Hi guys, sorry for what I'm sure is a redundant topic around here (I searched the forums a bit and couldn't find anything, though).

I recently picked up an old KHS competition frame dirt cheap, with the sole intention of making it into a fixed gear build. I only ride coaster brake bikes, so this is my first foray into the fixed gear world. I'm building this primarily for the experience of building it; I'm not too sure that I'm going to actually enjoy the end result, and on top of that, the Craigslist market for such a build will guarantee that I'll never come anywhere close to recouping my money. Therefore, I'm trying to do this on the cheap. I figure, if I end up enjoying it, I can always go back and upgrade components.

So the bike came with some pretty sweet 36 hole Araya's, so I want to reuse those. Therefore, my only limitations are that the hub has to have 36 holes and needs to be flip-flop for fixed/freewheel support (thanks to years of coaster brake riding, the world of freewheeling is also something I'd like to check out). Beyond that, no real requirements - I don't care if it has cartridge bearings, quick release skewer, etc. As far as I can tell, this is as cheap as it's going to get:

Formula Rear Track/Freewheel TH31 Hub - 36H Silver:Amazon:Sports & Outdoors

Also, pardon my ignorance, but it's labeled as a track/freewheel hub. I understand the difference between track and fixie bikes, but I guess I don't know the difference (if there is any) in their hubs. I should be able to take this hub and put a freewheel on one side, and a fixed gear cog on the other, correct?

Thanks!

First, you will need to buy different length spokes. Yes, you will be able to install a single freewheel on one side and a fixed cog and lockring on the other side. If your goal is to save money, a better bet would be to buy a complete rear track wheel with a fixed/free or fixed/fixed flip flop hub. You can install a freewheel on the fixed side, but not vice versa.

Thanks; I actually failed to even take that option into account. I'm so used to things normally being cheaper when I build them myself. That said, I'd like to use the Araya's that came with the frame, and again, this build is likely going to be more about the experience building it than anything else, so I'll probably build up a wheel, even if it runs me an extra $10. As long as this hub works for my project, then I'm all set. Thanks!

When contemplating wheel builds, never under estimate the cost of spokes and nipples, especially with high spoke wheels, it adds up real quick.