I want to build a single speed for myself to use around town. I'm 6'1 290 and I'm wondering what kind of build I should look into. MTB conversion? Road Bike conversion? I appreciate any and all advice, I'm very new to this.

steel. high spoke wheel, like 48 holes high! 28c tire. try triple triangle frames.

Maybe a frame like this one? I just don't know if the drop is horizontal or vertical, I want horizontal to avoid needing a tensioner.

You'll be fine with a normal steel frame bike with standard 36 spoke wheels,even 32 will be fine.Pick a 10 speed with horizontal drop outs and convert.However,if you're new to bikes picking one here https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm might be cheaper.

I don't know how hilly Davis, CA is, but I'd suggest gearing on the lighter side, especially if you're not too strong of a rider.

oh wth you're in davis? go to apex. /endthread
in davis you can go 54x17 =)
its that flat

I'm just outside of Davis, in Woodland but nobody ever knows where Woodland is. Will apex have a frame I can build on? Or will it be a built bike?

apex will help you build a bike using either what you can find or what aaron can find for you. then he charges. its not that cheap.
or the davis bike kitchen right near there, you can spot out what you like and build your own for free or for guilty donations. but only if you're mechanic enough. are you? iono.

I'm pretty capable when it comes to the mechanic end. I'm new to bikes but I've worked on cars before.

Get yourself a bike that can handle wider tires. Surly makes several frames like the Steamroller and Long Haul Trucker that will take wide tires. Look at cyclocross frames like the Bianchi San Jose. 700c x 32 or 38 width tires on a nice set of clinchers with 36 spokes in 3-cross pattern and you're good to go. Still plenty fast and a much better ride than 700c x 23 tires.

There is an entire sub-forum for us big folks. Go there for some great info:

https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...00-lb-91-kg%29

You don't need a steel bike. There are some strong aluminum bikes out there, too.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1654508_400317 fits 29er tires.

Single speed - I recommend the Karate Monkey or Ogre. I was 280ish when my thyroid was diagnosed. Karate Monkey was the bike I used to commute and get health again on. The complete is reasonably priced and I regret that I sold mine back in the day. Bike is still getting good mileage from its new owner (and friend of mine) and he's not a tiny guy either. Bike has taken a beating and has disc brakes that were amazing. The 2012 model has a step down on the quality, but still a good value.

I will also co-sign the idea of the Surly SteamRoller, I own one given i'm not a big dude it's still a beast I rock 32's on it and I am definitely not super careful with it. I'll jump off stuff with it, hop on dirt/rocky roads with it and I never had a single problem with it and I still use to the stock wheelset which still spin pretty true.

I'll +1 on going to Aaron/Apex, he'll help you out with whatever he can (pretty much everything). As mucky said though, it won't be cheapo-cheap.

You can always get a few parts online first if you have a big budget or something.

I'm 275 and I have a schwinn cutter and now a new scrambler. With my schwinn I just have 36's and really everything I've ridden from friends and what not hasn't buckled and crumpled. It's a bike steel or aluminium find something your size and a decent spoke count and start riding. As far as ratio I live in a kind of hilly area depending on where you ride and my preference is something higher I would rather crank out then spin out. I'm riding 42,17 right now hitch I hate so I'm going to 48,15 at least.

48x15? Damn.

Try the 42-15 before anything else.

I was riding 46-18. Went 46-17 and still wanted more. But Ill heed your advice and try the 15 first.

You guys, the biggest hill in Davis can literally be climbed in under 10 seconds. He doesn't need a low gear ratio.

Go to apex/craigslist. Profit.

42-15 rocks.

^that

Anyone else see the big *** 60 teeth chainrings on eBay? I'm not sure if I want, need, or hate them yet; but they're a little too much color for my build right now

they're pretty good.

You can disregard like 90% of this thread. When I started riding again I had about 30 lbs on you. I found a Kilo TT for cheap, threw some deep v's and 23c's on it and rode the **** out of it. After about 2k miles I broke a spoke... hopping off a curb.

You do not need wide tires.

You do not need steel.

Spoke count doesn't always = strong wheel.

Ride what you like and is in your budget.

Learn to true wheels.