This is the first of a series of articles covering a fixed gear project bike. Check back for more on the build process and reviews of all the gear we use in the project. I’ve always been curious about riding a fixed gear bike. There is something very pure about it. No shifters, no derailleurs, no freehubs, just the chainring, rear cog, and chain, using your legs to control your speed. I’ve had a single speed before, a Felt Breed that was my introduction to cyclocross, but it had a freewheel on the back that allowed me to coast when needed. So, I decided to pick a cheap commuter and dive into the fixie life.
If you are thinking about taking the plunge into buying a single speed/fixed gear bike, there are some decisions you’ll need to consider. The biggest is the type of frame, one with horizontal dropouts, maybe a vintage frame with long, semi-horizontal dropouts, or even a more modern frame with short dropouts. Horizontal dropouts are the standard for track bikes and many time trial bikes, but long, semi-horizontal dropouts still give you some room to adjust chain tension. You can also use eccentric hubs or bottom brackets, or chain tensioners to convert modern road frames. From there, it’s a matter of finishing the build to your preference. It could be drop bar, flat bar, bull horns, fixed gear, single speed, or a flip-flop hub allowing you to ride both, what gear combination, etc. It can be […]
Continue reading the original article at: www.bikeworldnews.com