I was thinking about turning my commuter into a fixie for a bit. It won’t be a permanent change, I like the bike as a touring bike too much. But would like to train fixed gear for a while and see what all the hubbub is about. My thought is to remove the rear d and brake, replace the the rear wheel and chain and leave the front d alone. Any reason this won’t work? I realize I would have to choose which front chainring to ride, so as to get the chain length right. I may end up removing the front d just to get the stuff off the bike but would like to not mess with the crank if I can help it.
You will probably have to use the inner chainring in order to get the chain line straight. Tha only other major issue I can think of is that typical fixed gear cogs usually designed for a different chain (3/32 i think?) so you may have some incompatibility between your 9 or 10 speed chainrings, the chain you use, and the rear cog.
I just bought a coaster brake wheel from NYCbikes.com. They were very helpful in guiding me on issues such as rear axle spacing, chain line, etc… They also have a lot of fixed gear stuff.
Check out http://www.sheldonbrown.com for some tips/howtos.
You can get fixed gear cogs in either 3/32" (standard derailer chain size) or 1/8". The true track sprinters use the 1/8" because they would break anything else.
Sheldon’s website (see earlier post) will give you plenty of good advice and items to consider.
Previous poster was correct about probably having to use the inner chainring to get the chainline correct. This is the biggest issue with setting up the bike as a fixie. It is possible to adjust the rear hub position on the axle (and the dish of the wheel) to adjust for most variations, however.
Having performed this surgery on an old beat-up steel bike last year, I have to say that watch out… its addictive. Without even trying things like track-stands, etc, you will find yourself focusing more on what is going on around you and just having fun. No more worrying about proper gearing… just gotta hammer and go!
Enjoy!
Thanks for the info guys, bike is an old steel 7 spd, is the chain different on this then the 9-10? I know my dropout spacing is the same as 8 spd.
I was thinking about turning my commuter into a fixie for a bit. It won’t be a permanent change, I like the bike as a touring bike too much. But would like to train fixed gear for a while and see what all the hubbub is about. My thought is to remove the rear d and brake, replace the the rear wheel and chain and leave the front d alone. Any reason this won’t work? I realize I would have to choose which front chainring to ride, so as to get the chain length right. I may end up removing the front d just to get the stuff off the bike but would like to not mess with the crank if I can help it.
What kind of pedals do most people use on their fixed gear bikes? I just picked up a track bike off of Ebay and it came with toe clips & straps. I use Look pedals on my other bikes, but I’m thinking it would be easier to use a double sided pedal like a Speedplay or some of the SPD models.
Use whatever clipless pedals you use on your other bikes. If you think trying to TIGHTEN a toestrap is hard when your foot keeps moving, think about trying to LOOSEN it! Hint: It’s actually pretty easy once you’re lying on your side 
That is sort of a non issue. Some hardcore trackies like the clips and straps for sprints, 500s or kilos as the start effort potentially could cause one to" lose a pedal" and unclip.
For just knock around fixe riding any road pedal will work fine. Unless you have a “need” to buy some more stuff, Enjoy.
Check with you LBS that specializes in BMX bikes. I found a local shop that set me up with the drive-train 110 BDC 165 mm cranks etc. I feel a lot better with the shorter cranks, since it reduces the chance of striking a pedal on a turn (remember no coasting!)
I ordered my wheels from NYCbikes.com they were also very helpful.
For inspiration go to: http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/
Have Fun, I really love my fixie, they really make your regular loops into new tail busting workouts.
Mark
Two guys in my office commute to work every day on fixies.
They both use SPD pedals.
I was THINKING about doing a fixie bike but SuperSpouse would dis-own me. Besides I have too many hills on my commute to work each day. Would be cool tho’