Building up bike frame?

  • Thread starter Thread starter happytrails
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happytrails

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I was given a bike frame that I would like to build up into a single speed. I have the frame & the crank set, but no other parts. I don't know enough about bikes to build it up myself, do I just bring the frame into a local bike shop & ask them to build it up?? how does this work?
 
First thing. Does the frame have horizontal or vertical dropouts? They are located at the rear of the frame where the rear wheel is put in. If horizontal, you need a special hub probably requiring to be built or just flat out purchased already built. If vertical, you can get a flip-flop hub in which one side of the wheel has a freewheel, the other side is what track riders called fixed gear. Fixed gear is usually for REAL experienced riders. This means that as the rear wheel spins, the cranks spin, no matter what. NO FREE WHEELING AROUND. It is very difficult to stop if you ride a fixed gear. The rear spacing is usually 130mm. Look also to see if there are drilled holes to install brakes. Some of these frames, mostly true track frames, have NO holes drilled out. Make sure you go to a good bike shop. Just like car salesmen, if they see you don't know too much about bikes, they'll take you for a ride. Hope this helps.
 
You can go to an independent bike shop and they'll most certainly help you build your bike based on your needs and price range. If you don't know about bikes it's a good way to ensure parts are installed properly and the bike is set up and tuned right. The only disadvantage is that it will cost more than doing it yourself.

The other alternative, which some people find more fun while others find it needless work, is to purchase parts and build it themselves. A bike shop can also just help you choose and buy the parts you will need. If you have never done it before this is a great way to learn all about bikes, but the building itself will take time and is like its own hobby. Remember, you can always try it and then bring it to a shop if you find it's not working out.

One last thing - if you do this, it's usually because you want a really nice custom bike - to build one yourself will cost much more than buying a ready made bike with similar parts. If you just want something to get around on and were hoping to save money by using a frame you have, it's a better idea to just get a new bike.
 
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