Fixie Parts

Finding fixie parts to do the job and sourcing spares such as fixie wheels and track bike parts is great fun.

The real challenge trying to set up a fixed gear bike is actually to build your own fixie.

You could say that the whole self build is a culture within a culture for fixie enthusiasts.

To look at building your own fixie is a serious business.

It all boils down to fixie parts and lots of them.

Wheels, old single speed parts, fixie rims, drive sets, chains and handle bars to put together and unleash your own ultimate creation.

You won’t only need them for the build, but also lots of spare fixed gear bike parts to improve on it and as spares if they give out on you.

But you need to know a bit about what to look for in fixie parts, before you dive in for the first time.

Where to find fixie parts.

- Unfortunately, there really isn’t such a thing as a fixie parts store. Sure you can trawl Craigslist, but often it is full of scammers and time wasters.

- Your local bike shop might not be that interested in you as a fixie rider either, especially if it is one of the more commercial ones.

- One of your best bets is to find and cultivate one of the old style shops. They will appreciate the adventure and self-sufficiency of what you are trying to achieve. It is also the place you might find a good supply of old single speed parts such as an old rear wheel you can use as your fixed hub for starters. For the front wheel, one of any road bike will do. It is one of the fixie parts that it is non-specific as long as it is tough.

Get your fixie parts online.

But where you find more joy with some of the more specialized parts, such as chainsets and sprockets is online.

- Cruise the internet and investigate the new range of specialist blogs and forums that have their own followings. These places are great for advice on what fixed gear parts are a good buy. You should also find some tips and tricks for sourcing and for putting it all together. Many of the forums also have their own trading areas. You will be able to find someone in your area who loves fixie bikes and has some fixie bike parts for sale. Hey it’s a great way to get social in person as well as online.

- In the end though, you might have to buy some of your parts new or nearly new.

- EBay has proved a very happy hunting ground for some. Get them from a Powerseller or buyers with big positive feedback.

- You might also be able to pick the odd item from Amazon as well, especially sprockets and wheels.

Building a fixed gear bike is more than just a hobby. To the owners, builders and enthusiasts it is more a way of life as well. The great personal pride and sense of achievement as you wheel it out and then compare notes with other fixie addicts.

But the key to all of this is getting the fixie parts right the first time.