Pianoboy57

A while back I decided to add a Fixie/ss to my stable. I've looked at most of the cheaper offerings online. I determined to keep it under $300 or so. Then one day I was given a 700c flip-flop wheelset. Now I have wheels but no frame yet. The trouble is finding one in my size. I was going to convert an old road bike but for some reason I can't find anything in a 48 to 50 or so size.

My only options so far to get me going so I can upgrade later is the following. There is a GMC Denali frameset in 52cm, my own old Varisty also a 52cm and a Nishiki FFS Tourist in a 49cm frame. That bike has that front freewheel gizmo in it. I know these are all miserable heavy choices but that's all there is in my area. You see, no one over 12 rides where I live.

I have most of what I need sitting around waiting to be hung on a frame. What would you do with such meager choices?

veganbikes

Find a local or semi-local bike shop and see what they can get you. A GMC Denali is a massive gas guzzling SUV and a really crappy hunk of junk shaped like a bit. The Nishiki is an interesting bit of tech but not an exceptional bike. They both probably could use a fixie but are not worth the fixie, I would just leave them as brokies.

You could also look at Retrogression one of the members of this forum owns it and while maybe not local to you is at least a true brick and mortar shop that sells fixed gears and fixed gear accessories exclusively so is a great resource to someone looking for a fixed gear.

REDMASTA

you made this post so I can only assume you have the internet. there are 100's of frame options available on the www. if you still can't figure it out maybe ask one of the 12 year olds in your area to help you.

Russ Roth

So informative, this internetty thing you speak of is flooded with overpriced whatever, decent stuff and absolute junk and much of it still not in his price range. His inclusion of a GMC Denali should speak to the OP's understanding and need for help

Finding something in your range might be more difficult. You'll want Craigslist for something affordable or Amazon usually has some frames and bikes in your range. Just look for cro-moly versions. Some are cheaper steel and really heavy.

reconnaissance

Same boat as you, needing a small frame. I bought a Trek 510 frame off ebay for this purpose but ended up keeping it as a derailleur geared bike. I then found an aluminum framed fixie at a local pawn shop that was too tall for me, but I dropped the seatpost down so I could at least try the concept out and see if I’d like it.

I do like it!

So now am in the process of converting over an old Tange tubed Bianchi. Good luck!

JohnDThompson 

Which one fits you best?

Front freewheel pretty much precludes a fixed gear conversion, but ought to be useable as a single-speed.

seau grateau

I had to google this front freewheel thing when I read it, and I am just beyond perplexed. But anyway, you could turn the Varsity into a fixie/single speed pretty easily. Those things are like tanks, heavy as hell but they last forever,

veganbikes

Oh good ole' whacky Shimano. They also had hydro disc brakes around that time too, sure they weighed 8 pounds but they were actual hydraulic disc brakes and I think the only time Shimano used DOT fluid in their brakes. I really want to try a bike with Airlines (which is a newer affair from the 90s which got rid of those damn cables and used air instead)

AlmostTrick

I too would fix the Varsity. If it's a running bike it wouldn't take much time or money to do. When you do find a nicer frame, you can do that too.

Pianoboy57

I keep considering the Varsity from time to time. It's only problem is that it is too tall. That Nishiki is my size and I've done some research as to removing that front freewheel junk. You only have to pull the crank arms and the whole thing comes off with it. I have another Japanese roadster of maybe the same brand that is a 25" which is useless to me. It has a similar crankset with a single ring and no front freewheel so hopefully it would be a matter of switching crank arms from one to another.

My ultimate goal is to create something that looks like that State Bicycles Delfin which I think is gorgeous in that pale turquoise color. My wheels aren't like the Delfin's but then beggars can't be choosers. The guy with the Nishiki frame still has it. I'm not surprised about it still being for sale. I'm working on a day to go see it.

AlmostTrick

Too tall standover wise? If it has the original 27" wheels your 700c wheels will drop it down a bit.

rustystrings61 

Go grab this one NOW - https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...48-cm-f-f.html