode mine on singletrack in the woods for a while before concluding I was better off on a converted Trek 950 26-in wheeled mtb -
These came stock with 40/32T chainrings and an 18T freewheel; I ran a 15T fixed cog on the other side of the hub, but rarely used it. The 32x18 worked pretty well on singletrack, and the 40x18 and 40x15 were okay on the road - but I found I preferred my Mercian for a variety of reasons, and my wife never really got into cycling, and the bikes were both sold on fairly soon after.
I achieved much of what the Quickbeam did using two chainrings and a two-speed freewheel. I hung everything on a '73 Raleigh Competition frameset because that had clearance sufficient for 35mm cyclocross tires and long horizontal dropouts. I ran 44 and 42T chainrings with a White Industries Dos Eno 20/22T freewheel for 60-in general riding and 52-in singletrack gear choices. The other side of the hub has a 17/19T Surly Dingle fixed cog for 70-in pavement and 60-in gravel fixed gears.
The RoadUno looks like fun, and those are some seriously looooong chain stays! I look forward to the ride reports!
These came stock with 40/32T chainrings and an 18T freewheel; I ran a 15T fixed cog on the other side of the hub, but rarely used it. The 32x18 worked pretty well on singletrack, and the 40x18 and 40x15 were okay on the road - but I found I preferred my Mercian for a variety of reasons, and my wife never really got into cycling, and the bikes were both sold on fairly soon after.
So MRV, I'm looking at this RoadUno and wondering what's up with that front crankset? It's definitely NOT a single. So I went to their webpage and DAMN!, not only is that an informative and excellent intro to the RoadUno, but the crankset is fully integrated into the possibilities (realized easily on this bike) of what I once thought of as a "reverse tringle" https://www.rivbike.com/products/roaduno-complete
I wanted to Frankenstein Lab such a thing when I had that free Schwinn, but here Riv has gone and done it as a feature and not a flaw
Absolutely incredible and quite the feat, imo!
Youse-a gonna LOVE this bike
(I'm almost jealous).
I wanted to Frankenstein Lab such a thing when I had that free Schwinn, but here Riv has gone and done it as a feature and not a flaw
Absolutely incredible and quite the feat, imo!Youse-a gonna LOVE this bike
(I'm almost jealous).Typically I'm a vintage bottom feeder / basement dweller / CraigsList Coni-sewer - so this RoadUno bike, and my GUNNAR 2019 CrossHairs are a nice departure from my natural environment.
I'll post a separate thread after I get a decent maiden voyage in this week. Probably I'll put it here in the SS subforum, but once I go 3x1, I can see how I might get evicted.
I've already got a 44t ring to replace the chain guard in the pic. A Paul Component Melvinator. A Silver DT shifter. An old Shimano 600 FD.
There will be an iteration with a 2spd KickBack wheel I had on my Miyata OneThousand.
And maybe next year there'll be pics of a drop bar iteration.
more later, gators! (i'm geeked. can't wait to go get the bike dirty)
I'll post a separate thread after I get a decent maiden voyage in this week. Probably I'll put it here in the SS subforum, but once I go 3x1, I can see how I might get evicted.
I've already got a 44t ring to replace the chain guard in the pic. A Paul Component Melvinator. A Silver DT shifter. An old Shimano 600 FD.
There will be an iteration with a 2spd KickBack wheel I had on my Miyata OneThousand.
And maybe next year there'll be pics of a drop bar iteration.
more later, gators! (i'm geeked. can't wait to go get the bike dirty)
09-12-24 | 01:20 AM
#105
Full Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 146
From: Bullhead City, AZ
Bikes: Raleigh USA Technium Olympian, Kona Hahanna single-speed, FUJI Espree Three Speed Fixie, Trek 720 hybrid/bike of burden, Trek 1200 ZX 'Superleggera' project, Trek 400 fixie, Cove G-Spot double-boinger, Dahon Speed FX yard sale purchase. .
Goodbye, Trixie da Fixie III. . . . .
Hello, Fix da Fuji, er, Fuj da Fixed, er, um Espree da Fixed,
Hello, Fix da Fuji, er, Fuj da Fixed, er, um Espree da Fixed,
09-13-24 | 04:04 PM
#106
Temporary Sentient
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 471
Likes: 448
From: Usually on one of my bikes
Bikes: '93/'94 Yokota Grizzly Peak (MTB), 2021 Bear Bike Armata (Track), 2021 Schwinn Kedzie (SS)
Shopgoodwill online has Cretin Leader for auction and actually offering to ship it: Cretin Leader Fixed Gear
09-13-24 | 04:15 PM
#107
Clark W. Griswold
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,267
Likes: 6,631
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Shopgoodwill online has Cretin Leader for auction and actually offering to ship it: Cretin Leader Fixed Gear
09-13-24 | 05:20 PM
#108
Temporary Sentient
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 471
Likes: 448
From: Usually on one of my bikes
Bikes: '93/'94 Yokota Grizzly Peak (MTB), 2021 Bear Bike Armata (Track), 2021 Schwinn Kedzie (SS)
Besides, I'm still in the early honeymoon period with my Bearbike Armata 
I'll do a quick searchfu, but were there any recalls on the frames? Given the info, Goodwill cancels auctions where known recalls exist.
09-14-24 | 02:32 PM
#109
Clark W. Griswold
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,267
Likes: 6,631
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
WHAOH! That would be a resounding pass, lol!!! I was just PSA'ing, but glad you jumped in Besides, I'm still in the early honeymoon period with my Bearbike Armata
I'll do a quick searchfu, but were there any recalls on the frames? Given the info, Goodwill cancels auctions where known recalls exist.
Besides, I'm still in the early honeymoon period with my Bearbike Armata I'll do a quick searchfu, but were there any recalls on the frames? Given the info, Goodwill cancels auctions where known recalls exist.
10-09-24 | 06:25 AM
#114
Tinker-er
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 1,565
From: Mid-Atlantic
Bikes: 1956 Rudge; 1981 Miyata; 1994 Breezer; 1987 Raleigh Mtn Trials; 1952 R.O. Harrison; 1994 Concorde; 1949 Rotrax; 1964 A.S. Gillott; Early 60s Frejus; ~1979 RRB track; Unknown Interwar track
My 1952 R.O. Harrison "Club" or "Madison" (jury is still out on which model this is) locked up outside my old job last week. The bike has since gotten a set of GB Courer calipers, GB Super Hood levers, Bluemels alloy quarter mudguards, and new red bar tape.
Phil
10-11-24 | 03:51 PM
#115
Temporary Sentient
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 471
Likes: 448
From: Usually on one of my bikes
Bikes: '93/'94 Yokota Grizzly Peak (MTB), 2021 Bear Bike Armata (Track), 2021 Schwinn Kedzie (SS)
Small item pick up 17.5 miles away? Bestride the Bear and GO!
Current configuration
Current configuration
10-15-24 | 08:34 AM
#117
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 189
Likes: 453
From: Los Angeles, CA.
Bikes: Only Track bikes and Trick bikes in the collection - about 35 or so left out of 130 approx
... 1987 "CNOPT" Made in Kharkiv Ukraine ( had a great ride Sunday! )
My rider for the last year so time to switch out to another one asap - thinking maybe my 1948 Rotrax Vel D Hiv if I can finish it soon .. or maybe the Pollard.
My rider for the last year so time to switch out to another one asap - thinking maybe my 1948 Rotrax Vel D Hiv if I can finish it soon .. or maybe the Pollard.
10-17-24 | 09:49 PM
#118
Tinker-er
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 1,565
From: Mid-Atlantic
Bikes: 1956 Rudge; 1981 Miyata; 1994 Breezer; 1987 Raleigh Mtn Trials; 1952 R.O. Harrison; 1994 Concorde; 1949 Rotrax; 1964 A.S. Gillott; Early 60s Frejus; ~1979 RRB track; Unknown Interwar track
I just finished building the first iteration of my 1949 Rotrax "Shirley" track bike. The full thread of the progress so far is here: 1949 Rotrax "Shirley" track frame, slight resto and build-up
The quick and dirty is that I have yet another British path racer and love it.
Here's a few photos from tonight, cross posted with the build thread linked above.
It's currently geared 48/17, but I think I'll be either going down to a 16 or putting a 50 tooth chainring on. 48/17 is great for the stop and go of the city but not as good for our meager hills and certainly not good where I could possibly put some watts down and get up some speed. We'll see.
Phil
The quick and dirty is that I have yet another British path racer and love it.
Here's a few photos from tonight, cross posted with the build thread linked above.
It's currently geared 48/17, but I think I'll be either going down to a 16 or putting a 50 tooth chainring on. 48/17 is great for the stop and go of the city but not as good for our meager hills and certainly not good where I could possibly put some watts down and get up some speed. We'll see.
Phil
10-21-24 | 04:35 PM
#119
It's the little things
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 966
Likes: 498
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Too many, yet not enough
I just finished building the first iteration of my 1949 Rotrax "Shirley" track bike. The full thread of the progress so far is here: 1949 Rotrax "Shirley" track frame, slight resto and build-up
The quick and dirty is that I have yet another British path racer and love it.
Here's a few photos from tonight, cross posted with the build thread linked above.
It's currently geared 48/17, but I think I'll be either going down to a 16 or putting a 50 tooth chainring on. 48/17 is great for the stop and go of the city but not as good for our meager hills and certainly not good where I could possibly put some watts down and get up some speed. We'll see.
Phil
The quick and dirty is that I have yet another British path racer and love it.
Here's a few photos from tonight, cross posted with the build thread linked above.
It's currently geared 48/17, but I think I'll be either going down to a 16 or putting a 50 tooth chainring on. 48/17 is great for the stop and go of the city but not as good for our meager hills and certainly not good where I could possibly put some watts down and get up some speed. We'll see.
Phil
What brake lever is that? It's awesome!!
10-28-24 | 06:06 PM
#120
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
These have all been posted before in previous years, but here they are in 2024 -
De Selby in pavement 44x17T fixed-gear mode. In past years I've switched over to the 42x19T fixed for gravel, but this year I decided to experiment with the 44x20T freewheel side of things and did an all-roads jaunt that way. Then I had the chance to go play in the woods and switched it down to the 42x22T freewheel -
... in the works - a repainted 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport frameset that I bought, built up for a Clunker Challenge, sold in a moment of weakness and am buying back, which will be paired with two damaged wheels I will be repairing in the next week or so. This will be a long term project to build an absolutely casual, low-cost low-budget single-speed bike that I will gear around the 63 to 67-in range for rides where I will get there when I get there. More information as it comes along ....
De Selby in pavement 44x17T fixed-gear mode. In past years I've switched over to the 42x19T fixed for gravel, but this year I decided to experiment with the 44x20T freewheel side of things and did an all-roads jaunt that way. Then I had the chance to go play in the woods and switched it down to the 42x22T freewheel -
... in the works - a repainted 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport frameset that I bought, built up for a Clunker Challenge, sold in a moment of weakness and am buying back, which will be paired with two damaged wheels I will be repairing in the next week or so. This will be a long term project to build an absolutely casual, low-cost low-budget single-speed bike that I will gear around the 63 to 67-in range for rides where I will get there when I get there. More information as it comes along ....
Love all your bikes here but the Raleigh Comp is especially my kind of bike, always on the hunt for something in 531 that fits 35s. What a dream combo.
Looking forward to seeing the Gran Sport!
11-01-24 | 07:25 AM
#121
Tinker-er
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 1,565
From: Mid-Atlantic
Bikes: 1956 Rudge; 1981 Miyata; 1994 Breezer; 1987 Raleigh Mtn Trials; 1952 R.O. Harrison; 1994 Concorde; 1949 Rotrax; 1964 A.S. Gillott; Early 60s Frejus; ~1979 RRB track; Unknown Interwar track
Thanks for the compliment! It's been almost two weeks that I've been riding the Rotrax and it has been great. I really need to pony up and get a proper set of decals and a real headbadge.
As for the lever, it was sold as: "Orphan brake lever, French touring, right side". Technically, it's upside-down, but I can't be bothered to learn to use my right hand for the front brake, maybe if I ever get into riding a scooter or motorcycle. A seller in NJ had a pair of these for quite a few bucks, I almost bit on the ad but looked at related items and found this lever. It has the perfect bend for that "new" bar. When that lever was doing duty on my steel Cinelli road bar, the radius of the bar was slightly tighter than the lever, so it never sat quite right (it worked perfectly fine, I'm just splitting hairs over aesthetic lines at this point.)
Next up is a set of wheels built around a pair of high flange hubs, then she's done.
Phil
As for the lever, it was sold as: "Orphan brake lever, French touring, right side". Technically, it's upside-down, but I can't be bothered to learn to use my right hand for the front brake, maybe if I ever get into riding a scooter or motorcycle. A seller in NJ had a pair of these for quite a few bucks, I almost bit on the ad but looked at related items and found this lever. It has the perfect bend for that "new" bar. When that lever was doing duty on my steel Cinelli road bar, the radius of the bar was slightly tighter than the lever, so it never sat quite right (it worked perfectly fine, I'm just splitting hairs over aesthetic lines at this point.)
Next up is a set of wheels built around a pair of high flange hubs, then she's done.
Phil
11-04-24 | 06:27 AM
#122
BIKE RIDE
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 1,004
From: Michigan
Bikes: GUNNAR CrossHairs / Riv RoadUno / TrekBike 950
Cu-SteamRoller
Spray.Bike Copper with a DupliColor Matte clear coat.
Used vinegar with cotton string before the clear coat to verdigris some greenish accents. Neutralized (i hope) with baking soda. I had one spot flake off the top tube near the seat tube where my knickers were rubbing the toptube. The rest of the paint held up to the first ride.
I've got mixed feelings about Spary.Bike, mostly on the negative side, on account I'm lazy in the prep work and impatient in the long curing time at room temps.
The wheels came off my son's bike I sprayed for him in Spray.Bike "silver". The silver is really an aluminum paint. If anyone asks I can post photos (more photos?) of it and elaborate on the issues I ran in to.
Overall I'm much happier with the Cu-version than the "John Deere" green it was. The paint was really chipped, so it had a rough & tumble urban look. But I'm a creature of the subUrbs. And a brake-using woooosie at that!
before pic:
Detroit City - a detroit state of mind....
11-04-24 | 09:40 AM
#123
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 62
Likes: 60
From: Jacksonville, Florida and other points.
Bikes: 1988 Schwinn Paramount 50th Anniversary Limited Edition #481 of 600, 1991 Schwinn Paramount Series 7 OS PDG, 2009 Specialized Sequoia.
RYVR CTY FYXT Jacksonville, DUUUVAHL, Floriduh
1988 Schwinn Paramount 50th Anniversary Limited tubing Edition #481/600 62Tx13t fyxt
My other Paramount:
1991 Schwinn Paramount Series 7 OS (Over-Sized tubing)
Last edited by RavenRidesAlone; 11-04-24 at 09:47 AM. Reason: Numbering error
11-04-24 | 10:42 AM
#124
BIKE RIDE
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 1,004
From: Michigan
Bikes: GUNNAR CrossHairs / Riv RoadUno / TrekBike 950
..... you ...... . 
....... done ??!!?!??! 
11-04-24 | 01:55 PM
#125
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 501