Originally Posted by
Colorado Kid
I have an old road bike that I would like convert to a Fix Gear bike. The only problem is the LBS. They say without a F.G. dropouts, you will never get the Rear Wheel tight enough. All I can hope for is a Single Speed. Is this true or a load that the shop is trying to sell me?
The shop is basically correct. If you have vertical "road" dropouts, it is difficult to properly adjust the chain tension, although it is possible to get close with a "magic gear." You don't necessarily need track dropouts, you can also use an old road frame with horizontal (forward facing) dropouts. You cannot use a spring loaded chain tensioner on a fixed gear setup.
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