First fixie
 

Thought I'd have a go on a fixie before I get too far into my 50's. So far got frame, wheels, sugino 75 cranks and BB, Kashimax seat.

Bits I haven't figured out yet - rear cog. Have a 46T ring so assume a 18 or 20T cog will be suitable for old man's first fixie? There's a few hills around here and I don't need to go fast.

Bars. As I don't want to drill fork and can't replace fork (Soviet headset), so looks like only choice is Diacompe bolt on front brake kit? I'd like some deep NJS drops to match everything else, but as beginner maybe better off with something like Nitto B260AA riser handlebar. Presume this will be easier for riding and braking? Mainly I want it to be safe.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b3ec15f313.jpg

I think you would find 46t:20t pretty spinny starting around roughly 20mph, so I say 46:19 or 46:18. If you have a little time and determination you could estimate a good ratio beforehand with a geared bike (and Sheldon's gear calc). You won't be able to feel if the gearing is too spinny, of course, but you will be able to tell if it is easy enough for hills.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...473a9ade2f.gif

I would agree that 46 x 18 is a good ratio for a guy like you to start with. 46 x 20 is probably a bit too low, even for an old guy on moderate hills not trying to go really fast.

Looks like you're starting out with a pretty good platform.

If you're unwilling to drill the fork, then yes, a clamp-on brake is your only option. I mean, there's a constant debate about brakeless fixed gears, but you seem like a reasonable, mature, safety-minded individual, so I doubt you want to go there.

Deep drop (pista) handlebars are good for looking cool and for track racing, but not for comfort or for mounting brakes--pretty much limited to cross levers. There are tons of good riser bars available to you.

I can't believe nobody's brought out the old "Soviet bike rides you" trope yet...

I used a clamp-on front brake on my undrilled fork for quite a while before I changed to a different thingy. I still have the mounting parts off the EAI/Promax front brake that I no longer use. The lever and caliper are long gone but the clamp/mount is fine - worked great for years for me, and I also still have the 2nd set of unused leg clamps so it can work on round or oval steel fork legs.

It is yours if you are willing to pay the postage...

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2f2db19d39.jpg

Let me know ;)

As a man in my mid-late 50s... I'd say you've sort of answered your own question: you don't want to go too fast, and you do want to have brakes. Therefore, being slightly too low geared is a safer option than being slightly too high geared.

You need a gear that will get you up your toughest hill on your intended regular rides. If that gear has to be on the low side, you may need to scrub off some speed with the brake(s) on the descent. The alternative may be having slightly too big a gear, being unable to get up the hill, and still needing the brakes on part of the descent.

When you're riding on local errands, commuting to work, weaving through crowds, or negotiating tight corners on paths that you're exploring, a lower gear will make it easier to adjust your speed intuitively without constantly reaching for your brakes.

However, as you gain more confidence and experience, you may find that you would prefer a different ratio. Fine: a new sprocket and putting a couple of links back in the chain, or removing a couple, will hard break the bank.

A good option is a flip flop (2 sided) hub, with sprockets 2 teeth different. You can quickly flip the wheel at the start of a ride, depending on your mood, or the likely terrain, and you can flip it half way through the ride if a strong headwind becomes an issue.

I flipped my wheel round a few weeks ago. I think I'm on 49 x 20 at the moment. That suits me for a mixture of roads, paths, and easy cross country on rides of an hour or two.

Thanks - I'll start 18T and see if I can get up the hill.

Thanks for the advice. Definitely need a brake. Will try out some riser bars.

Cool - to New Zealand? I could Paypal you. Forks are around 29mm x 19mm so oval may fit?

I'd like to see more pictures if you have the time. Interesting bike. The first KBAHT I've seen. I understand that they made some bikes in the Ukraine. Very cool ride you have there!

New Zealand? :eek:

Yeah, I'd ship it there if you don't mind paying the freight, and Paypal would be fine. Can you use PM here yet? Get me your mailing address and I'll check into the shipping cost.

I've got to think one or the other clamp set will work for you....

A few more pics with seat, cranks and some grease in the bb. Riser bars, chain and 16,17,18T cogs on the way as recommendations above. Hopefully ridable in a few weeks if I haven't done anything too wrong...

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2b7777184f.jpg
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Thanks! Very cool bike. Great components on it. Looks like it was raced. Great hubs and cranks. That saddle is great too. Kashimax makes good saddles.

One concern i'd have is those hubs. Looks like they were laced in both directions.. higher chance hub flange may crack

Absolutely beautiful in so many ways!

The pattern on those tire treads looks so unique. I like the steep head angle and close tires. I gather it would be a twitchy bike? If so, probably great for city riding where the rider is often making tight turns, swerving in and out of obstacles.

Finished on Sat and had time for 12kms with some hills. Great fun and didn't fall off yet. Will swap the rear 18T for something smaller (came with a 17 and 16) as too easy going up hills and too hard going down. Seat is $%& hard. Added a front brake and grips in the afternoon. Thanks all for the advice. Ended up:
1987 XB3 Kvant frame
Original headset and bb
Dura Ace 7600 hubs, H plus Son TB14 rims, (laced in approved NJS pattern)
Nitto stem & bar
Kashimax Five Gold NJS saddle
Vitus seatpost
165 Sugino 75 cranks, Chainring and bolts
Sugino cog
Izumi chain
Diacompe front brake and lever

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8f4e534d6f.jpg
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Hi, if you are no skidder & depends a lot on the brakes, consider having rear ones as well. Front ones don't behave well in emergencies, I learnt that the hard way. They throw you over the bar.

You may think you don't intend to go fast, but you'll find yourself in that situation especially when there's lots of pedestrians around. Most ppl are not afraid of incoming bicycles!

Very nice. If you haven't I'd wax the frame really well and keep an eye on the rusting such as that on the chain stays. I would leave the original paint, but you might try to do a little touch up in the worst areas.

Great wheelset. Should last you the life of the bike.

I like that bar choice. Looks comfortable. Glad it is working out for you. Don't hesitate to change out that saddle. Racing saddles don't make for a comfortable Sunday ride. I'd go with a Brooks B 17 Imperial personally.

Have fun!

Took your advice thanks - got a B17 saddle and it's awesome. Like sitting on something really comfortable. Commuting on this every sunny day (and in the weekends when I can get my son off it - so will need to build another).

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...198dbd8ccf.jpg

Glad the bike is working out for you. It is unique for sure. Have fun!