Newbie to fixed gear conversion
 

I picked up an old Bianche "limited" road bike off of craigs list. I've been riding it into work (about 3 miles) and as a general commuter bike. I am interested in converting it to fixed gear.

I've read the article on Sheldon Brown's site plus a few others, but it still isn't very clear what I need to buy inorder to convert my bike.

This is what I *think* I need:
* fixed gear hub
* cog for hub
* lock ring
* crank set
* chain

Is there something I'm not getting? What else would I need to buy?

Then, it is my impression, that I take apart my old wheel and use the spokes and rims to build a wheel with the new hub. Is this right or should I buy new spokes and a rim?. Then put on the new crank and slap on a chain. Do I need a new axle for the crank (not sure if that is the right term). Then I am done? Does this sound more or less correct?

I'm am also somewhat oblivious as to what sort of parts to buy. I am willing to spend enough money to get quality parts, but I don't need TOP of the line. Any suggestions?

I'll throw up some pictures of the bike.

Thanks for any help!

http://comradesoffunk.org/jon/bike1.jpg

http://comradesoffunk.org/jon/bike2.jpg

http://comradesoffunk.org/jon/bike3.jpg

http://comradesoffunk.org/jon/bike4.jpg

http://comradesoffunk.org/jon/bike5.jpg

You could still use those cranks. Get single stack bolts and move the small chainring to the large spot. You may also want to flip the BB axle so the cranks are closer in for a better chainline.

Get some clips and straps.

Take out the chain adjuster screws in the rear dropout.

You can buy a fixed hub and use your old rim, but I would get new spokes. Besides, if the flange height, spacing, etc is different, the old spokes wont work. However, you may be able to salvage the nipples.

Sounds like you're on the right track. I found a really nice guy at a local bike shop when I first started riding fixed, and pretty much just soaked up his knowledge, which he was happy to give because I bought parts from him as I learned. If you've got a bike shop around you, find a kind salesperson, and utilize how much they know...

And search through these forums as well; a golden resource.

I'd just buy a new or 2nd hand rear wheel. they're cheap enough in the US. You then only have to get a new chain. *That's actually what I did for mine.

You might be lucky like me. I didn't have to touch my BB or cranks, I just got diff size chain ring to get my preferred ratio.

Unless it is too complicated to do and a waste of time, I would like the experience of building a wheel. I am trying to do all bike maintenance myself.

Is there any point in getting a matching front hub? I see they are often sold in pairs. But I have a feeling my front hub is of no consequence.

Your feeling is correct.

My foray into wheel building sucked, but I learned a lot. Get this book. It walks you though it and has a bunch of useful tips. You can find 'em used for pretty cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Wheel-.../dp/0960723668

In general is it better to use a larger chainring with a larger rear cog, or smaller chainring with a smaller cog? Assume I would acheive the same ratio with either chainring. Since I have two chainrings to pick from I am not sure which one I should use.

First of all, nice bike!

for two, it's Bianchi...:)

I have a limited conversion as well. Very nice bike, I have no complaints thus far.


I run a Vuelta rear hub, and shimano front simply because I don't have the money for a new front wheel right now...and thats what I had laying around when I built this bike up. If you keep everything up with good maintenance - you'll be fine. Try Ebay for a rear wheel, you can find decent quality within any budget. I was amazed how easy it was to convert!

Good Luck!

you should use (and will likely need) new spokes.
or just buy an IRO wheel..

Get a machine-built rear wheel and re-tension the spokes up yourself. Heck, you can even tear it down and start from scratch if you like. Either way you'll save money and get that wheel-building experience.