I've gone on before about the idea of converting a multi-gear bike into being a "fixie". My main reason was that I was getting a new bike and it didn't seem like it was worth the money to buy a complete set of gears, chains etc. So my oft-mentioned brother-in-law did a conversion job for me.
The result is very nice. A simple bike which feels like it isn't going to go wrong. Lighter too. You have to make a bit more effort but he's set it on a low enough ratio that I can get up most hills without difficulty. When you go downhill you feel like a bit of a prat as your legs spin round at an alarming rate - but hey, I'm used to looking like a prat. Anyway, I said I'd take some photos, so here they are, hopefully showing the important innards:
4 comments:
Many thanks - that's very helpful. The little vestigal rear derailleur looks intriguing, I'll have to look that one up. This bike looks a similar vintage to the one I'm still riding, which is slightly alarming - but good to see the finished effect.
It looks like this is a singlespeed (ie, you can still freewheel) and not a fixed wheel bike, given that you have a chain tensioner on there.
It is very dangerous and highly ill-advised to use a chain tensioner with a fixed wheel!
Ah ... what a buffoon I am! I've been confusing fixies with single speeds - sorry folks! Thanks Anon for pointing it out before I look an even greater fool!
And incidentally Paul - I'm really enjoying being back on this bike while I wait for the new one. I suspect that most hybrids are much of a muchness - the main thing is that they work, are reliable, and have good brakes!
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