what could i expect to spend?
 

I have the option to buy an older(70s) free spirit road bike on CL. This bike needs A LOT of workto make it functional.
I was thinking of converting it to a fixed bike. What could i expect to pay for components, etc? this would also most likely include have the LBS do some of the wrenching.

just trying to get an idea of what kind of expense this project would become.

that has everything to do with the condition/quality of the bike and its existing parts. can you elaboate?

As previously stated,
http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_...as_Dr_Evil.jpg
One Miilllliiiion dollars.

Or however much you want. You can go as cheap as $20 bucks for just a cog and BB lockring

If it needs a lot of work, don't pay more than $50, and make sure the frame isn't rusted.

I overhauled and converted a 70s Itoh (Bridgestone) to single speed for about $90 in parts and $40 in new tools. I've since spent about $170 more on it. That's with all my own wrenching. Don't bother a shop, do it yourself.

Initial costs: $20 freewheel, $10 bar tape, $15 cables, $10 framesaver, $8 fork (stock one was bent), $5 front brake (this too), $7 bearings, $12 chain, $3 pedals, $2 track nuts

Since then: $75 crankset, $25 bottom bracket, $35 eggbeaters, $15 tire, $20 seatpost

free spirits are basically garbage. I had one and converted it, it rode well but those frames are bike boom gas pipe trash. Is it blue and an FS12? if so, exact same bike I had but I rattle canned mine flat black.

figure out what you can afford and then multiply by three.

It's not a really a nice bike so I wouldn't spend more than 40$ on it if it needed any work.

if it helps, I got mine for 5 dollars, and it was basically unridden. They were budget bike-boom sears bikes, they have cottered cranks, so you will probably break them in short order and have to replace them...not worth the time if they arent square taper.

I am not sure that I would take it even if free. As noted above, that isn't a particularly nice frame and no doubt the parts are pretty cheap (if any are functional). You might be just picking up a money trap.

great advice, exactly what i was looking for. I will avoid. I have a start on another bike that seems to be in better condition. getting pictures and specs tonight.

thanks!

Huh???

paragraph before that says it was for a single speed

edit: The bigger question is only the front brake is mentioned. That does lead back to yours. It should be cable (singular) and not that much if it truly is one brake.

dbl edit: but since it says freewheel too, you're questioning the cost? But that seems okay to me. I dunno. Never mind

what about a columbia(?) frame. looks to measure as a 51cm where as i was sized for 54 on a specialized allez. might be too small.
is there a website that i could order cheap/used in bulk? (as in.. buy everything i need in one shot?)

The Columbia will likely not be a very good frame I'm afraid. Where are you located? Does your town have a bike coop? They are great resources for these types of projects.

College town, no bike coop. Having to travel 30+ to see these bikes. I guess i'll save my money.
I am only trying to create a beater to commute 2-4 miles. be able to lock up without worrying.

I've got a free spirit sitting in the bike pile at my rents house. Rode about ten miles on it after converting and retired. Construction quality is above Huffy, but pretty shoddy.

what brand should i be on the look out for?

Yep, the front brake was bent when I got it, the rear was fine. Single speed with two brakes.

Then go to walmart and buy their $80 beater bike. Make sure you rebuild it before you ride. Should serve excellently as a beater.

I've just never spent more than about $3 for a cable and housing. Seemed high to me, but I guess that's what it costs sometimes.

A stainless steel cable costs about $2.50 here. Housing is about a buck a foot, I think. Better cables are worth the money, IMO.

This should help http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html.

Everybody on here always recommends to stay away from Hi-ten tubing and keep locking for a nice cro-mo frame but ,depending on the area, it might be hard to find one for cheap.I build my first conversion on a Hi-ten shogun that i got for $20.It was pretty light for hi-ten and ended up weighing 19lbs when i got done.