drop outs designed for fixed wheels and ones that aren't

[snapper]

I'd like to build my own bike but how much of a problem is it if the drop outs are not designed with a fixed wheel in mind i.e. with the cut out facing forwards? How easy is it to convert or adapt a wheel to ride as a fixed wheel if the drop outs are facing the other way?

 

[MajorMantra]

Any drop outs that allow some fore-aft movement can be used to create a fixed gear. Most of what you need to know is here.

Matthew

 

[palinurus]

It's easy if they are horizontal and face rearwards or forwards like these first two images.

But problematic if they are vertical like this

It's possible to change dropouts on a frame but obviously there's a bit more involved.

The Sheldon link in the post above is great (although that picture of the amputated fingertip always surprises me when I scroll down! ewww.)

 

[RedBike]

I think the crosscheck fixed wheel bike has forward facing dropouts.

Forward facing droupouts often don't allow as much adjustment. This means you have to get the chain length pretty much spot on and it's not as easy to swap sprockets.

 

[Ian H]

I think the crosscheck fixed wheel bike has forward facing dropouts.

Forward facing droupouts often don't allow as much adjustment. This means you have to get the chain length pretty much spot on and it's not as easy to swap sprockets.

It depends how long they are. [pic]

 

[Christopher]

Assuming you want 'guards, with forward-facing dropouts you can fit a rear rigid mudguard. With rear ones you need to fit some sort of flexible 'guard that you can remove easily.

Oh and if lucky you can fix chaintugs to forward-facing dropouts, I took one of Planet X's standard chaintugs, hacksawed off part of it and its fits okay. It is not as good as on a rear-facing droput but much better than not having one at all

 

[snapper]

Thanks guys thats very helpful. Next step is getting the components. Any tips on frames (and parts) and where to get them (ebay?) (not looking for anything too expensive frame wise but in the £100-200, second hand obviously, if thats a realistic price for a half decent frame?). Any links to help with this would be much appreciated.

 

[Ian H]

Assuming you want 'guards, with forward-facing dropouts you can fit a rear rigid mudguard. With rear ones you need to fit some sort of flexible 'guard that you can remove easily.

The old way of dealing with track-ends was simply to set the mudguard about an inch further out.

Oh and if lucky you can fix chaintugs to forward-facing dropouts, I took one of Planet X's standard chaintugs, hacksawed off part of it and its fits okay. It is not as good as on a rear-facing droput but much better than not having one at all

Some folk use them, others don't. I don't find it any more difficult to set the wheel without them.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

The old way of dealing with track-ends was simply to set the mudguard about an inch further out.
.

That's what I have done with my Pearson, I have a gap between the mudguard and wheel that's enough to get the wheel out. I also have the Secu clips fitted http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=36788

 

[palinurus]

I get punctures very, very infrequently. If I do get one it's only two bolts to get the guard off (always have a multitool). I switched the 'guards from another bike so the stays had already been cut to size.

 

[chris667]

My Raleigh's cellulose mudguards have wing nuts to hold them on. Taking them off is easy.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I get punctures very, very infrequently. If I do get one it's only two bolts to get the guard off (always have a multitool). I switched the 'guards from another bike so the stays had already been cut to size.

The beauty of the secu clips is that there are no tools involved, just pull the stays out then push them back in.

 

[Brahan]

I have a thread on freewheel. Can that be used for a conversion?

 

[palinurus]

The beauty of the secu clips is that there are no tools involved, just pull the stays out then push them back in.

I'll have a look at those, ta.

 

[robin IX]

The Sheldon link in the post above is great (although that picture of the amputated fingertip always surprises me when I scroll down! ewww.)

Not very nice, my mate almost lost his finger, managed to get on bizarre ER.