My fixed conversion

[SKoob]

Here's my vintage bike that I converted to a fixed bike

Started as a 10 speed, with Huret derailiers and downtube friction shifters.Currently running the original 52t chain ring with the 40t removed, with 170mm swaged cranks, changed to a Miche track cartridge bb and 17t dicta sprocket on the back. Next up is to convert to aero brake levers with Tektro extra long dual pivot calipers. It's still running 27" wheels and the current gb single pivots have a huge 70mm drop as it is Then I might get a new chainset with some 165mm cranks. Still getting used to starting after stopping and not being able to coast, but really enjoying it

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Nice, attention to detail is good...I like proper fitted mudguards. Just get the rack level.

 

[SKoob]

Thanks, I need to adjust the rear mudguard really as the gap has opened up at the back since going fixed, the rack is going to be tricky due to the way its mounted as my frame doesn't have braze ons. Might invest in a newer one at some point anyway as its getting pretty rusty.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

I think it'd be ok with some leg extenders.

 

[Psyclist]

Looks great

Do you need long reach brakes for mudguards? I'm thinking of putting some on the Mercian for winter.

 

[SKoob]

I need the long reach calipers to reach my rims, though I've heard some frames require deeper reach calipers to allow the fitment of mudguards.

 

[biggs682]

looks good , what make is frame ?

and get a rear brake on quick

 

[SKoob]

It says Albion on the frame, its from cycle shop in Melksham that no longer exists. Not sure who manufactured the frame though. Hasn't got any distinctive lug work and isn't fancy steel such as Reynolds, but I love it and its light compared to my aluminium GT hybrid. That's all I really know, my dad gave it to me a couple of years ago and he said he purchased it from the bike shop in the late 70s/ early 80s, it was laid up for a good 20 years before he gave it to me.
Rear brake is on its way, the rear wheel needs trueing and was rubbing badly, the cable was also very fraid so got fed up and ripped the old brake off.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

You don't say if you want to upgrade to dual-pivot or not, but I put these (front and rear) on a Pug I converted, brilliant for the price.

If you want to keep it period but still upgrade the braking, I have these Altenburger Synchron dual pivots from the late-Sixties/early-Seventies: 70mm to 95mm drop!

 

[SKoob]

I've upgraded to dual pivot Tektro calipers, quite a marked improvement only got the front fitted so far. Wheel is off and I'm going to my uncles tomorrow to learn how to true it. Made a start on fitting my aero brake levers, any recommendations on where its best to place them on the handle bars?

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

With classic bend bars, remove the bars and stem from the bike and place then on a flat surface so that the "hooks" are flat and level; position the levers so that the tips touch the flat surface without raising the bars up.

 

[SKoob]

Got my aero levers on, new cables, new dual pivot brakes, wheel trued and my bars taped. Only thing I didn't do myself was the wheel trueing. First time I've replaced cables and wrapped drop bars. Got a few creases on the tape but really pleased with the end result

 

[smokeysmoo]

Got my aero levers on, new cables, new dual pivot brakes, wheel trued and my bars taped. Only thing I didn't do myself was the wheel trueing. First time I've replaced cables and wrapped drop bars. Got a few creases on the tape but really pleased with the end result

Nice job SKoob

Nice to see the rear brake now fettled too. Add these vids to your favourites, I still refer to them when I'm taping bars, great vids IMO.


View: http://youtu.be/psmxYxmE3T8


View: http://youtu.be/P7KwGCDWlUk


When I first saw it I thought you must have legs like Cav's, but then I was surprised to see that 52:17 is 'only' 82 gear inches. It's still be too hard going round my way though.

 

[SKoob]

Think I've been to optimistic with the gearing, seems fine on the flat but thought I'd try some hills round my way. Got half way up Sandridge hill (for those that know the Melksham area) and ground to a halt So I'm going to have to lower the gearing a bit. I'm thinking of going to get a 44t chainset with 165mm cranks as I'm finding spinning my legs difficult with the current 170s and I can raise the saddle a little bit too

 

[SKoob]

Got the gearing sorted, went for 44t chain ring and 18t on back with 165mm cranks. The original 170mm made the pedals very close to the ground and made me nervous when cornering. Also added a bit of bling