Fixed gear, Single speed - our projects

velomaniac":1ge9y9w7 said:

Here's a rather clever hub option for the world of fixie. Get a front 6 bolt disc hubbed wheel and a cog with corresponding 6 bolt holes plus a longer axle and some spacers. Well done Velosolo and other firms that have though of this method of wheel use

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I built, rode for a while and sold a bike with the Velosolo disc cog. Works just fine. Easier getting the right chain line because you can add washers between the hub and the cog and you don't need specialist tools like a chain whip and lockring tool (which most retro bike enthousiasts probably do have but it's nice to be able to service an entire bike with just an allen key and a spanner)

Here's my 1963 Harry Quinn, currently set up as fixed. This is a circumstance of events, as it has been involved in a front end smash at some point and the replacement forks don't seem to match the frame very well, in that the spacings are different in regard to brake drop. I haven't got a pair that will fit. I'm waiting patiently for a fancy Nervex-lugged set of forks that will be period correct and would do a better job - they'd also look a lot better.

In defence of single speed, they're the perfect bad weather work bike. I also prefer wide TT bars when on a single cog, it makes the hills bearable, though I think drops look far more appropriate on a steel frame.

daccordimark":g1aqpanx said:

On no account should any classic Italian beauties or British 753/531 masterpieces be subjected to the kind of botched "conversions" that make a dog's dinner out of decent bikes.

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Agree with that one though, some of the conversions I see are just depressing.

Edit: the one above ^^ is nice though, they can be well done when people know what they're doing.

daccordimark":3aa4la41 said:

On no account should any classic Italian beauties or British 753/531 masterpieces be subjected to the kind of botched "conversions" that make a dog's dinner out of decent bikes.

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Ahhh. This’ll enrage you then. Wheels are fresh back from Mr Hewitt today after an epic 6 week build – should’ve just done them myself. Clearly waiting many many vital parts, not least the ‘Charge’ decals and the flat bars. Nah, aiming for mid-2000’s Campy Record bits to complete this British 653 masterpiece botch job/hipster fixie. And yes, the rims are real wood. I’m all about retro.





(In my defence, fixed is the best way to go around these northern parts, at least you know when your bike’s been nicked, there’ll be some scouser at the bottom of the nearest hill with multiple fractures)

Looks like there's a big difference between that and a botch job, Bob. In my mind daccordimark meant some of those bikes you see on Fixed Gear Gallery: a Colnago with the braze ons hacked off, spray painted black and adorned with Deep V's and riser bars with no grips.

Wow, wooden rims are so pretty. Will you actually ride those outside or just admire them?

This is my current favourite since your talking botch jobs and funny bikes. Actually, I It's kind of beautiful. Everything else is so classic and nice you somehow almost don't notice. Like a hipster magician!
Got to say, while it's fun to look, I think people that get super annoyed at other people rides are bizarre. Apart from bikes that are total deathtraps maybe.



And a project....



http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=103216

Since this is about projects, even though I just put this that I built for my wife up in its own post thought it would be nice to include it in this growing section as well. Especially if it's going to stay active and have people referring back to. Keep the new builds rolling...

That Quinn is lovely....

Beagle, I dunno, you might like to withhold judgement until you see the playing card/tart card wedged into the spokes of my rear wheel!!

And it's for riding. On warm, sunny and not too humid days. I've got some pink aerospokes for wet days..... Kidding!!

Surely you mean you've got 'wood grain' deep Vs!

On no account should any classic Italian beauties or British 753/531 masterpieces be subjected to the kind of botched "conversions" that make a dog's dinner out of decent bikes.

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Best look away now then, here's my dogs dinner - it's already up in Readers' Rides, but this is a better photo:



My 531 Argos (dating from the 70s/early 80s judging by the original decals) gone all single speed! Built it up for a project, see what all the fuss was about, mostly whatever was cheap/already in the garage as far as components go (apart from the birthday saddle) and I love it.

Lovely looking rides so far everyone!

Shimano FC-6200, 600EX Arabesque