Has anyone ever converted a bike to a fixed for just a month or so? I was wondering if I could buy just a new chain and a thread on cog and a lock ring. I could leave on the front derailleur, put a strap around the levers to make sure they don't get budged, tie back the rear derailleur to keep it out of the way, and install a new short chain. The chain line from the small chainring to the thread on cog would be about straight and in theory I would then be ready for fixed riding for a month or so. I could easily convert back after I iron out a few pedaling issues on my trainer and on the road. Is there something wrong with this plan?

Garth

why would you not just remove the dérailleur? tools arent that scary

If you don't remove it... you don't need to adjust later

Yes, you could do a temp. conversion. I mean, you'd be buying a wheel just to use for a month.... but it would work. The inner chain ring probably won't line up perfectly... but it'll be close enough. Maybe use some washers to space it if necessary.

You need to readjust it anyhow when you put your gears back on. Even if it doesn't, the adjustment needs to be checked.

I'd hate to have to pull out the rear derailleur and maybe have to put in a new cable. It's not the end of the world -- just extra work. I never have had a road fixed -- only a track bike for the track. I have five bikes -- all old steel and there is no room for another, nor can I get rid of anything because I'm attached to all of them. I guess the next question is are the fixed cogs and lock ring the same thread as English freewheel hubs. Sorry if this is a newbie question. I just don't know anything about fixed.

Garth

mechanically. nothing is different than the track bike you rode (which can be ridden on the street if you want). Any difference in performace and feel with mostly be due to geometry or frame material.

With regard to the cog and lockring, you need a hub that is double threaded--you can't just throw it on what you have unless you want to redish your wheel and loctite on the cog, which would defeat your entire concept of a "temporary fixed" bike. If you have 5 roadbikes, take your least fav. and just convert it properly. If you dont like it you can always put on the old wheel and hardware.

To what?...your existing rear wheel?

you mean using a surly fixxer? or a suicide cog type deal?