Any Fixed Single Speed Riders here ?

In my case, it's age and old injuries. I had a chunk of cartilage removed from the right one (which I'd dislocated years previously) and the doc tells me that what's left is gradually wearing away.
Right now, I'm managing on cortisone. Works a treat... I get a shot and I'm good for 3-4 months. However, they tell me it'll eventually get to the point where it simply doesn't work any more, and then it's new-knee time.

Riding is one of the few things I can do pain-free... The doc recommends it. But I do keep the gearing low and the rpm high.
 
jstn said:
Legion 12, I am the very southern portion of Illinois so we may as well be in different states lol. I hear there are a lot of excellent places to ride up around Chicago though. Some sweet looking bikes guys, makes me want a fixie!

Fast14Riot, you seem like a wealth of knowledge on bike setup. I may need to pick your brain sometime. I'm 7 surgeries in and hoping to avoid more before I turn 30.
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Im glad I posted here theres a lot more riders here than I thought lots of good advice . jstn there is a lot of great riding trails and bike paths the one by lake Michigan is one my favorites im really glad I got this bike kinda getting tired of geared bikes a lot less maintenence worrys if you ever head up this way let me know do some riding stop by navy pier have a couple cold ones .
 
Also, a quick note about maintenance for fixed bikes, chain tension is important. I personally like mine with 1/4" of play up and down. So pretty tight. Some like thiers really tight. Be sure to check your chainline too, that's how the chainring and cog line up side to side. One other thing I commonly see on SS bikes is the chainring is not centered on the crank either, creating a tight spot in the chain. Tighten only one or two chainring bolts and spin the crank, watch for changes in chain tension and bump it in the right direction.

Keep the chain clean and well lubed and you should never hear it, the only sound will be the tires on the road.


-Xander
 
fast14riot said:
Also, a quick note about maintenance for fixed bikes, chain tension is important. I personally like mine with 1/4" of play up and down. So pretty tight. Some like thiers really tight. Be sure to check your chainline too, that's how the chainring and cog line up side to side. One other thing I commonly see on SS bikes is the chainring is not centered on the crank either, creating a tight spot in the chain. Tighten only one or two chainring bolts and spin the crank, watch for changes in chain tension and bump it in the right direction.

Keep the chain clean and well lubed and you should never hear it, the only sound will be the tires on the road.


-Xander
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Thanks again was probably gonna be my next question .
 
Really liking this bike made a u lock holder out of a few hose clamps and some electric tape works a lot better than I thought it would.
 
Oh man, I'm just picturing tearing up your knee on those clamps sticking out there! Just be carefull! Looks pretty good though.

One fun thing about single speeds is being able to play with wheelbase length. I found my sweet spot for snappiness and comfort, but try moving the rear wheel forward as far as it will go and see how it handles.

A little tip for getting your chain nice and tight, pull the rear wheel back and allow it to not center. The tire will be against the non drive side chainstay. Tighten the non drive side axle nut and then push the front of the tire over to center and tighten the drive side. I always loosen the non drive and retighten it just to balance the torque on the dropouts after, but you can get a drum tight chain really quick this way. No need for chain tensioners.


-Xander
 
If I'm not taking the lock gonna remove the mounts didn't think about whacking my knees. There was a chain tensioner when I got it took it off before I ever rode it. Thanks for the advice for adjusting the wheel and chain will give it a try gonna replace the tires soon don't like em getting a little sliding side to side especially in the rain. Gonna have to figure out a new way to mount that lock maybe on the saddle rails.
 
I'm thinking your next purchase is gonna be a messenger bag, lol! I know the hipsters love 'em, but they really are great for on the bike. I carry mine every day, extra tubes, an extra tire, pump, my expired ID, light riding vest, and other misc stuff that normally gets trapped at th bottom of a purse, lol! I say purse because I realized it is one, the first time I had to clean it out I had flashbacks to my mom dumping hers out on the table and sorting through wadded up tissues, receipts, change, gum, etc.

Btw, for an axle wrench I went to sears and picked up a polished stubby 15mm combination wrench. Works perfect, small enough to stash and easy enough to replace if it gets lost.


-X
 
Never happen my friend have a small Kelty backpack if it comes to it. Was tucking the lock down the back of my short's if that's not Hipster enough don't know what is ...LOL.. To bad there's so many thieves in this world.
 
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Hey Fast 14 thanks again for the tip on mounting the back rim switched out the tires and it's feels a lot better now.
 
Seems I have become a trend setter girl across the hall bought the same bike...LOL.. So far I have replaced the hand grips put a set of real rubber tires on [ The ones it came with just say Nylon ] set of Vittoria Pro slicks freebies gift from a friend new saddle paid for that one . Had to replace the Brake pads but I think I'm set up now for a while before winter probably gonna get some better tires and install a front brake.
 
Good stuff! You might want to tell the girl across the hall to lock her bike through the frame triangle, id hate to see a brand new bike get stolen! All one would have to do is undo the front axle nuts and lift the rest of the bike out and away. A new front wheel is cheap enough to make it worthwile to thieves.


-Xander
 
Wouldn't lock it to that fence at all myself around here it will be gone quick.
 
LEGION 12 said:
Seems I have become a trend setter girl across the hall bought the same bike...LOL..
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Understandable, because even from this distance *I* now want the same bike, or at least one similar.

Except, I also now want fast14riot to help me pick it out, set it up for me, etc., and he's on the wrong coast.

... Is there an easy answer to whether or not its feasible/desirable to have a (beloved) '80s Fuji Boulevard converted to a single speed vs. buying a new single speed?

~ P.
 
pertinux said:
Understandable, because even from this distance *I* now want the same bike, or at least one similar.

Except, I also now want fast14riot to help me pick it out, set it up for me, etc., and he's on the wrong coast.

... Is there an easy answer to whether or not its feasible/desirable to have a (beloved) '80s Fuji Boulevard converted to a single speed vs. buying a new single speed?

~ P.
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I would think it would be cheaper to convert your Fuji to a single speed a single speed back rim and shorten the chain its a single speed bike seen a few videos on youtube on how to do it or your local bike shop should be able to help . Hopefully fast14riot will chime in with some of his great advice soon.
 
pertinux said:
Understandable, because even from this distance *I* now want the same bike, or at least one similar.

Except, I also now want fast14riot to help me pick it out, set it up for me, etc., and he's on the wrong coast.

... Is there an easy answer to whether or not its feasible/desirable to have a (beloved) '80s Fuji Boulevard converted to a single speed vs. buying a new single speed?

~ P.
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Pertinux,check around your area for a bike kitchen . A bike kitchen is a non profit bike shop that runs on donations and volunteer help. You might be able to pick up a rear fixed/singlespeed wheel for cheap and get some help converting your bike.
 
Thanks, guys. I have a slick new hybrid road bike, but miss my Fuji. It was my "car" for years, after which I let it slide into retirement. I think I'll try to find out if it (the frame) is still road-worthy, and what my options are.

~ P.
 
I bought a Specialized Tricross last year, but also test drove and seriously considered the single-speed Langster. If I still lived in pancake-flat central Phoenix, I would have bought the Langster; but for the last 23 years I have lived in hilly areas where gears are much appreciated.
 
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