Building an *affordable* fixie
 

OK, y'all. I finally bought the Steamroller. Now what? I have frame, fork, BB, headset. I live on a nonprofit salary and really broke the bank on what i've got. So... if you needed cheap, semi-indestructable parts, what would you buy, and from where? Help me build my dream frame into something rideable!

Go here and read. Nice wheels and tires may be your biggest expense.

Who is gonna build it, you ?

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/fixed.html

http://www.bikecult.com/works/sales/steamrollerQ.html
this what your looking for?

Thanks for the Harris link. I hope to build it myself but leave the chain/cog setup to the pros... for sanity's sake.

First, look used. There's a bike swap in Springfield, VA on Sept. 26. Make a list of what you need, sizes etc. and go there. You'll probably be able to get most of what you need and for cheap. Details here.

Next, check the local bike shop, root through their boxes. If you are looking for cheap and functional and don't care about the latest and greatest, this will turn up some deals.

If you need anything else, scour aebike.com and you should be able to get some good deals on parts or at least an idea of what you need. For instance, if you need a decent set of working man's (woman's) cranks, these can't be beat. For chainrings, check Danscomp.com for their Universal ring.

Check out Chain Reaction at Rhode Island and 6th NW in Shaw. Helpful staff and affordable parts.

question on this-- my friend just offered a free sora double crankset. can i just pull the second chainring off and use it?

Yes. You'll just need shorter chainring bolts (BMX ones will work - $5) or spacers for the existing bolts.

Cool, cranks are usually one of the more expensive items for your build. Now, make sure you do something nice for your friend!

Depending on the ring size, you may end up using the second chain ring rather than the larger one. I run my ring where the second one would normally go with nothing on the outside. Using BMX stackbolts as mentioned or track bolts works fine. I used a set of washers for quite a while with a normal set of stack bolts. How long are the crank arms, by the way (should be stamped on the inside of the arm.)? You may find a longer arm (175) may be a bit dodgy for cornering.

I just built a steamroller that cost way more than I was planning. But check out chucksbikes.com. I bought the Miche group ~$300, Cinelli groove steam ~$22, and carbon fiber spacers from them. I hear he also has bullhorns and brakes for cheap. These are awesome parts for the price. The bike looks great and I can't imagine using any parts other than the ones I already have. Good luck!

I've seen a lot of people take a grinder to the teeth on the outer ring and use it as a chainguard - then you wouldn't even need new bolts! Of course, you'd have to have a grinder...

hardly dream components, but I'm getting it together... that was a Deore, not a Sora crank (though the deore has a 44t on it-- which will do!). Also, I think i'm going to splurge and buy the Surly flip flop hub... it wouldn't seem right not to. But bullhorns, short-ass stem, and it looks like i'm going with SPD's.

speaking of which, am I insane to ride my first fixie in clipless pedals? it's been suggested...

The Surly hub will serve you well. I suggest getting a nice cog like an EAI for it.

And no, you are not insane to use clipless on your first fixie. In fact, you are probably better off!

Sounds like it's slowly coming together.

Riderx,
Thanks for the danscomp.com link. I have been looking for inexpensive 110 BCD black chainrings, and their Universals are just the ticket.
Regards,
Raymond

No problem. I've used them for a while now and they can't be beat. They last as long or longer than others I've had and are CHEAP! The 110/130 dual bolt pattern is cool too.