sxe fbm rider

How does this look for a fixed gear conversion on a budget?
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=7104225237
I converted the bike in my basement and have it running, but im running into one problem after another.. I just want something that is allright, that will just be at least okay until I can get something that is nice, but I have very little money right now.

bombusben

I don't think it would be worth the cost of shipping from Canada. You could probably find something just as good or better in a local thrift shop. What problems are you having with your conversion now?

sxe fbm rider

well, the frame is horrible, I could probably bend the dropouts with my hands it I really tired and the headset is horrible and I need new bearings.. its just a really terrible bike with really terrible parts. I just found it in my basement.. was there when I moved in.. Its just a below average bicycle... and I am just learning about fixed gear and road bicycles.. I've ridden bmx for the past 5 years.. so I'm too used to the "if it doesen't fit, smash it in" aproach to working on a bike.. so I need a bike that just works allright..

progre-ss

Why don't you look here for something that may be worth converting...
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/

Good luck! What are you looking at spending?

sxe fbm rider

allready bid on it.. I'll see how that turns out.. I have nothing to spend right now.. my mom is lending me a little right now.. I will hopefully have a job by next week.. I'll look there too, thank you. If I get the job I'll have a much better budget, so I'm hoping for that.

techone

My first fixie was a raleigh with the exact same dropouts and originally had the same derailleur. And yea, they are VERY flimsy! I still have it, and recently removed the braze-ons, and repainted it putting on all the odd bits I had around to make it a 'going to the shop' fixie.
I got the bike for free before converting it, dunno if I would've paid �20 for it.
At least that one doesn't have any braze-ons.

merztime

i've been watching philly craigslist like a hawk for months and rarely see anything worthwhile... good luck though.

sxe fbm rider

I've allready bid on it, will it be an allright bike is all I'm wondering.. not looking for good, just something that wont fall apart quickly. I will hopefully get a track bike come the end of the year, just need something that will be allright for 6 months or so...

progre-ss

The bike should be fine for a "temporary" fix. And then when you've got the money saved up for your "real" fixed, this raleigh will be your beater, winter fix. And if you do win the auction and have problems with converting it, just ask here. Behind all the sarcastic posts, we;re a good bunch of fixie folk.

sxe fbm rider

thanks alot.. I also noted to him that he could keep the rear wheel and derailer and brakes which should cut the shipping cost by alot..

ryan_c

That Raleigh could be a sweet fix. But, if you want to keep going on your current one though, just do it! If its going to be cheaper for you to do that, just ride it until something crucial falls apart. By the by, can you post a pic of the one you are working on (and thinking of ditching)? What kind of frame is it?

icithecat

According to Cambriabike.com website, the cost of ground freight for a FRAME to Canada is $50us. Who knows what a whole bike would cost. Stop bidding and hope to loose.

sxe fbm rider

its allright if i win it, my mom will cover it for this, so thats allright.. i dont know what kind of frame i have now.. i scratched off the decals to paint it and didnt htink to see what it was.. that was stupid. im riding it until i get something a little better.

bostontrevor

It wouldn't suck, but as everyone else says, it's probably not worth it. Hope you lose, do some mad scamming at garage sales for a mid-80s ride, proably Japanese--like a Fuji or Univega. That should be relatively lightweight, steel (so it's durable--comfort comes in second), standard bits all around, and cheap.

sxe fbm rider

I lost, so I'll stop there.. but how's this look.. and the guy is on the east coast... https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ayphotohosting

sxe fbm rider

I'm also 6'2".. so what would be a normal size bike for me? This one seems to be a larger bike, but I may be wrong.

ryan_c

Don't forget on that bike you will still need new pedals, a seatpost, and a saddle. Not a bad looking bike though. That size will fit you, my Fuji is a 23" frame (58-59cm?) and I am 6'1", sometimes I wish it was a couple cm shorter though, it gets a little snuggly when straddling the frame. If you have long legs it might do, but check thrift shops and garage sales first! There are garage sales every weekend - just look in your local paper. In the long run, it will pay to be a little pickier. Get something that fits you and something you like the looks of. Otherwise once you ride it more you will be wishing you had a different frame. Also, if you are determined to buy on ebay, look for local listings - you could get 2 bikes from a thrift shop or garage sale for the cost of shipping one from Canada.

sxe fbm rider

I'm not looking into the one from canada now, I'm looking at the second link.. its much closer to me. I have pedals. Also, if I win, he can keep the derailer and back wheel which will save on the shipping rate. I'm hoping to win the fuji, but if not, I'll look elsewhere. thanks for the help. Does anyone know much about the bike shop at 9th and south in Philly? they have dozens of old bikes lined up outside.. does anyone know if they charge reasonably for them?

ryan_c

My bad! I was looking at the right picture but reading the wrong thing.

icithecat

Not to be a wet blanket, but if you read his terms and conditions, he is going to charge you a minimum of $45 for shipping and handling.

sxe fbm rider

it would be $52 to send it to my house.. I'll live.

ryan_c

Well if you're paying 52 to ship it, i wouldn't pay more than $20 for the bike (maybe 30), but that's just me. Upon close inspection, those do look like decent lugs and a cool stem. And that's worth something.

sxe fbm rider

My max is 30.. im leaving it at that.. My mom said she'd cover this if I win so I dont have to worry about it.

nocoins

hey you,

check your messages, I just PM'd you. I have an extra bike you may be interested in buying, and since I am in Center City, you could ride away with it tomorrow if you wanted.

Anyway, its a bright yellow Raleigh Record, 80's steel frame, nice lugs. Barely a scratch on it, its a little too tall for me ... I am 6 feet tall, if you are 6'2 it should fit you perfectly.

sxe fbm rider

Only a frew hours left on the Fuji... so I think I'm getting it.. I'll post pictures when I put it together.. Thanks for the help guys.