Single Speed/Fixed Gear
 

Hi first time poster here. First introductions. I am a life-long bicyclist/unicyclist. No racing, just have always enjoyed biking. I commute to work either on my highly customized Surley Crosscheck or my 36" touring unicycle 7 miles each way every day.

I just finished building my first wheel: a 20" freestyle unicycle wheel and had a blast doing it. It made me think about trying to build an entire bike. Seems like it could be a fun project.

I'd want a singlespeed/fixed gear (flip flop hub I think you call it). So where do I start? With the frame or the wheels? I'd guess the frame. I'd want the bike to be somewhat laid back since my neck tends to hurt with drop bars. Would you try to find frames on ebay etc? What kind of frame?

Thanks.

Dude, why don't you do research? This is just lazy. You don't even give us a price range.

Sorry, should have given more info. Price range is kind of an interesting question because it will be a very slow build. It will probably take me a long time given I am not experienced at building and I have a lot of other responsibilities. It took me weeks just to build my 20" wheel... So I wouldn't be shelling out a lot of money at once.

It would certainly be cheaper to just buy a complete bike, but that's not really the point.

I don't think I'd want to spend much more than $400 on the frame, or is that unreasonable? I did see this, for example, Building a Fixed Gear or Single-speed Bike - WesternBikeworks 249 which talks about track frames.

But track frames are aggressive aren't they? Like I said, I want to be a bit careful about geometry because my neck and shoulders bother me on drop bars.

find an older road or mtb on craiglist, or at your local pawn shop, and just strip it down to the frame. (obviously make sure the frame is in good condition before buying it.

I don't feel picked-on. I wasn't very clear in my initial post. I'm old enough that I'm not insulted by someone I don't know on a forum.

So, is there something in particular that makes a good single speed or fixed gear frame? Anything I should look out for? Are there frames built for gears that are hard to convert to a SS or fixed? And is the way to go to build components around the frame right? So the first thing to get is the frame?

You're already failing at steps 1-3.

Worst subject line ever in the Singlespeed & Fixed Gear subforum.

For an increased ability to create a more upright riding position, buy the LARGEST frame that you can possibly deal with. That will help lower the saddle in relationship to the bars while simultaneously providing ample leg extension.

Most SSFG rear hubs are 120mm wide. Select frames accordingly. If you buy a steel frame that has slightly wider or narrower spacing, it can be cold set to new spacing of 120mm. Read more excellent tips on how to here. Bicycle Frame/Hub Spacing Aluminum and carbon fiber are no-go for that process.

Road frames with true vertical drop outs make conversion a bigger challenge. You can read more on how to convert all kinds of frames, old and new, to single speed in this excellent article. Singlespeed Bicycle Conversions

Also consider what size tires you want to run. Many track frames max capacity is as narrow as 28mm. Some even less. You cand find plenty that will accomodate much wider, but it's good to know that while shopping.

Track frames have short wheelbases and steep seat tubes and head tubes. This geometry makes them nimble but they can be harsh on bumpy roads. "Harsh" is to be defined by each indiviual's butt.

A touring bike or "Townie" type frame can result in a more stable and comfortable ride, but this comes at the expense of losing the rabid weasel handling. Some touring and Townied frames have a greater bottom bracket drop which will also help create a more upright riding position, though that comes at the expense of reduced pedal to ground clearence.

Good luck.