Buy and convert this, or buy from BD?
03-20-09, 01:10 AM
#1
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Buy and convert this, or buy from BD?
Does this bike seem like it would be worth it to convert? https://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/1083031448.html
If so how much should I offer? I was planning on just buying the Windsor Hour off of BikesDirect as a first fixed gear due to never finding a used bike in my size but this just popped up. What do you guys think?
As for background on myself, I already have a decent road bike that I use for long rides. This bike will be used to commuting to and from school from my apartment and other occasional rides. Ive just had a sudden itch to buy a SS or fixed gear bike after wandering into this forum subsection.
If so how much should I offer? I was planning on just buying the Windsor Hour off of BikesDirect as a first fixed gear due to never finding a used bike in my size but this just popped up. What do you guys think?
As for background on myself, I already have a decent road bike that I use for long rides. This bike will be used to commuting to and from school from my apartment and other occasional rides. Ive just had a sudden itch to buy a SS or fixed gear bike after wandering into this forum subsection.
Last edited by mds2004; 03-20-09 at 01:14 AM.
03-20-09, 01:26 AM
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03-20-09, 01:29 AM
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Wow, you're easily convinced! Personally, I'd prefer a conversion.
That price may seem high if you consider the costs to convert, but that looks like a nice Nishiki, and if you want a single speed, you could reuse those wheels. If you like the drop bars, you won't have to change much. A minimalist approach is to remove the freewheel, buy and install BMX ss freewheel, then adjust the spacers on the rear hub for proper chainline. You should also remove one chainring, replace chainring bolts with shorter ones, and cut down your chain. Oh yeah, and remove the brake lever extensions.
That price may seem high if you consider the costs to convert, but that looks like a nice Nishiki, and if you want a single speed, you could reuse those wheels. If you like the drop bars, you won't have to change much. A minimalist approach is to remove the freewheel, buy and install BMX ss freewheel, then adjust the spacers on the rear hub for proper chainline. You should also remove one chainring, replace chainring bolts with shorter ones, and cut down your chain. Oh yeah, and remove the brake lever extensions.
03-20-09, 05:47 AM
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If a 64cm frame fits you...you'd be in the 6'7" range...then by all means convert it. Conversions will teach you more about the mechanics of a bike than buying a new one. Plus you can typically do it for super cheap.
03-20-09, 01:00 PM
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if you really need a bike that big, does BD even make one in that range?
Damn, they do. Buy both!
Damn, they do. Buy both!
Last edited by fuzz2050; 03-20-09 at 01:00 PM. Reason: fact check
03-20-09, 03:04 PM
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Buy the bikesdirect bike unless you want to spend more than a brand new BD bike on buying that old bike and converting it.
A lot of people tend to undersize their bikes. If you can straddle the top tube and have an inch or so of clearance, and the bars are a comfortable reach, you're fine.
A lot of people tend to undersize their bikes. If you can straddle the top tube and have an inch or so of clearance, and the bars are a comfortable reach, you're fine.
