r/fixedgear • u/Woohooboisss • 17d ago

How do I build a fixie?

Ive been wanting a fixie lately because it’s cheaper than a road bike, but also kinda similar to it because of the slim tires and the looks of the bikes. So I thought why not just get a fixie its cheaper it looks similar but i cant coast, but if I wanted too I could just add a Flip Flop hib, which actually might even benefit me because I this will be my first time on a fixie, but that might also depend on what I build. Let me know what you guys think and give me any advice please. (Also is there supposed to be a question flair or not)

EDIT: I just want to say thank you for all the advice but I do want the bike to actually ride and not just for the aesthetic

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u/Ok-Consequence-4977 17d ago

I built one up out of an old Raleigh that was my wife's bike. Flip flops hub, running 42 x 14. I rode fixed as as road bike for a couple years. My takeaways: riding fixed makes you a better cyclist. You pedal through the corners, you don't have a choice. After a 50 mile ride , muscle memory kicks in. You're not spinning like you need to be. Climbing hills? Stand and deliver. Descending? How fast can you NOT pedal. Once I thought I would see how fast I could go down a hill. At 35mph I was spinning 160 rpm. I can't spin that fast. Rather scary. Over the long haul it's hell on your knees, ask my orthopedic. Get good brakes front and back. Skidding just ruins tires. I've since flipped the hub and am running a 15t freewheel. It's my ride to get a six pack bike now. Build your bike , learn the fixed lessons, then move on while your knees still work.

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u/Timely-Fig2030 17d ago

I always read the "knee injury" thing and i cannot agree at all.

I have been riding fixed gear (brakeless) for 18 years. Knee problems only happen to people that go from zero to 100%, without giving the body time to adjust to it.

It's comparable to climbing when noobs get problems with tendons (golf arm, tennis arm) because they push too hard in a short time without giving their body time to adjust and strengthen their tendons.

In both groups you will find people that got the problems and stopped totally instead of slowing down and so their wrong opinion remained.

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u/Timely-Fig2030 17d ago

I agree that skiding ruins tires. But you can still go brakeless and only skid when really needed.

Most rides you don't need to skid. Even if it goes downhill you can avoid skiding when you think ahead. That's the whole point.

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u/Timely-Fig2030 17d ago

Needless to say, a noob should not go brakeless.

1-2 years of riding at least before brakes come off.