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Fixie Bikes

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imkayjay
Posts: 98 - Karma: 200
So I'm looking into buying a fixed gear for the summer as well as for some riding around in college. I live in a pretty hilly place, so Im thinking flip hub will have to be a necessity. But I dunno. Are hills really that hard to manage on a single speed?
Anyways, if you guys have any recommendations for brands or styles, please let me know! Ive never owned a fixie so i'd love any input. Thanks!
May 19 2013 12:57AM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
Thus far the frame does not look very appealing. Used to be white and the metal underneath isn't very pretty, so with just a clear-coat I don't think I'll be happy. I was also thinking jet black or a really really faint dark blue color.
Sep 23 2013 11:04AM
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CosmicBrownie
Posts: 199 - Karma: 1,177
It only looks good if its an aluminum frame if its steel it will look like shit. Didnt read far enough up to know what kind you have
Sep 23 2013 12:22PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
Steel. I didn't say above, so you're good.
Sep 23 2013 12:28PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
Let's talk anti theft here. I'm thinking of replacing all hex bolts with snake eye tamper resistant bolts or Alen keys with the Centre pin (grab em from work) just not sure if the snake eyes will be able to torque up enough?

And as for axels, I can't seem to find a good security nut THAT CAN BE USED on horizontal drop outs, the few I found recommend against it.
Sep 26 2013 12:25AM
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will_powder
Posts: 3194 - Karma: 5,445
Just carry a cable?
Sep 26 2013 1:35AM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
Bumping this up because of this relevant find. Not condoning the purchase of this bike, but this is NS and given the thread, it needed to be brought up.


Click for larger image
Sep 26 2013 11:02AM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,354
Looking into one, this made my day. $600 is steep though.





srsly, this is awesome.

Thank you.
Sep 26 2013 11:06AM
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414.
Posts: 3819 - Karma: 136
State charges a little too much, especially for their collabs.
Sep 26 2013 12:27PM
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cannaguts666
Posts: 504 - Karma: 256
Single speeds a practical choice. Fixed gears are stupid and belong on the track.

Sep 26 2013 2:07PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
for my handlebars and seat??
its too much of a hassle to always be slinging a lock through my wheels
Sep 26 2013 2:46PM
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will_powder
Posts: 3194 - Karma: 5,445
Holy #@%# you actually have to worry about bars and saddle? In sask? Must be a ghetto ass area aha. Good luck with that
Sep 26 2013 3:31PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
^ What this guy said. Seriously man, maybe you should move if you have to worry about someone stripping your bike while it's on the rack.
Sep 26 2013 3:34PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
I have actually never had to worry about it, but I'm planning on traveling with my bike, and with it being my primary mode of transportation, id rather ensure it stays 100% intact.

It takes no effort to switch over hex head bolts to equivalent tamper proof bolts, nor will it cost any money, so why the fuck wouldn't I take a little extra precaution?

and wheels are just too damn easy to steal, so its a must I find a theft resistant option for them.
Sep 26 2013 5:22PM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
It's pretty common in places like NYC. idk where this guy is though.

A seat+seatpost can easily be $200 - $300

A handlebar/stem combo can be an easy $200, but there's no way to lock them up besides safety bolts or bb's in the bolt head.

Regardless, if a thief really wants something, he can take it
Sep 26 2013 5:49PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
This is how I feel about tamper-proof shit. All it takes is the thief getting stuck enough times to go out and buy the same kit you purchased and voila, he has the tools necessary to take it.

It's a risk you run by owning things in general. Be smart, lock your house, lock your bike/wheels, lock your car. If someone steals your shit, cuts your lock, or breaks a window to get into your other possessions, that's what insurance is for. Yes, they have bike insurance.
Sep 26 2013 5:54PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
Thays why It's called tamper or theft RESISTANT and not proof
Sep 26 2013 6:07PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
Chances are most thieves will move onto another easier target.
Sep 26 2013 6:09PM
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Mr.Sloth
Posts: 5091 - Karma: 13,469
About to go on a night ride, this one in particular is supposed to get pretty crazy. Wish me luck!
Sep 26 2013 7:02PM
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Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
Needless to say, I almost died this morning. Mobbing to work and my chain popped off during a skid. Luckily I had already slowed enough to where I could just put my feet on the ground. Exhilarating!

Click for larger image
Sep 26 2013 11:02PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
Glad you're ok bro.
Sep 26 2013 11:04PM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
Fix ur chainline and/or tension. That shit should be impossible.
Sep 26 2013 11:08PM
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Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
I think it was the tension. shitty kmc chains are known for weak spots. As well my hub was minutely loose. either way first time this has ever happened. Got it taken care of right when i got to work. (I work at a bike shop lol)
Sep 26 2013 11:20PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
How do you guys ensure proper tension? I'm constantly finding myself loosening my wheel and pulling it back. Do you use those tensioner attachments? Or just brute force and tight ass bolts.
Sep 27 2013 10:48AM
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yuck
Posts: 8384 - Karma: 2,090
pretty much this. i have to re-tighten my back wheel every once in a while. i dont know if the chain is stretching a tiny bit or what it is, but my chain seems to get longer with time lol

its not that big a deal though, i just check the chain tension before i ride and usually its fine.
Sep 27 2013 11:02AM
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hammerofjustice
Posts: 64 - Karma: 46
Took me like 6 months, but finally got my bike shipped from california to atlanta. Then on my second ride, strip the crank... Fantastic.
Sep 27 2013 11:06AM
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414.
Posts: 3819 - Karma: 136
yes, use the tensioners, they do their job.
Sep 27 2013 2:12PM
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Mr.Sloth
Posts: 5091 - Karma: 13,469
My frame has built in chain tensioners, thank god for technology. You could probably rig some up yourself with some drilling
Sep 27 2013 2:35PM
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Kekambas.
Posts: 904 - Karma: 485
Click for larger image
Sep 27 2013 2:51PM
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Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
brute force and tight ass bolts.
Sep 27 2013 4:41PM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
if you don't know how to tension your chain properly, go to a shop, have them teach you.

but seriously, if you ride a fixed gear, learn how to tighten a fucking nut. do u kids have any mechanical know how these days?
Sep 27 2013 5:24PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
Anyone with mechanical know-how understands that expansion and contraction of metal can result in slack in your chain over time. Tensioners make this an more rare occurrence and easier to remedy.

Relax. No one asked how to tighten a nut.
Sep 27 2013 5:40PM
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*rkp*
Posts: 8198 - Karma: 257
sorry to bring this back from a while ago.. but what the fuck..

no foot retention + brakeless.. have fun stopping bro.

at least you're riding a ratio where you'd max out at 10MPH.

this thread can go back and die now :3
Sep 28 2013 3:33AM
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Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
lol. come ride with me. I skid fine bro. I run straps now, but I was always able to skid fine without straps. I have commuted to work every day for the last 6 months like that. I aint no bitch. And yes I do ride over 10mph. and what ratio am i riding mister know everything?
Sep 28 2013 4:07AM
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Caleb.E
Posts: 3556 - Karma: 1,015
nice, idk if i would want to ride with out straps...
Sep 28 2013 1:05PM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
Riding without straps is plain stupid, period. Don't care how long you've commuted w/o them. Gaper central.

My guess is you're at about 55 gear inches with a ~44-21 setup, so yeah 10mph sounds about right.

As for tensioning your chain, here's how you do it on a fixed gear.

- Get yourself a ski sock or a rag.
- Loosen your nuts completely.
- Put the rag just under your brake bridge on the tire.
- Rotate the wheel so the rag starts to "get stuck" between the seatube and the tire.
- Turn the wheel until you have proper tension. Proper tension is a personal preference but the general rule of thumb is 1-2" of play, total, when you move the chain up and down w your fingers. Super tight is never good, it puts strain on your chain, chainring, and cog; eventually wearing them out unnecessarily quick.
- Once you have your tension, center your wheel. I use one hand on the rim/seatube to tension and center.
- Tighten nuts with other hand. Do not over tighten them. If your do, you're putting unnecessary stress on your hub.

You really should never have to readjust unless you are riding a TON. By that I mean thousands of miles. I've been commuting the last 2 years on a $9 KMC chain and have readjusted my chain tension once. I need to adjust again soon, but I'll probably just buy another chain. Chains will stretch a tad after a TON of miles, but by keeping that chain for too long, you're adding additional wear to your chainring and cog. So imo, a $9 clean chain is worth it.
Sep 28 2013 1:58PM
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skier58284
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 5,365
Fixies are for casuals.
Sep 28 2013 2:03PM
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Woodhouse
Posts: 390 - Karma: 160
Bought a vintage Peugeot for 30 bucks
Stripped it
Fixed it
Hated it
Bought a 3 speed internally geared hub, ran cables inside frame tubing
Bought front brake
Ride it every day
Sep 28 2013 4:21PM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,354
Newb question: any sites that have second hand fixies because i'm not finding shit and craigslist blows
Sep 28 2013 4:35PM
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Mr.Sloth
Posts: 5091 - Karma: 13,469
Pinkbike maybe?

and keep an eye on Craigslist, sometimes some sweet stuff gets put up.
Sep 28 2013 5:40PM
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Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
You a fucking retard. Your entire statement became invalid after you talked about chain slack. Chains wear after about 2000 miles. If you honestly ride bikes frequently, you should have replaced yours long ago. And if it is a shit kmc chain, (which are literally garbage, and have so many tight spots,so replace them often) you should replace it every 1000. Especially if it is fixed.

And good god, a fuckin sock. Bring your bike to a bike shop before you fuck anything else up.

Also I run a 42 16 so closer to 69 gear inches, and at about a 80 rpm cadence I am cruising at 26 mph. So get learned son. And stop trying to act like you know it all.
Sep 28 2013 10:18PM
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LivinOuttaBounZ
Posts: 949 - Karma: 382
I would stretch out high quality 1/8th chains in under 500 miles regularly when on the track, and even more frequently when I ride only on the street.

KMC makes a few good recreational chains and some really bomber half link race chains. Also Izumi Eco and Odyssey Bluebird chains are really strong for 1/8th.


http://www.velodromeshop.net/index.php?p=catalog&parent=75&pg=1
Sep 29 2013 11:49AM
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Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
I was giving him the benefit of the doubt. I stretch mine every 1000 miles or so.
Sep 29 2013 2:06PM
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Barf.
Posts: 1188 - Karma: 123
Bumping this thread because I just got done refreshing this tired out fixie. I'm fairly pleased with the final result... Click for larger image Click for larger image
Oct 24 2013 1:09AM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
Buy yourself a triathlon or bullhorn break leaver.
Oct 24 2013 3:35AM
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Mr.Sloth
Posts: 5091 - Karma: 13,469
Take that brake off. Or at least get something that looks a little less goofy...
Oct 24 2013 11:50AM
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will_powder
Posts: 3194 - Karma: 5,445
Click for larger image
Oct 24 2013 12:48PM
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Caleb.E
Posts: 3556 - Karma: 1,015
So, new single speed in the works. Front or Back Break? the breaks are brand new and both have alot of life left. I'm leaning towards just front,(yes i will ride it before i dispatch it. Any one use just the front? And yes, im doing this all for just aesthetic/ simplicity
Jul 19 2014 9:31PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
WoodhouseBought a vintage Peugeot for 30 bucksStripped it
Fixed it
Hated it
Bought a 3 speed internally geared hub, ran cables inside frame tubing
Bought front brake
Ride it every day


What brand hub did you go with? I'm looking at possibly going the same route
Jul 20 2014 12:29AM
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Caleb.E
Posts: 3556 - Karma: 1,015
KrazyistKarlWhat brand hub did you go with? I'm looking at possibly going the same route


What type of hub is on it currently? Is it a thread freewheel? If so, just by a BMX single speed (itl cost you around 20 bucks), thsi way there no need to buy a new huband cost you the time of new spoking it or a whole new wheel.
Jul 20 2014 5:40PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
Caleb.EWhat type of hub is on it currently? Is it a thread freewheel? If so, just by a BMX single speed (itl cost you around 20 bucks), thsi way there no need to buy a new huband cost you the time of new spoking it or a whole new wheel.


Yeah but I want 3 speeds
Jul 22 2014 1:21AM
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