Foul-Weather Fixed Gear Frameset Suggestions
 

I'm looking to build up a fixed gear for foul weather and winter riding as well as the odd commute. Need a frameset that's just a little more flexible than a standard track bike, i.e. fender eyelets and clearance for 28c tires. All I can find thats readily available in the US are the bikesdirect variety or complete bikes.

I know I could go the old road bike route, but with good vintage frames costing what they do, I'd prefer something purpose-built - not to mention I hate tensioning a chain with forward facing dropouts.

Any suggestions?

Why no bikesdirect variety? They've got a few models that appear to similar to what you're seeking. Bikeisland sells the framesets.

I've got one of these. Works fine with fenders and 28c tires.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...49_-1___202389

Not necessarily. I've got a whopping $50 (if that much) into this:

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/1976-rale...rix-8240_3.jpg

Love it or hate it, forward-facing dropouts are a blessing when dealing with full fenders.

Fantom Cross Uno.

Fenders and track ends < Fenders and Horizontal dropouts tho.

Scrod, I'm impressed you managed to put that bike together for $50 bucks. Last time I was up in Boston, the hipster tax was still super high on vintage frames and conversions. Gimme $300 for this rusty Varsity!

I used to drive to NH and southern ME for cheap old bikes.

I found most of it curbside on trash day.

The only new part on it is the Veulta Pisa crankset, which I bought after snapping the original crank arm.

A surly steamroller fits the bill.

If you're planning on running full fenders (not unlike the ones that Scrod posted in this thread) you might find that horizontal dropouts (like from a converted classic frame) are much easier to get a wheel in and out of than track ends. There's a thread over at paceline where Dave Kirk says as much, but their servers are down right now, and well...

Hell, I HAVE a 56cm surly steamroller frameset hanging in my garage. PM me if you're at all interested.

Edit: found it- Post #7 in this thread

+1 this.

Surly Crosscheck and the All-City Spacehorse are 2 very versatile bikes sold as frame/fork only. As stated above you'll want forward facing dropouts if you plan on using full fenders. I want to build a Spacehorse with an alfine on the rear some sort of dynamo on the front, full fenders, racks and fattest tires I can manage to fit for commuting.

How the hell'd I miss this. Sorry to step on your toes Scrod.