Fixed Gear Parts

How To use Fixed Gear Parts To Build a Cheap Fixie.

The fixed gear bike is one of the new popular sub-cultures and finding the right fixed gear parts is essential.  Now this applies, whether you are buying fixed gear bikes or looking to carry out a fixed gear conversion for yourself.

Knowing your fixed gear parts and what to look for in items such as fixed gear frames is essential to your success.

Okay, so let’s assume you want to do this cheaply, your best bet is to pick up an old road bike.

These were tough babies, so usually have a solid and stiff steel frame that is ideal to handle the stress.

Most of the road bike parts that are fitted to this, will probably include the freewheel and usually 5-10 speed shift gears and probably about a 27″ or 28″ wheel.

The next few steps are simple and don’t involve much technical knowledge.

First of all you have to take off all the parts you don’t need as they are just excess baggage.

You are going to be replacing them with fixed gear conversion parts later such as fixed gear handlebars and brake sets.  So off must come any parts of the derailleur system including the front and back sprockets, as well as the 5/10 speed select if it has one.

Obviously take away all the gear cables and levers as you won’t need these now.

Finally get rid of the chain ring you don’t want and the chain as a new one is a must.

Now that you are down to the bare bones, you need to consider your fixie parts.

You will be raiding any track bike parts you can find for a rear wheel sprocket.  This will replace the freewheel permanently and give you your fixed gear wheels functionality.

Of course you may also want to consider a flip flop hub instead.

Other fixed gear parts you are going to need is a new rear wheel axle, a new chainset, and the rear wheel needs to be redished.

Of course you may choose to replace the rear wheel and this is really a call for you based on your budget.  We are trying to do this on the cheap with minimal new fixed gear parts, but you may want to spend in this instance.  For a start you can be sure that it will be straight.  On top of that, if you get a new wheel braking is likely to be more efficient if you fit them.  A new fixed gear wheel will also resist unthreading of the sprocket when you apply the rotation resistance to slow down if that’s the way you intend to go.

If you go through this process, then as long as you have the right tools and the right fixed gear parts in hand, you should find it quite straight forward.

If you need to though get an experienced friend to give you a hand as advice up close and personal like this is priceless.