What should I do?
#26
Here are some quick pictures I took of my bike:



The thing that is kind of stopping me from converting it is because this bike frame is kinda beat up; paint chipping and stuff.
Also, I never heard of this company before but it does have shimano components on it.
I will get paid maybe next week so I still have a while to figure things out before making my decision.



The thing that is kind of stopping me from converting it is because this bike frame is kinda beat up; paint chipping and stuff.
Also, I never heard of this company before but it does have shimano components on it.
I will get paid maybe next week so I still have a while to figure things out before making my decision.
Last edited by ddtran46; 08-17-11 at 05:24 PM.
#27
Another thing to consider: Converting it won't automatically make it awesome.
Instead of talking about what you don't want (this bike), focus on what you do want.
If you could have any bike in the world (within reason of course) what would it be and why? If you don't immediately have a short list of bikes in your head, then you need to do more research before you start disassembling this one.
Instead of talking about what you don't want (this bike), focus on what you do want.
If you could have any bike in the world (within reason of course) what would it be and why? If you don't immediately have a short list of bikes in your head, then you need to do more research before you start disassembling this one.
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 0
From: East coast
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac Expert, Cannondale R700, Specialized Langster, Iron Horse Hollowpoint Team, Schwinn Homegrown
#35
Last edited by sillygolem; 08-18-11 at 12:40 AM.
#40
also, in converting you may need to get a new bottom bracket with a smaller spindle so your chain line is nice and straight then you'll also have to make sure your cranks will fit being closer into the bottom bracket
#42
I hope you understand that the conversion is all or nothing. If you strip the bike down (derailleurs and stuff) but for some unforseen reason, either technical or financial, the project stalls or fails, not only will you not have a fixed gear...but you won't have a road bike either. There are tons of failed fixed gear projects out there.
This is why people are suggesting that you just save up and buy a NEW $300 bike and save all of the questions, hassle, buying/borrowing tools, being without a bike for the days/weeks that the conversion is happening, etc...
You aren't the first guy to want to do this. Man, your bike isn't anything nice (no offense), I and a few others here are venturing to guess that you'd probably be happier on a new bike than taking the time and energy to make a conversion.
Understand that conversions were popular when:
A) Fixed gear bikes were expensive and sort of difficult to find.
and
B) Made from leftover bikes that, most times, weren't functioning. So, the conversion to a fixed gear gave them a new life.
But, being that:
A) COMPLETE fixed gear bikes are everywhere for CHEAP
and
B) Your bike is fine.
Why bother?
This is why people are suggesting that you just save up and buy a NEW $300 bike and save all of the questions, hassle, buying/borrowing tools, being without a bike for the days/weeks that the conversion is happening, etc...
You aren't the first guy to want to do this. Man, your bike isn't anything nice (no offense), I and a few others here are venturing to guess that you'd probably be happier on a new bike than taking the time and energy to make a conversion.
Understand that conversions were popular when:
A) Fixed gear bikes were expensive and sort of difficult to find.
and
B) Made from leftover bikes that, most times, weren't functioning. So, the conversion to a fixed gear gave them a new life.
But, being that:
A) COMPLETE fixed gear bikes are everywhere for CHEAP
and
B) Your bike is fine.
Why bother?
#44
バカスゴい
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Kobe, Japan
Bikes: IRO Mark V Pro with FBM Sword fork, Ridley Oval,
Your bike is kind of a sad bike. Not because it's ugly which it is but because it's perfectly rideable and you obviously do, but you don't want people to see you riding it. It was there for you when you needed it and now you want to put it away for a new cheap one.
#46
yoked
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 1
From: S
#48
Trust me, I've built up multiple conversions in the past and I wrecked one of them, ultimately damaging the frame to where it couldn't be ridden any more, because I wasn't smart enough and didn't have a straight chain line. There's a lot more to think about than just getting new fixed wheels when converting.
#49
Thanks for the input, uketastic.
I am going to save the trouble and just sell the bike on craigslist(already have one potential buyer) and cough up another 200 for a brand new fixed gear. This will save the trouble of everything.
I am going to save the trouble and just sell the bike on craigslist(already have one potential buyer) and cough up another 200 for a brand new fixed gear. This will save the trouble of everything.






