Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Make your own fixie bike

Build your own fixe

Ever wanted to make your own fixie?

Here's how:

1. Source your parts

By rule of thumb, on-line is the best way to source your parts unless you have a killer local fixie parts store. Using the internet, you can source parts from all over the world and get the best prices. eBay and Gumtree are wicked platforms to source new and used specialised bike components.

You'll need:
  • A killer horizontal drop out Frame / fork. You can get by with a regular frame but it becomes heavily stressed by the fixed gear cog.
  • A headset for the frame and fork
  • A Stem threaded if the fork is threaded or un-threaded if the fork is un-threaded
  • Handlebars
  • Seat post 
  • Seat post clamp if not present in the seat post
  • A craze balls Seat
  • Front wheel. - Just a regular front wheel is fine as long as it fits into your fork
  • Crankset
  • Bottom bracket (must fit with your crank-set)
  • Some kick ass pedals
  • Chain
  • Track tires
  • Stellar rear Wheel with a hub that is made for a fixed gear cog and a lock ring.
  • Fixed gear cog
  • Lock ring.


2. Buy the right components the first time

Make sure you are absolutely sure your components will fit your bike. Buying the wrong crank set from the other side of the world can be frustrating and costly.

3. Get the right tools

You'll need:
  • 5 & 6mm allen wrenches and 10 & 15mm crescent wrenches
  • cable cutters
  • Phillips and flat head screwdrivers
  • Channel locks
  • A set of hex keys
  • A bicycle pump
  • Spray paint

4. Spray paint your components

Spray your frame before you build it. Otherwise, you'll just have to take it apart again to do the work.

5. Build your bike

This is where the fun begins. If you have all that right components and tools and they all fit, this should be the easy part. If you get stuck there are wonderful forums on the web that can help, just look it up. Good Luck!
Hope this was helpful!