whats the difference in a fixie and multi gear

[mikeruss]

hi as i am a newbie i will be asking questions that will souns stupid so here goes, i see frames advertised and they are advertised as "suitable for fixie" i presume this means fixed or single speed bikes. so is the frame for a geared bike different and what do i look for as i do not want a "fixie" cheers

 

[palinurus]

Should help: http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

For fixed use it is necessary to be able to adjust the chain tension. Usually this is done by changing the rear wheel position so horizontal, or approximately horizontal, dropouts are required. Most modern frames have a dropout which does not allow for changing the rear wheel position.

 

[jr_dinosaur]

a frame that is "suitable" for a fixie does not mean it would not be suitable or be less suited to a geared bike.

 

[palinurus]

Scroll down on the page linked to and there are some illustrations of different dropout types, as long as you have some sort of mech hanger then you can use the frame for a derailleur gear setup.

 

[mikeruss]

cheers lads

 

[palinurus]

a frame that is "suitable" for a fixie does not mean it would not be suitable or be less suited to a geared bike.

This is important. Many of the frames listed as 'suitable for fixed' will have a mech hanger, only a few- those with track ends or for use with hub gears (likely rare) will be unsuitable for use with derailleur setups.

 

[mikeruss]

so better of buying a late 80s frame with vertical dropouts as shown on sheldons page. I am actually wanting to build a copy of a raleigh competition gs (1979) as i cant afford to buy a restored one, just want something to look like one with the best components i can. so if you could recommend a frame as a starting point would be good.

 

[HovR]

Horizontal dropouts will work just as well as long as it has some form of mech hanger for the rear derailleur. Horizontal dropouts will also be much easier to find in a bike around the age you are looking for.

 

[Cycleops]

You need to look for a frame with Reynolds 531 tubing, forks as well if you can, there are plenty out there so there should be plenty of choice. You might even be better off buying a complete bike which could end up saving you money in the long run.

 

[smokeysmoo]

If you could recommend a frame as a starting point would be good.

As you just want to build a copy any steel lugged frame will do.

I know you've been in contact with @biggs682, and I'm sure he'll have something in the not to distant future. In the meantime why not stick a wanted ad up HERE as well, can't do any harm.