So I live in Tucson and there are a fair amount of cool fixies in town, but I was in Seattle last week and my goodness, there were some amazing rides. I am now adamant to build one for myself. I do not want to break the bank, but I also don’t want to be riding a junk pile. What are some recommendations that you guys and girls have for building a fixie. It will be used primarily for commuting and screwing around. Thanks!
fixies have a way of getting expensive. . . lots of little things add up. it’s cheaper to single, since you can just use standard wheels. you can save money on spacers but using PVC pipe - light, waterproof, just trim to fit! otherwise, your costs are. . .not much. new cog for the back, a new chain, possibly a new chainring if you’re feeling spendy. i’ve built two now, and they’re a ton of fun to make and ride.
-mike
Surly makes a nice frame if you are looking to build from a new frame.
But there are many others like Soma and Gunnar.
If you have a shit ton of money… maybe a Roark?
Then you have to get bars, wheels, crank, cogs, chain, brakes - if you have a brain, saddle, and seat post.
The price adds up quick. The entry level “track” bikes offered by almost every manufacturer turns out to be a pretty good deal! After thinking about it for a while and doing my research, I ended up just buying a Bianchi Pista at the LBS.
Most anything you’d need to know about converting a road frame to a fixie can be found on the late Sheldon Browns website.