Assistance with first time fixed/free wheel buyer
 

Hi all, I've been kind of looking over these forums for the past few days and basically am going to be buying a fixed/free bicycle sometime soon.

I'd rather build it up frame, fork, wheels, etc vs go for a complete model because I want to be able to have the perfect bike.

I'm a bit lost though as to what type of things I will need. So I figured I'd ask and see what you all think.

I'm looking at having a single brake on the front tire, frame is probably going to be around 61' due to me being 6 foot 1. I've read 36 spoke are the best for front and back if you are over 250 lbs.

The wheels I were looking at were the Velocity Deep Vs. I think I can get a wheel set with a 3 cross pattern for about the right price. I think the wheel set includes the hubs as well so that will help out.

I am trying to find a good solid white frame, and also I would like a good set of tires that are white as well.

After that I'm a bit lost as to what else I need to buy. Obviously a braking system for the front, handlebars, grips, and a saddle.

Just wondering if anyone could help. I've looked all over the internet and have checked out bike shop after bike shop, complete pre-built, etc and I just haven't found something I could call mine. I have also looked at a ton of fixies/single speeds that people have put together and a lot of them look amazing.

Thanks for any help. I appreciate it.

Frame
Fork
Headset
Wheelset
Tubes
Tires
Crankset
Bottom bracket
Pedals
Straps and Cages
Cog/ Freewheel
Chain
Seatpost
Seat
Stem
Bars
Brake Caliper
Brake Cable
Cable Housing
Brake lever


All white tires will wear out faster than a tire with a black ridding stripe.

So I should get white wall with a black stripe for the tires right so they last longer if i'm going colored tires.

I have an idea of where all this will go lol, but like I said, I'm such a newbie.

So if i buy a wheelset, I just need the cog/freewheel + tires + tubes and the wheels are basically done.

Frame, fork, headset, seat, seatpost, stem, bars cover the guts of the bike.

Crankset, bottom bracket, pedals, chain covers the transmission if you will.

Brake caliper, cable, housing, lever covers the braking.

Edited: straps/cages for your feet. I dig.

Am i about right on the wheel / frame requirements for someone about my height/weight.

36 spoke (3 cross for strength), around 59-61 on the frame, probably 120mm width on the wheels for the frame in back, and 100mm in front? or both 120mm.

If you want an all white steel frame then you should look at the IRO Mark V Pro. It is basically all white with a little grey logo on the down tube. The Kilo TT also comes in white with nothing else besides a Reynolds sticker.

A bike that looks good but doesn't fit you is useless so you need to be certain about which size bike is suitable for you.

Obviously none of us knows what style of components you like, so I couldn't really help you with that.

Straps and cages are foot retentions, you need them if you are riding on the fixed gear side.

Totally understand on the component side. I'm just trying to gather some information about what size certain parts should be to accommodate my height / weight. For the frame what are some good options (steel, carbon, aluminum, etc) for basic street riding with some hills?

Big guy like you will feel some steel frames flex, especially the Kilo. You could get an alumininum frame like the Motobecane Team Track, it is very very stiff and very responsive as well. It's a good frame for $350.

You really want a nice set of wheels, be aware that guys your size are more likely to bend the rear axle but it's not too much of problem because axles can be had for cheap. In terms of cranks, you might want to get some stiff track cranks, TruVativ Omnium is a very popular choice.

Also, what is your budget?

I'm trying to stay around 600ish if possible.

$600 is not a big budget to work with to build your perfect bike. Unless you are very careful with your choice in components, it is not likely that you will be able to build it for that much.

You are probably better off buying a complete bike and selling the components you don't need and buy the ones you want.

Got ya. I might have a line on an 1980s Bianchi bike that I could part out and replace with what I want. I did like the style of the celeste frame. I guess my best bet would be to go searching for a used complete bike then slowly upgrade the individual parts over time right? :)

You don't necessary need to look for a used complete, but rather a good complete for a reasonable price; something like the Mark V Pro pre-build might suit your budget.