RollingBuffalo

Parts bike I got laying around.. Was going to see if I could turn it into a fixie for a cheap flip.. Can I convert this thing? Don't ask me what happened to this bike, it was like this when I got it, lol.

RollingBuffalo

....

SeanBikes

Gross... But ya, you can turn anything into a fixed-gear with the right amount of spending... Just hope you can find someone that will buy it.

SeanBikes

Probably wanna have bolt on wheels instead of QR (at least in the back), new crankset and probably a BB replacement, throw on a cog and lock-ring and voila! A "fixie"...

The main selling point on these flips is style though... Things like a nice colourful seat, grips/handlebar tape, chain, pedals, straps, and cable housing for the front brake (if you're keeping that) fetch top dollar for people who prefer fashion over function. Here's a pic of an old Norco Monterey I converted to FG. Rides like a dream and looks decent too... Hopefully you can find some inspiration in it:

Happy building!

RollingBuffalo

That's a lot of new parts there my man..Not sure if I'd be able to recoup all that $$$ on the resale in my market....I like how you did yours though.....I would like to do something similar in terms of style...something that is catchy or cool, lol...I know that sells, and if it does why not cater to it , lol....I was going to do just the front brake but could I do a coaster brake on the back as well ? I see you didn't bother taking off the eyelets for the cables...I was thinking of grinding mine off, or are they " cool" ?? do they like to have those left on?

Also, do they sell a conversion bolt or something so I can get rid of the QR ? or, do I have to find a new rim ? thanks

RollingBuffalo

Also, debating whether to use spray can enamel, and put many many layers on it so it's more durable...Or perhaps, enamel applied with an artist's brush ? Lastly, I could always call the local auto parts store that mixes paint and ask them if they have any leftover goofs or something (I have a compressor and spray guns). EDIT: Also just saw they sell cans of plastidip at home depot..maybe that too

RollingBuffalo

Oh don't you worry...I got lots of tools...Once I get going maybe I'll do a thread on it, or maybe just post the pics in this thread.....She's gonna look purdy.

RollingBuffalo

wow, I see they got colored aluminum alloy handle bars on ebay for only $10 shipped.

SeanBikes

Fair concern... If you live in a university town, they usually have co-op bike shops that let you use whatever old parts they have laying around... good way to save some cash. Otherwise:

• You may be able to repair the BB instead of replacing it unless it's sealed (doubtful)
• Cranksets can be pretty expensive, so if that one's still usable maybe you can just add a new chain ring (or a used one from the aforementioned co-op)
• You can get a cheap cog and lock-ring on Amazon for like $7
• You don't necessarily need straps if you keep the front brake. You could throw a coaster brake (or a rear v-brake for that matter) on there as well -- I don't really have much experience with them though (aside from when I rode one as a 5 year-old), so I can't really comment on that... Cheaper to just keep the rear brake and/or go for the true fixed approach. I always keep the front brake regardless, in case of emergency
• Handlebar tape/grips and seat probably need to be new to get the aesthetics you want (about $40 for both on Amazon)
• Pedals look like junk, but replacing them is your call
• Can probably re-use cable housing (unless you want to get some matching colours for whatever seat and handlebar tape you use)
• Tubes are pretty cheap
• Chains are like $10 on Amazon

Not sure about this, but I know you can get some good locking quick release pins that are meant for anti-theft... Just wouldn't want the back wheel falling off during a hard skid-stop or something. You could probably also just re-build the hub with a bolted axle, but I haven't done that conversion myself, so I'm not sure if the hub would be compatible.... It can probably be done.

I just kept them because a) I don't own a grinder and b) I didn't want to deal with re-painting the frame. I think it is "cooler" not to have them but whatever. This bike also has sentimental value to me, so I don't plan on flipping it. I may want to revert to a 10-speed in the future, so it's probably good that I left them on.

All the prices I state are in Canadian dollars...

I'm curious to see where you take this!

SeanBikes

That ain't bad! Though if you're trying to save cash you can probably keep the flat bars. In the past I've taken a hacksaw to them to shorten them down, but I think a lot of fixie riders like the longer flat bars...

SeanBikes

I've never tried a re-paint, but I've always wanted to. From what I understand you've gotta strip the old paint down to nothing and prime the metal before the new paint will stick. Seems like a lot of work...

RollingBuffalo

SeanBike..thanks for your replies...I'm interested in seeing where I take this bike too, lol....Definitely going to try and keep the cost as low as I can so we'll see....You don't have to strip all the old paint off..You do have to at least sand/scratch the old paint so the new paint will stick....I'll probably try an air sander and or wire wheel to take most of it off....I might do some work to this bike today...I'll take some pics if I do.

RollingBuffalo

What should I be looking for in terms of # of teeth for the chain ring and rear cog ?

Colnago Mixte

42x16 is a good start. A 42 ring should be extremely easy to find used, and a 16 fixed gear you can get for $10-15 on Ebay. You still need to get a flip flop hub though, and rebuild the rear wheel. Hubs are a little more expensive, I have not priced them recently.

If you find a hub that's the same diameter as the one that's on there now, you might be able to re-use the spokes, saving more money there. Plus the wheels will match.

SeanBikes

I just built up a 44:16 single speed that rides really easily. I prefer a bigger ratio, but I think anything in the 42-46:16-18 range is decent for a casual rider.

You don't necessarily need the flip-flop hub... just adds some versatility by giving the rider another gear option. You will, however need to re-dish the wheel to center it and ensure you have a straight chainline if you keep this hub/wheel.

EDIT: Here's a useful link: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

LesterOfPuppets

I'd just singlespeed it. Decent fixed gear will require rear wheel.
Make sure you get short pull levers for the brakes.

If you really wanna fixie it, wait 'til Nashbar has another 20% off sale and get these wheels.
https://www.bikenashbar.com/cycling/...eelset-vl-zltw

RollingBuffalo

thanks for the link...Maybe if I was buliding my own but can't put those on a flip in this market....Short pull ? You mean like the kind on mtn bikes ?

LesterOfPuppets

Yeah, that's why I say to just single speed it. Gonna be a tough flip anyways, as you'll need brake levers, grips, chainring, freewheel, at the very least.

As for brake levers, the kind on MTBs with cantilevers, or some city bike levers. V-brake levers won't work well with those brakes.

Thetank

Unless you already have all the parts necessary to convert this bike, by the time you buy all the parts necessary you're already past the price point of a brand new value fixed gear that's all too common. If you're looking to flip it for a profit that's even worse considering the condition and age of the bike, especially when you can get a pure fix or similar all complete bike for $150 on craigslist nearly new.

RollingBuffalo

I may have the parts laying around. I did just check out the co-op recently and found out the prices are nice and cheap there, so I might be alright.

STSCOWBOY

Thetank

What you have to consider in all this, specifically if you're looking to flip it and the prices you found are cheap, what price are you looking to sell this conversion at?
Even at $100 it's a tough sell for a bike made from such an old frame considering as I mentioned before that you can get a new ish fixed gear for $150. hell, there's a guy in my local bike sell group selling a bareknuckle for $200

Good luck1

SeanBikes

Progress pics?

RollingBuffalo

Life's gotten in the way....besides bicycling and bikes becoming a hobby it's also become a side business for me...What started out this year as a new exercise has developed into a lot more, lol...Last count I was around 24-27 bikes...Unfortunately that Fuji is down on the list of bikes to work on...I still have it, and if and when I get to it I will post pics and progess.