General advice on bike repair?
10-03-22, 02:07 PM
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General advice on bike repair?
Hello, everyone! I just purchased an 86 Bianchi Special in purple and want to convert it to single-speed/fixed-gear. Eventually, I'd like to update all, if not most, of the components. First question, is there anything I should know (as far as general maintenance goes) prior to repairing this bike by myself?
Second, do you all recommend any websites for purchasing good parts? Right now, I'm considering purchasing a wheelset, but am unsure where to buy it from.
Anyway, super stoked to be a part of this forum!
Second, do you all recommend any websites for purchasing good parts? Right now, I'm considering purchasing a wheelset, but am unsure where to buy it from.
Anyway, super stoked to be a part of this forum!
10-03-22, 02:16 PM
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If sheldon brown’s website is still around, it has almost everything you need to know.
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10-03-22, 02:47 PM
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First be sure the seat post and handle bar stem move. If they do, grease them up now.
If it has 27" wheels now and you want to change it to 700C, verify the brake shoes have at least 4 mm of free movement in the caliper toward the axle.
If it has 27" wheels now and you want to change it to 700C, verify the brake shoes have at least 4 mm of free movement in the caliper toward the axle.
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10-03-22, 03:03 PM
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That's not a bike I'd choose to convert, but good luck to you. If it's the same frame as the photo, be prepared to experiment with gear ratios, as the dropouts give you very little room to tension the chain. You'll likely need compromise your desired gear combo to make it work.
Last edited by Rolla; 10-03-22 at 03:08 PM.
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10-03-22, 11:17 PM
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That will solve the problem if he's riding single speed free wheel. But if he's planning to use fixed gear there will be issues with the backlash when he tries to brake. The degree of problem really depends on the amount of slack in the lower loop.
FWIW the OP doesn't even have to spend money for that idler arm he can simply keep the derailleur locked in directly under his one sprocket.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
10-05-22, 07:09 AM
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If you don't match the existing dropout spacing, you should change the spacing. See this article: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html
I've cold set several older frames for updated hubs, but I've had access to shop tools and help. If there's a bike co-op in your area, that'll be a great resource.
I've cold set several older frames for updated hubs, but I've had access to shop tools and help. If there's a bike co-op in your area, that'll be a great resource.
10-05-22, 09:56 AM
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10-05-22, 05:36 PM
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10-05-22, 08:34 PM
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You should browse here... https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/
Whatever you do, don't start hacking off parts. That would get you branded as a 'drew.
Whatever you do, don't start hacking off parts. That would get you branded as a 'drew.
10-06-22, 06:51 AM
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Though their selection can be limited and kind of off-the-wall, a good site to check for random bike parts is....well....um.....Random Bike Parts ! 
Ive snagged a couple good parts and a nice frame from them. And, they do free shipping.
Ive snagged a couple good parts and a nice frame from them. And, they do free shipping.
