I have been commuting to work for the past month or so on my circa 1990 Mongoose Mtn bike. It weighs about 63 pounds. For fun, and for aesthtic reasons I thought I’d build a single-speed commuter bike. I see that some people do this on a Mtn bike geometry (a la Surly 1X1, and others do it on a track bike or other road geometry frame (e.g. Felt’s SR71/81/91 not single speed but road geometry flat-bar commuter). And then there’s the whole cyclocross frame universe. I would probably want flat bars. I’ll begin with the frame, but I am not sure what I should look for other than horizontal dropouts. Also, it’s gonna have to be a big bike (I am 6’7"). I already have a nice road bike that I do not want to trash. This would be strictly a commuter in all weather (maybe the occasional crushed limestone path). Any thoughts?
It depends on what you want. There is no need for horizontal dropouts if you are going w a single speed and not a fixed gear (use a derailleur or a chain tensioner). Even if you decide on a fixed gear White Brothers makes a hub that allows a fixie on a no horizontal droput bike. Finally it also depends how handy you are mechanically. If you are handy you can probably find an old frame used and build a ss up dirt cheap (less than $150-200). If you aren’t handy then the “commercial ss” route is the way to go. Check out the Surly “roadie” frames too- cheap, good quality, bomb proof, but not lightweight.
FWIW started with a retro fitted mtn bike- cassette hub w spacers and an old derailleur as a chain tensioner- now in addition to my geared bikes I have 2 ss- both custom Matt Chesters- one for mtbing and one that is a cross bike for fire roads/easy trails and on the road. If I could only have one bike it would be the cross w a flip flop hub. PM me if you have any other specific questions- ss is a blast, and one of these days I’m going to jump into a race on it.
The sky is the limit here.
I have a rack of framesets in my garage and one rear fixie that I put on whatever suits me at the moment. Takes but a moment because there’s no cables to run or shifting to adjust.
Some of my favorites-
Get an old Euro frameset like a Moto or a Peugeot. Must use cloth tape on the bars if going for drops.
A blue powder coated GT Z1 frame with Time carbon fork, TT bullhorn bars, a front brake.
My beater Raleigh Super Course.
An old road bike with horizonatal dropouts can work well, I used an old Tommasini and have run it as fixed for three years without problems, it is still on its original chainring, chain and cogs.
If you want to go newer I would suggest the Surly Steamroller as a good cheap option, or their 1x1 frameset. That way you could also try single speed mountain biking. Its the best thing I ever did off road, no gears, no suspension and no BS and it makes you stong on the bike. On-one (sold by zedsport.com and webcyclery) makes a nice cheap commuter/cyclocrosser with track ends. It will take big tires and fenders and a rack. Best of all it is called Il Pompino which is Italian for blow job I believe. (candidate for best road bike name)
here’s a link with lot’s to look at:
Fort makes a nice single speed frame.
Thom
That is the coolest freakin’ website I’ve ever seen!
There is absolutely no end to the fun.
here’s a good nuts and bolts conversion site:
john one of the coolest SS/fix frames out there right now is the Milwaukee Bicycle Co’s “orange one”.
go to www.benscycle.com and check it out.
made in wisconsin by none other than waterford cycles out of true temper cro-mo. wicked cool beer mug headbadge. 
road-like geometry. clearance for large tires. cheap. it rules.
They are very cool. I’m trying to decide on what doodads to put on, and will be buying one soon. I’m thinking of finding a sprint tri with a resonably flat bike leg and riding it.
Thanks. I’ve seen that but I think 59cm is the biggest size. I’ll be more like a 63 or 64. I think I will try to score some old Schwinn Paramount off Ebay maybe.
Great site. It just makes me more psyched about this project. Though I am not ready for a fixie - singlespeed this time. Thanks.
Keep it cheap and simple…Just buy a Van Dessel Country Road Bob. Put CCX tires on it and enjoy riding. You can also ride it with a flat bar.
Call CyclePath at (503) 281-0485 and they can set you up with a great deal on a VD, Surly, Salsa, or a number of other boutique brands at great prices.
Cheers,
Jonathan C. Puskas