crazybikerchick

I want to learn more bike mechanical stuff and have been interested in a fixie, so I have acquired an old bike. Don't know too much about it - it is ugly gray and has the name Puchs on it. It has 27" wheels and seems more or less the right size. I say more or less because the top tube seems a touch longer than I would like. I plan to do the work at CBN (local bike coop) and they also have a wheelbuilding class which I am hoping there will be an upcoming one.

Lots of questions!
1. First job I want to paint the frame black and then print my own decals to stick on it. I am assuming professional powdercoating is going to be pretty pricey? What's the best way to get a quality DIY paint job - any recommendations for paint brands or links to resources would be great.
2. Should I change to 700c wheels? Will I have a problem finding long enough brakes? I do want to at least run a front brake.
3. One brake or two? I was planning to get a flip-flop hub especially in case I have troubles riding fixed. So if I run it singlespeed then I am guessing I want a rear brake? But if I plan to ride the bike primarily as a fixie then I don't really need it?
4. Any galleries around of fixies so I can get some inspiration for aesthetics and decide on finer points like type of bars etc?
5. Is it possible to put a chainguard on the fixie? I'm sick of grease tattoos.
6. Fenders and rack - defeat minimalist idea? Or good for slushy weather, and my hatred of carrying things on my back?

Sixty Fiver

1. Powdercoating makes for a really solid and long wearing finish and can cost between $50.00 - $150.00 and you might be able to find a shop that will put your bike in with another project and thus, reduce your cost to a minimum.

2. With 700 c wheels your tyre options will be nearly limitless, the existing brake levers will have to allow for a 4 mm drop to accommodate 700 c wheels or they wil need to be replaced.

3. This is probably one of the most debated topics here... but I would run a front brake on a fixed gear (as a minimum) and any singlespeed bike should have both brakes.

4. Visit the fixed gear thread here in the forum...there are hundreds of pictures or go to fixed gear gallery for even more pics.

5 . I pass a this parked fixed gear every day on my way to work and it is sporting an old Simplex half chain guard which looks damn cool and would bet it is really functional.

6. If you are a commuter or ride in a lot of wet weather fenders make great sense as does a rear rack if you tend to carry stuff... fenders will also keep your bike cleaner, preserve your drive train, and make cleaning far easier.

peabodypride

1. not worth it. "quality DIY job" will involve auto-quality paints from an auto body supply shop and an air gun, ending up costing well over the cost of a powdercoat. A typical black coat is $80-$150 for frame plus fork. You can ask to get the decals installed before a clearcoat.

You can use rattlecans with mixed success, but in general expect chipping from abuse.

2. doesn't matter entirely, you can easily find brakes long enough, tires are a little harder to find. If the original 27s are designed for wide (1.5") tires you might want 700c wheels to fit normal-width (and normal-diameter, of course) tires.

3. correct.

4. velospace, fixedgeargallery, search function

5. maybe, probably. if you're getting "grease tattoos" you're not doing it rite. either your chain is poorly lubed with the wrong type of lube (creating tons of grease), you ride city streets after rainstorms every day, or your foot positioning is angled in to the point where your calf is always close to the chain. mainly your chain needs a proper cleaning and lube.

6. i don't care and no one else does, either. put what you want on your bike, especially when it clearly adds function.