1. Become One With Your Bike
Many cyclists having difficulty describing the appeal of a fixed gear bicycle, but the main word that comes to mind is fun. On a fixed gear bicycle, you cannot coast; the wheels spin only when the pedals turn. This provides incredible exercise for the cyclist, and many say it helps the cyclist form a connection with the bike because it feels like an extension of his body.
2. Pulling up the Rear
To convert your bicycle to a fixed gear, start with a new rear wheel. A track hub or a flip-flop hub are the best options. With a track hub, the design of the main thread (called a stepped thread) doesn't allow the sprocket to loosen during transit, meaning the chain cannot unscrew it. The thread on a flip-flop hub is different because there's thread on both sides of the hub. Usually, one side is track-type threading and the other is for single-speed standard freewheel. If you choose a flip-flop hub, make sure you have two brakes on your bike.
3. Fixed Gear Frames
Many times, converting a bike to fixed gear requires a new bicycle frame. If you have a road bike, look for a frame in which the slots that hold the rear axle are horizontal. That feature lets you move the axle back and forth when you need to adjust the tension in the chain. An old three-speed bike is another option, and one-speed bikes are easy to convert. Another option is to use a frame from a mountain bike. This is appropriate if you ride in the city, but plan to take your bike into the woods.
4. Tension Tips
It's impossible to regulate chain tension on your fixed gear bicycle when the rear dropout slides up during installation. Vertical dropouts are common on most bikes made since the 1980s, so you need to regulate chain tension before you can officially call your bike a fixed gear. You might be tempted to use a pulley-type device to provide tension in the chain, but it doesn't work on fixed gear bicycles. Even if it was strong enough to withstand the pressure applied during riding, it wouldn't stay secure. Instead, opt for a bolt-on hub with offset bolts. It provides the give that you need for chain tension, even if your bike features a vertical dropout.
5. Find Fixed Gear Parts
Even though fixed gear bicycles are growing in popularity, they still are not mainstream. Most nationwide discount stores don't sell what you need, and even some online outlets are behind the times. Your best bet for finding fixed gear parts is at your local bike shop. Call ahead. If they don't have what you need in stock, most stores can order for you.
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