Bike Forums - Useless cheap conversions

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Aldone

I'm reading everywhere that the best way to start fixed gearing is to convert an old frame, now I know that's a lie.

So true. I've been preaching that for quite a while now.

As has been said here before, with a conversion you trade time, effort, and thought for money. Some people have more of one than the other. Everyone would like a bike with boutique parts. Some people will ride what they can and are less concerned with the psychosomatic BS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shiznaz

It would be incredibly dumb

well duh...that's the point. :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by carleton

Mistakes = wasted time and money.

Kinda like university too huh?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shiznaz

I don't think I ever submitted it to FGG, but I got the idea from a couple of other bikes set up the same way, one of which was on FGG, the other was on bikecult. It was fun to ride distances of up to 2km, but you could highside yourself so easily and your centre of gravity was pretty ******** as well. It was definitely a conversation piece though!

I definitely saw that thing earlier. I'm pretty sure it was the same photo as well. Can't find any Haros on FGG though. *shrug*

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shiznaz

Kinda like university too huh?

yeah definitely...my psychology degree = waste time and money. my relationships = wasted time and money. my bike addiction = wasted time and money. perhaps the fixed conversion is so attractive because it's a metaphor for life.

"As has been said here before, with a conversion you trade time, effort, and thought for money. Some people have more of one than the other. Everyone would like a bike with boutique parts. Some people will ride what they can and are less concerned with the psychosomatic BS."

That's certainly true, but there's also the group that has more money than time.. but values owning something they've built up themselves more than either of the two. Sure I could go out and pick up a Sputnik, but I'd much rather browse Craigslist looking for either a nice 531 frame or one that just straight up appeals to me (bright yellow Varsity? yes please) and work on it myself. Sure I know it will probably be months before I finish stripping them down, building the wheels, and putting it all back together.. but it's not like I don't have other bikes to ride in the meantime. If I had enough time, a bit more skill with a torch, and access to a metal shop again.. I'd weld my own frame (even though it would likely mean catastrophic failure & an awe-inspiring crash).