Hi guys, first post. My area has just had a revival of fixed/SS road bikes. It is not unusual to see a pack of 40 -50 riding around on nice nights. It has grabbed me. I'm normally a mountain biker (for the last 15 years or so) I ride a 29" geared and single speed bikes.

I was able to aquire an old Dawes last weekend from a neighbor for $40 It has Reynolds 531 tubing (I think it's straight guage - but it looks good) It is a lugged frame with a lugged and chromed fork. And the piece I like the most....an old superbly weathered Brooks B-17 saddle

While looking around the lugs, I saw what appeared to be rust bubbles around some of the joints, so I did the unthinkable and stripped the original paint. (Had it been a real higher end roadie - I wouldn't have)

Anyway, it cleaned up nicely and has a new coat of brown paint to match the original.

Ok, enough of the intro, here are my questions:

1 It came with a set of very clean strong light cottered cranks that seem a shame take apart
what, if anything, would I be able to sell these for ? Bottom bracket, rings and bearings/surface
are in really good shape. Thread where the pedals insert are great as well. Very little wear on
anything. Here's a pic:






2. I'm in the market for a wheelset. I'm decided that I'm going to run a flip flop hub, but that's about it.
I don't want to break the bank, but I realize that "you get what you paid for" I'm seeing a lot of the
bikes on here (and in my town) are running the Velocity "Deep-V" wheel sets. Looks like I can get
a set for around $200 - $250 on ebay. Is that a decent set, or would you recommend something
else in that price range. This will be my daily commuter.

Another note: The Bike came with 27" wheels. What problems will I have changing to 700c wheels. I plan on only running a front brake. free wheel not fixed.....legs too old


Great site. I'm off to the member pics area - up to page 300....so many nice bikes.

Wheelset: Mavic CXP 22 laced to formulas are probably your most cost-effective and durable option. https://wheelandsprocket.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=7103
Get Deep V's if thats what you think they look good...most kids are riding them for that reason, not really based on their performance.

Brakes: Long reach, obviously. Plenty of inexpensive options.

Crankset & BB: Get a single speed crankset as well as a corresponding BB for chainline's sake. Most cranksets will say what spindle length you need in their description. I don't know anything about cottered cranks... but those don't look very durable.

i would use those cranks if you're on a budget, but they will add a nice vintage look to your bike. if you're going to get new cranks, finding a cheap bb won't be a problem. there are many out there and are very affordable. you can probably sell the crankarms on ebay.
the mavic cxp22 will probably be the most recommended for their durability. they will be cheaper than any deep v. if you're looking for something cheaper, bens cycles has an alex wheelset with flip flop hub for under 100.
and as for the wheels (27 to 700c), there shouldn't be any problem.

thanks for the suggestions.....I'm 190 so durability is always a consideration - although I do "ride light"
great deal on those mavics...got some on the way

cool deal, i'm in the same boat: converting a schwinn le tour to fixed gear

are those mavic's machined? can you only run a brake on machined sidewalls?

i don't think the ones posted are machined, but you can run a brake on anything.

i been lurking for awhile looking at converting an old road bike i found in the alley.

kind of dum question but what do you guys mean when you say BB, when referring to the crankset?

bottom bracket