1989Pre

It seems I have entered the fixed-gear scene completely un-intentionally. I built up a late 1940's British racer with hubs that I intended to use a 4-speed freewheel on. These hubs were made by Harden in the 1940's up until 1955. I failed to recognize that the rear is strictly a fixed-gear hub. So now, I have had to locate a fixed-gear cog, lockring and vintage 1/8" chain. I really knew little about fixed-gear, but have read some informative posts at this sub-forum, particularly ones concerning riding fixed-gear with other riders. I have an M.U.P. at the end of my dead-end road, and in the fall, winter and spring, it is mostly un-inhabited on weekdays. It is a paved, 2.6 miles each way, almost perfectly flat. I intend to run 50x16T, which is very similar in gear-inches to the 46x14T that I used on a free-wheel bike when the derailleur was broken. I'll send you some more photos when I get the chain installed, and let you know of my experiences out on the bike path. Most of the items on this bike are period- and place-correct. Is vintage fixed-gear and single speed a "thing" at this sub-forum? I have never ridden a fixed-gear bike before, but intend to rage with this one. The first pic should give you an idea of the hub setup.

TugaDude

That is a beautiful bike! Vintage single speed and/or fixed gear examples do come up here at times, but I'd hesitate to say it's a "thing". Personally, I own two which fit that description and I love them both. One is a Motobecane Grand Jubile' and the other is a Miyata 312. The dates are 1976 and 1989 respectively. While not as old as your nice example, they do qualify as vintage I think.

1989Pre

TugaDude, Thanks. Those are both nice. I like the brake levers on the Motobecane. Are you running 42x14T?

TugaDude

I will check on the gearing. Not 100% sure. Getting old!

I added straddle rollers to the mix on the cantilever brakes and just love them.