|
Noob question about fixed gear
So I'm new to the forum and all, so I might sound like a complete incompetent, but hear me out. I've got a single-speed bike that looks like the single-speeds they use at the velodromes, it has "Indianapolis University 500" on it. I was wondering if it is possible to increase the size in the frontal gear, on the crank, (cog?) or decrease the size of the cog on the rear wheel in order to lower cadence. Thanks a lot.
|
Originally Posted by rusty44
(Post 14904554)
So I'm new to the forum and all, so I might sound like a complete incompetent, but hear me out. I've got a single-speed bike that looks like the single-speeds they use at the velodromes, it has "Indianapolis University 500" on it. I was wondering if it is possible to increase the size in the frontal gear, on the crank, (cog?) or decrease the size of the cog on the rear wheel in order to lower cadence. Thanks a lot.
I think you mean the chainring or the freewheel (rear). Single speeds use freewheels, fixed gear bikes use cogs. And yes, very possible to change it out, either at a shop or do it yourself with the right tools/parts. |
Originally Posted by BigglyPuff
(Post 14904591)
I think you mean the chainring or the freewheel (rear). Single speeds use freewheels, fixed gear bikes use cogs. And yes, very possible to change it out, either at a shop or do it yourself with the right tools/parts.
|
Originally Posted by rusty44
(Post 14904554)
So I'm new to the forum and all, so I might sound like a complete incompetent, but hear me out. I've got a single-speed bike that looks like the single-speeds they use at the velodromes, it has "Indianapolis University 500" on it. I was wondering if it is possible to increase the size in the frontal gear, on the crank, (cog?) or decrease the size of the cog on the rear wheel in order to lower cadence. Thanks a lot.
Little 500 bikes are identical, single-speed (46x18), coaster brake racing bicycles with 700c wheels, 28mm tires and flat rubber pedals. The unusual specification originated with the famous AMF Roadmaster bicycles of the 1960s and 1970s, once the sole bicycle type used in the event. There are two different versions of the bike for men and women, with the only difference being frame size. Every year a new version of the specified bicycle type is purchased, with two given to each team. A deposit of $300 must be placed for both bikes. At the end of the season, teams are given the option to keep their race bikes or to return them back to IUSF in exchange for their deposit. Returned former race bikes are kept at the track and rented out to those teams that lack bicycles meeting Little 500 specifications. There are a few different models, but it's probably something like this: http://i28.tinypic.com/2nggd2o.jpg |
|
Hmm. similar, but mine looks more old-fashioned. So the bike is worth not much now?, I thought it was pretty decent lol. If I had to buy a new bike I'd probably go for one of the lighter cross or cyclocross bikes, so I can do mainly road-biking but still give it a beating and not have it crumple up into a trumpet if I inadvertently hit something, which is not an unlikely probability in the winter.
|
I've ridden one before. It's basically a cheap kids bike that's big enough for adults to ride.
I'd suggest leaving it as is. Use it as backup basic transportation and start the process of buying a new bike. I can't see those bikes ever becoming nice bikes. Another problem is the BB uses old-style press-in cups. |
Originally Posted by rusty44
(Post 14904655)
Hmm. similar, but mine looks more old-fashioned. So the bike is worth around $100 or not even now, I thought it was pretty decent lol. If I had to buy a new bike I'd probably go for one of the lighter cross or cyclocross bikes, so I can do mainly road-biking but still give it a beating and not have it crumple up into a trumpet if I inadvertently hit something, which is not an unlikely probability in the winter.
However, it may be worth something to a collector or some alumni. They are sort of difficult to get as you have to buy them from the university and there are limited qualities. I'd do some investigating. |
Take some decent photos and post over in Classic & Vintage Appraisals in Inquiries: http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...-and-Inquiries
They'll tell you if you have anything worth anything. Mention "Little 500 bike" in the title. |
I took it off the rack to snap some pics, it's a Mongoose.
http://www.mediafire.com/view/?ixg8znghdbvm8aq# http://www.mediafire.com/view/?3bp7g9fd7c33c6h# http://www.mediafire.com/view/?aftb8r5p7toxcx8 |
50th anniversary might make it more desirable.
|
Ugh, those bikes are so terrible. Every year during Spring Break we get a bunch of IU students that come to Florida to "train" for the Little 500. They come into the shop with ridiculous questions and requests, and all their bikes are ragged out. I have a hard time seeing anyone pay much for one of those bikes.
|
Originally Posted by Nagrom_
(Post 14904720)
50th anniversary might make it more desirable.
I wouldn't touch it till you know if it's worth restoring. Then if so, I'd consider restoring it the right way. It could be a nice weekend project. Again, consult Classic & Vintage. Original paint and stickers could be worth more than repainting it. http://www14.mediafire.com/convkey/d...p7toxcx87g.jpg http://www15.mediafire.com/convkey/e...d7c33c6h7g.jpg http://www14.mediafire.com/convkey/d...hdbvm8aq7g.jpg |
Even the tires say "Little 500". Wow.
|
"Buon Giorno Papa!"
"Iam not your *papa*, I am your god-damned father!" :D Couple of years ago, saw in VS HD the female Little 500 race, seriously had no idea still takes place. Chicks were racing the red/black model shown above ^ |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:48 PM. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.