Fixed Gear Project
 

Here is the corrected version of THIS thread: my fixed gear project. I figured, since some members posted ideas on how to make the thread a bit better, I would do this as a thank you. So...here you have it: the updated, corrected, working-picture, and properly titled thread on my project bike which was started in the beginning of January and completed on Friday night, March 30.

Where to start....
I had been in the market for a fixed geared bike...an older track frame and build up as parts, or a complete bike that i could make a few changes to. I had been eyeballing the Langster at the shop where I worked for a bit, and the price of it was very attractive to me. But then I thought to myself...I'm going to buy another bike...I already have quite a few (not that there is anything wrong with that) and was trying to inimize somewhat. I went to this beauty:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/PC050002.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/PC050003.jpg

(rep'zentin da kollouzz and the shop)
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/PC050005.jpg

...did a little research and decided to jump in. Sent this frame to JacobS (he's here on the board) to have him remove the vertical drop outs and install new track ends. Got her back and she went straight to paint: Cycledelics in Bayshore, NY did the paint job matched to a Sapphire Blue from a Serotta sample tube:

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P2080001.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P2080002.jpg

...got the frame back from paint and straight to the bike shop we go! Facing the BB shell:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P2080009.jpg

...chasing the BB shell threads:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P2080006.jpg

milling the headtube:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P2080012.jpg


...test fitting the rear hub to Jacobs rear track end install:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P3020009.jpg

Then...I went looking for parts:
got some rims:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P3020004.jpg

Got the Sugino BB (no pics) and got some cranks and a chainring:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P3020003.jpg

Got some hubs:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P2150001.jpg

Got a seatpost:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P3020006.jpg

Installed the headset:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P3020001.jpg

Got the handle bars and stem on (for now), and testing with bar tape color:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P3240001.jpg

...And starting putting it all together. The seatpost and hubs were polished by hand:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P3180003.jpg



and everything was assembled:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/P3310001.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...P3310002_1.jpg

Took it out for a ride this morning just as it is, no brakes, and it was a pure dream. Nimble, quiet....pure...it was perfect. It also weighed in at 15.5 lbs, which it no biggie as I'm not too much into super light bikes (although I don't think 15.5 is super light for a fixed) but it was nice to know I guess.



Soooooo...thats the long/short of it. :)
PS: Sure hope the pictures work well, as this tiem I am using Photobucket.

Looks good. I've been itching to build and try SS - too much of a pansy for fixed - and that is exactly what I imagined mine would look like... with some brakes.

Itching for a cross bike too.

More pics of the volvo!

Rod, that bicycle came out amazing. I still think drop bars would be better though...

What a beautiful bicycle...and a great picture story.

thanks for the comments :)


Now now, Sam...this is a bicycle forum...we know where the Volvo pictures go. ;)

wow very nice work! How much was it for the paint job if you dont mind me asking?

it was about $400 when it was all said and done. The thing was that the guy is local (about 30 min away) and I was avoiding the hassle of wrapping it, shipping, having it sent back. It was about 1.5 week turnaround time, so it worked out well.