Looking for a frame

[NGM]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and new to fixies (I swore I'd never get one)...so be gentle. I'm going to buy a really nicely put together/refurb'd single speed even though the frame is marginally too small for me. I like the components on the bike and its not too small as to be a problem, so I will just keep riding it while I look around for a slightly bigger frame.

 

Does anybody have good recommendations for frame types to look out for? What normally makes for a good conversion project? Where are good places to look(?), so far its just been gumtree. FYI I live in Stellenbosch. I understand "Racer" type road bikes don't really do well due to their vertical dropouts, so horizontal dropouts are a must. I'm looking for other guidelines along these lines...

 

Thanks

[Flowta]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and new to fixies (I swore I'd never get one)...so be gentle. I'm going to buy a really nicely put together/refurb'd single speed even though the frame is marginally too small for me. I like the components on the bike and its not too small as to be a problem, so I will just keep riding it while I look around for a slightly bigger frame.

 

Does anybody have good recommendations for frame types to look out for? What normally makes for a good conversion project? Where are good places to look(?), so far its just been gumtree. FYI I live in Stellenbosch. I understand "Racer" type road bikes don't really do well due to their vertical dropouts, so horizontal dropouts are a must. I'm looking for other guidelines along these lines...

 

Thanks

 

What size are you looking at? Also are you wanting a proper fixie or a singlespeed?

[NGM]

I'm 6'0", so that generally falls into the large category, or typically 56-58cm frame size (not always applicable). I was thinking singlespeed, not a proper fixie.

[Jonkie]

I'm 6'0", so that generally falls into the large category, or typically 56-58cm frame size (not always applicable). I was thinking singlespeed, not a proper fixie.

 

 

 

If you are not going fixed gear, you can use a frame with vertical dropouts. That will give you more options when looking for a frame.

[NGM]

Thanks guys. I've found a couple of 1980s peugeot road bikes that could work. Both peugeot rapports. Any reason why they wouldn#t make a good conversion project?

[Tuxstir]

Thanks guys. I've found a couple of 1980s peugeot road bikes that could work. Both peugeot rapports. Any reason why they wouldn#t make a good conversion project?

 

No reason at all.

They will make a nice project for single speed.

Many a folk have used similar bikes for single speed.

[NGM]

Cool, thanks. What is the best way to remove the original paint job? And then what coats are required for the new (pimpin) paint job?

Sorry, lots of questions.

[Tuxstir]

Don't be sorry, ask,

There is a paint stripper you can use. Most people get. There frames powder coated.

But for pimping I think speak to BogusOne, or you could sticker bomb the frame.

Check this cool site for ideas, www.thefixedgeargallery.com

Just remember the law of the hub......PIctures or it didn't happen

[NGM]

OK so I've finally found my frame... an oldish cannondale road bike:

 

Is there any reason why I can't use the smallest cog on the existing casette, get rid of the others and use the spacer to put it in the right place?

[KonaMTB]

Goog luck with the build.

[Tuxstir]

OK so I've finally found my frame... an oldish cannondale road bike:

 

Is there any reason why I can't use the smallest cog on the existing casette, get rid of the others and use the spacer to put it in the right place?

 

Good looking bike for a SS conversion,

As to your question, yes you can, but single speed specific cogs work better, they have higher ramps on the teeth, which help to hold the chain better,