The R3V Bicycle Thread

[Yeee30]

bootleg session 1 was a waste of my time... i don't even want to take a look at number 2.... just my 2 cents

but i love my fix!.. anyone in sacramento lets ride!

[Farbin Kaiber]

So I did some reading, and in a roundabout way, I have a question...

Fixed = "Flatland" style BMX abilities (Ground tricks/ride reverse)
One Speed = Freewheel/Pedal backwards with no resistance

Is that type of understanding correct? Sorry I still don't know the correct bicycle terms.

[myinfernalbmw]

sheldonbrown.com



Read and learn if you haven't already

[scabzzzz]

Where the pedal is in its cycle around the crank. If you always stop front left leg foreward it locks you into a small number of teeth to be on at the rear wheel and it's contact patch.

Which leg is the front leg?



All you have to do is take the rear wheel off and rotate it a bit so the chain is on different teeth. Then you open up all new skid patches.

And Farbin, on the parts list, the bike sounds about right for you. Its too big for me and I'm 6'0, but only barely. Just set the seat up high.
Also, the parts list would be like this (assuming you're going fixed or single speed freewheel):
New 700c wheels and tires with cog and lock ring (or freewheel cog)
New brake lever (use stock front brake)
New handlebar with grips
New saddle (or keep the old one, looks beat up though)
New chain
Phil Wood lubricant
And of course, strip all components off the bike and get it to just the frame then start over with the new parts. Wheels will be the most expensive part of the build. Of course the list is just the bare necessities. You could go bigger or go smaller on some stuff.

[scabzzzz]

So I did some reading, and in a roundabout way, I have a question...

Fixed = "Flatland" style BMX abilities (Ground tricks/ride reverse)
One Speed = Freewheel/Pedal backwards with no resistance

Is that type of understanding correct? Sorry I still don't know the correct bicycle terms.

Freewheel you can coast. Ya know, the clicking sound. No back pedal brake though. Forward motion only.
Fixed = Pedals are locked to the rear wheel. Wheel is moving, the pedals are moving. Vice versa.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Freewheel you can coast. Ya know, the clicking sound. No back pedal brake though. Forward motion only.
Fixed = Pedals are locked to the rear wheel. Wheel is moving, the pedals are moving. Vice versa.

Yeah, got that. I'm checking out a few sites now.

Should I go down to a large local bike shop and look at parts and stuff to see what I like, or the days of that over, do I just use my computer? How the hell will I know if the seat is gonna work with my ass from a picture?

[ColdAccord]

local fellow is a pro bmx'er and just picked up a surly fixed from my buddy's shop. curious to see what he's doing on that thing

[scabzzzz]

Yeah, got that. I'm checking out a few sites now.

Should I go down to a large local bike shop and look at parts and stuff to see what I like, or the days of that over, do I just use my computer? How the hell will I know if the seat is gonna work with my ass from a picture?

You dont. All I can recommend for you is to get a nice Gel seat. Or any of the seats on Danscomp.com looks to be pretty big and comfy.

I would go to a bike shop and see if they will help you pick parts out. Like, bring the bike in and consult with them. Labor in a bike shop isnt too expensive. They also usually have spare parts lying around that they may be able to sell you as well. I NEVER usually order anything off the internet other than research.

support your local bike shop

[ColdAccord]

^wrd. I bought my bike online (shops don't really make a lot off bikes, low markup) but get all my stuff at my LBS. fixed cog, clips, stem, tape, etc. same with my geared bike. my friends work at the local shop so they hook me up, but still its nice to support the local businesses for sure.

[Jand3rson]

I bought my bike as a complete online, but I'll go to the local shops for everything now. Besides, I hate waiting for stuff to come in the mail, I want it now!

I'm a child of the 80's dammit, I need instant gratification.

[scabzzzz]

lol touche

You'd be surprised what all a local bike shop can get if they have a decent supplier. I actually get better prices on bullshit like cinelli bar tape, oury grips, michelin tires, etc locally than on eBay or etc..

[Jand3rson]

The guy that owns one of the larger bike shops here is one of the sponsors of our autocross club this year, so we gets discounts... :D

[Turf1600]

So, this may be a silly question. If I wanted to build a budget fixed gear could I just hit up a thrift shop for an ancient road bike and then re-gear it? One of my local parks has a road bike course that is a few miles long. Wouldn't mind going up there and trying something new when the mountain bike trails are in poor condition.

[Jand3rson]

Essentially, yes. But you need to make sure it has horizontal rear dropouts. That's the important thing.

[Turf1600]

Essentially, yes. But you need to make sure it has horizontal rear dropouts. That's the important thing.

Just so I can tension the chain properly? Or so it doesn't pull my wheel off?