Raleigh Technium 440 conversion to fixie
 

Would this bike make a good fixie project for a newb? I've got an opportunity to get the frame and fork for 35.00 and wonder how easy it would be to convert it. I've never done a conversion and don't really know what sorts of issues arise. I suspect bottom brackets and chainrings are a difficulty. Are there after market BB updates available?

Any constructive comments are welcome and if there is already a thread (i didn't see one on this particular topic) I'd appreciate knowing about it.


Thanks in advance

No, it is not a good choice for a fixed gear. Although it does have horizontal dropouts, they are very short and offer very little adjustablity for chain tension, which is critical in a fixed gear. It's also an old aluminum frame, which may have been fatigued. I'd stick with steel for anything that old.

Don't let tejanotrackie discourage you its a fine starting point. i'm currently riding a Knackered Miyata Alumatech(a very similar bonded aluminum frame) with short drop outs and it works fine, That being said i wouldn't bother unless you can tell the frame has been looked after. as some people worry that bonded aluminum frames can potentially become unglued, although, my miyata is over twenty years old and been standing up to winter-commuter duty fine for the last 5 of those years, As i understand it these issues were mostly with Treks, Miyata's beeing comparatively better, i'm not really sure about the Raleighs

Are you at least getting the headset?

Don't expect to save any money with this build either(unless you can make good use of used parts), especially once you factor in your time, but that being said there's more to building a bike than price. It's all really easy actually, just take your time and make sure you have the proper tools.

and check out

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/ if you haven't done so already.

Only the frame and fork? Nothing else? I think it could be a good build, but prepare to spend a lot of money. Stuff adds up fast. You need the big stuff like wheels and a crankset. But then you need all the stupid little stuff like a seatpost, saddle, headset, stem, bars, tubes, brakes, etc. Unless you have a good stock of used parts I think you'll be in for a shock.

Starting with a bare frame because it's a "good deal" almost never is. Even if you got it free it'll cost you a lot. Better, IMO, to find a complete bike to convert or a bike that's already FG/SS.

Someone on this forum built up a Raleigh Technium as a fixed gear, I believe. I remember seeing the awesome paint job.

That's all I have to contribute to this thread.

Great input, thanks to all
 

all of these comments make sense. I've got the time, I understand cost can add up, I don't know the history of the frame and how it has, or has not been taken care of. I'm thinking I'll pass on this one and do more homework on what makes a quality frameset.