The Fixed Gear Conversion Howto
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If you are looking to convert a bike to a fixed gear bike, then look no further, we have a great guide for you. This guide is in no way meant to be comprehensive, but it is meant for you to be able to get a grasp around the concept of converting your currently old road bike into a hip fixed gear rocking machine.
Table of Contents
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Rear Hubs
The most important part
The most important part of a fixie conversion is the hub. A proper fixed gear hub has bi-directional threading. There threading is one direction for the cog, and the opposite for the lockring. This is different than a normal freewheel hub because freewheel hubs don't need the bidirectional lockring. On a fixed gear bike, the main way to brake is to apply pressure backwards on the pedals. This would traditionally force the rear cog to try to unscrew. Since the lockring is flush with the cog, when the cog tries to unscrew, the lockring gets screwed in tighter.
If you do not have a proper cog for your fixed wheel conversion, there is a very high chance that while breaking hard you will unscrew your wheel. These normal kind of hubs changed to fixies are sometimes called suicide hubs.
There are two ways to get a good fixed hub. The first way is to buy a hub that is specifically for a fixed gear setup. The second way is to buy the whole wheelset. This is often the best way as an old road bike often needs new rims anyways.
If you do not have a proper cog for your fixed wheel conversion, there is a very high chance that while breaking hard you will unscrew your wheel. These normal kind of hubs changed to fixies are sometimes called suicide hubs.
There are two ways to get a good fixed hub. The first way is to buy a hub that is specifically for a fixed gear setup. The second way is to buy the whole wheelset. This is often the best way as an old road bike often needs new rims anyways.
Fixie Photos
The Convair RB-36D
Convair B-36 Peacema...
XB-36 first flight
Convair B-36
Convair RB-36E
Convair B-36D
Convair B-36A
Convair GRB-36F and...
Convair B-36F
Convair B-36F
Cog
Fixed Cog
The rear fixed gear cog (gear) is a part that you will have to make a decision on when your putting together your bike. There are different cogs that have different numbers of teeth. The more teeth, the easier to pedal. The less teeth the harder. You will have to decide yourself which gearing you prefer. Remember, if you chose one that has a lot of teeth, you have to pedal just as fast as your going when your moving down hill. Otherwise you could lose control.
It would be nearly impossible for me to judge which gearing you should use. There are many factors that include the shape your in, how long of rides you intend on going, and the terrane you will be biking on. The best way I know of is to ride your current road bike and make sure your moving the pedal the whole way to where it is pushing you along. Then ride a few trips trying different gearings. When you find a gearing you like, then you can just count the number of teeth on the front and back cogs and you should be set.
It would be nearly impossible for me to judge which gearing you should use. There are many factors that include the shape your in, how long of rides you intend on going, and the terrane you will be biking on. The best way I know of is to ride your current road bike and make sure your moving the pedal the whole way to where it is pushing you along. Then ride a few trips trying different gearings. When you find a gearing you like, then you can just count the number of teeth on the front and back cogs and you should be set.
Crankset
Kinda goofy otherwise
The crankset is kind of optional in a fixed gear conversion. You can technically use your current crankset with multiple gears in front and no derailleur, but that would just look goofy. A good crankset is not that expensive, and will provide you with a better biking experience. Remember, if the chain is not lining up correctly with the back, you can use chainwheel spacers as a quick and cheap fix.
BuyFixe is a good source for Cheap Cranksets
BuyFixe is a good source for Cheap Cranksets
Brakes
Safety First!
You may have seen some fixie riders cruising around without any brakes. This looks better aesthetically. However, I urge you to keep your front brake! Even if its just for emergencies. When braking with both brakes, the rear brake usually provides less than 25% of the stopping power. This is because when you slow down, your weight transfers to the front wheel.
It is a bit cloudy wether the pedals constitute a brake or not. Regardless, it is better practice to keep the front brake. The rear one is optional, because backwards force on the pedals have the same effect.
It is a bit cloudy wether the pedals constitute a brake or not. Regardless, it is better practice to keep the front brake. The rear one is optional, because backwards force on the pedals have the same effect.
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