making a fixed gear bike
 

Hello all!
I don't know if this is the right forum section, but yea.
I have an old sprts/racing/traveling bike in my possesion and I am kind of sick of it all the time jumping gears. So yea, i decided i want to make my bike a fixed gear bike. I'm not totally dumb with mechanics and technique + i am a little low on money, so I think that I am going to make it myself. What should I start with, is there any online store where you could guide me trough the parts I need to buy? And how much could all this fun cost?
I have seen so many videos and red so many articles on fixed gear bikes that I really want to make myself one.
Could you help me a bit? :)
P.S. If it makes any difference I live in Tha Netherlands (this is just for information, maybe you know any bike stores with polite prices n stuff) .
P.S.s. Word of the day is - not so expensive! :D
peace

I understand what you want but not what you already have/ will need. You will at least need some kind of way to make the gear fixed and not just a freewheel that can rotate. It can be difficult if you are trying to stick with the same hubs/ wheels. you will also need a chain break to shorten your chain and even if it ur chain is no good you still may need one to put your new chain on. Does it have to be fixed? or could it just be singlespeed? i ask because fixed means constant peddaling and all your inertia is in the rotating crank so it is kind of scary to ride at first when your realize how much energy they are spinning with and how hard it is to stop or skid.

This post pretty much sums up 90% of what goes on here in SSFG. The other 10% involves either squirrels or cats.


Welcome!

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What kind of bike is it? Can you post a picture?

If you're not bad at mechanics, it shouldn't be hard to get it to stop "jumping gears" all the time. That's really not a good reason to convert a bike to fixed gear, unless some of the parts are actually broken or worn out.

If you do want to convert it to fixed, the most expensive thing you'll need is a new rear wheel or wheelset to thread on a cog and lockring. Single speed conversions are much cheaper because they can involve nothing more than threading an SS freewheel onto the hub, or a single cog on a Freehub if you have one of those. A wheelset will most likely be at least $100. But I'm not sure if that means anything to you in the Netherlands.

+1
Required reading:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

Somehow I think fixing your jumping gear issue will be cheaper than converting to a proper fixed drivetrain.

Esp after you throw in the price of the Illudium Q36 Explosive Space Modulator.

Yea, but still, the system is old and I don't really like the gear changing, so I want to make a single-speed bike, but since fixed gears are better for long, straight distances than normal single speed, i decided to make a fixie :)
http://i52.tinypic.com/2yznc46.jpg For those who needed a picture. But I don't get what is the all fuss about. As I understand I just need to get a fixed gear rear hub, new rear wheel and possibly a new chain. Or I understand it totally wrong?
http://i53.tinypic.com/20qj0ap.jpg here are the rear drop-outs. Dunno how this helps, but I figured that showing it wouldnt hurt ;)
Could you recommended some not pricey, but reliable brands/companies that make good fixed gear hubs? :)
P.S. Don't think I am irresponsible bike owner lol :D. Its just that I got the bike in a bad condition and until now I had no intention on repairing/maintainancing it..

[QUOTE=benfit;12382978]Yea, but still, the system is old and I don't really like the gear changing, so I want to make a single-speed bike, but since fixed gears are better for long, straight distances than normal single speed, i decided to make a fixie :)

Where'd you hear this? Most touring bikes are geared and have freewheels.
Are you sure you aren't cashing in on a new trend?
Your dropouts would work, and yes in theory, all you need is a proper rear track hub.
Projects like this are (almost) always more work than they seem, my conversion had many kinks and problems, but it was a learning process.

I guess you should ask yourself if you really want to go fixed, and if so, hit up Sheldon. I went suicide hub (strapped for cash), and had to respace the rear axle, retension the wheel, overhaul everything, replace things with stripped threads, and even had some bent tubes. Choose wisely ;)

So you either need a new chain (looks you need a new one anyway), freewheel, or quick derailer adjustment. I think this is less of a hassle than converting to fixed gear

he he, don't give me alternatives, I really want to make fixed gear bike. Maybe it is following the trend osth, but still as I look at the videos I want skidding even more :D

And that's what riding a fixed gear bicycle is all about, isn't it? Mad skidz and sick edits…

some one is hooked on lucas brunelle vids

Does it make a difference why I want a fixie? If you don't want to help, feel free not to post in this topic. There is absolutely no sense (if we follow the question/problem in the first post) at all in last two posts.

You will find this to be a common theme...learn to love it if you wanna hang round here. I haven't been here long but if you can adapt to it you'll find that some of the guys and girls (see how inclusive i am!) have ridiculous amounts of knowledge and can help you like no other. If you don't like it at all then feel free to find another forum. Oh and really i mean this in a nice way don't be discouraged just learn to live with side convos and squirrels showing up all over the place

Missed the memo. Sry. Was busy.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OB-ifWBZJc...coffee-cup.jpg

you will need at the very least a rear wheel and possibly a new bottom bracket
you will also need a cog lockring and a new chain
pedals with foot retention
and tools

you have to get used to the ribbing or you will never make it kid....

I've seen these wheels recommended before, and they are pretty affordable. If you're really strapped for cash, just get the rear wheel, if you can afford it, getting both will probably be a significant upgrade to the bike: http://www.wabicycles.com/GXwheels.html

If you've got the know-how and/or patience, you could also build your wheels up yourself and probably save a few dollars, but it may or may not be worth it, as it's a lot of work if you've never done it before, and you need a wheel truing stand.

As mentioned by many people, you will likely also need to make some sort of change in the crank/bottom bracket area to make your chainline correct.

Go here for the cheapest wheels i could find and have not had a problem with myself.
http://stores.ebay.com/wheelandsprocket
(i picked for free shipping to u.s. but just find a cheap deal on track wheels.)
youll need a lockring and cog from somewhere and will also will need a tire and tube.
aquire whatever chainbreak you can and a new chain.
then with a few hours of simple work youll have it how you want.

Edit: just remove the larger ring on your bb and shorten the chain to fit on the smaller ring and cog tightly. may have chainline problems but you can fix those if they come up.

Well your original post made money seem like the issue for the conversion. Frankly fixing the existing drivetrain is cheaper.

Trust me though, I'm more offended that you have a Marvin the Martian avatar and didn't react to my Illudium Q36 Explosive Space Modulator line.

Read this - and then read it again (I know it was posted, but Sheldon's words carry more weight to me than any religious text).
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

That link to sheldon brown's site has things covered as far as the conversion. I've never built or ridden a fixie (Sort of want to try, but have better things to build) but it seems like a new chain, new rear wheel with track hub/cog/lock ring, possible new bottom bracket to get the chain line straight, and some new crank bolts to mount a single chain ring and you should be good.

Also - pretty, PRETTY please keep the brakes installed.