Info on a 2 speed FG
 

I just got an email from Val Kleitz from Bikesmith in Seattle. He is starting to build 2 speed FG hubs again dur to demand. Here is the email.

"Chris: Finally, a note to let you know that I hve begun producing 2 speed fixed hubs again. They will be $200.00, and will come with instructions and all necessary hardware to attach to the shifter of your choice. Let me know what you think. Val Kletiz"

You can drop him an email for more info instigator@thebikesmith.com


Thought I would share. :)

Uh, I think you mean "double sided"???

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure he actually means 2 speed fixed hubs. They work like most internally geared hubs, only without the coasting. I'm too lazy to look up the link, but Sheldon Brown has extensive info about them. I think it was Strumey Archer that used to make a three speed version. It's a great idea. I wouldn't mind checking one out.

Anyways ...

yup..Bikesmith takes a bendix 2 or 3 speed internal hub and converts it to a fixed gear hub. Comes with a 18 tooth cog and a 1 to 1 gear with the second a 30% drop. here is a link if you want to DIY http://www.63xc.com/lewisc/diy2fg.htm

Really cool idea for those who live in hilly areas.

Sturmey Archer had 2 and 3 speed fixed gear hubs and a flip flop with two fixed internal gears and a freewheel on the other side, most of the hubs were built before the WW2, the 3 speed ASC hub was built in the 40s and 50s. In the fixed gear gallery there is a Hercules with a 2 speed fixed gear made out of an AW hub, I'm guessing he used the modifications shown on Sheldon Brown's site.
Is Bikesmith still around? I heard they went out of business.

Yeah, sadly Bikesmith is out of business.

I happen to have a Bendix that would work perfect for the 2 speed fixie. Has anyone else tried this loctite/JBweld like the 63xc article outlines with success?

i havent tried the jb weld on the bendix, but as i had a few sturmey archer 3speed hubs sitting around, i thought id try jb welding them... so far ive got to run left hand drive and the second gear isnt working... but im still tinkering with it... i hope i can get it to work, but fear that i wont in which case ill need to find myself a bendix to fix

is there a good source for bendix hubs? I haven't had any luck finding one.

this is for when we're old old men...

good ol' fixed is fine with me.

Or if you move away from here and find yourself amongst hills and don't want to coast...

i havent been able to find a source for bedixes but i did get my s/a to work...i only had to run lhd, but it goes and its fun! theres a bit of slop in the system, so im not sure ill stick to it, but itll be good fun for a while

Double yeah, after Supergo opened up about 4 blocks away. The story I heard was that they offered Val a job and he declined. I've seen his 2 speed conversion and it's worth considering if you absolutely need the range.

Just to reminisce, over the years I must have acquired at least three frames that I fixed at Bikesmith. Val could also be counted on for a complete assortment of cheap cogs from 14 to 24. That and the enormous pile of old Winnings and Bicycle Guides made it a cool place to hang out.

I got in there once or twice while living in Seattle. Sadly this was way before I found the way of the fixed.

hey a friend of mine told me to go put my idea up on a forum, i am currently making this TRUE fixed 2 speed with a 2 speed front crank. what i am using is a modified tensioner and a clutch type mechanism. i am using a thumb push shift to move the front derailer, and for my "clutch" i am usng an old style road bike brake lever, i am putting a parking break style lock (idea came form atv parking break) to keep tension in chain when i am on the lower gear. im sure you cant imagine what i am doin till u see pics, but i am currently in the middle of gathering up parts and starting to put my hand drawn designs into effect. when i get some pics together ill post them.

pretty much

Tensioner will fail.

9 year old thread is closed.