I've been commuting for a short time now, really getting back into cycling after a long absence. I had to run some errands and didn't want to lock up my nice bicycle, so I pulled my ancient ten-speed out of the basement. Raleigh Sprite, I don't know how old but it was pretty old in 1991 when I inherited it. Dusted it off (literally; it has been parked in the same room with our table saw). Rode it to the drugstore. Rode it on some more errands. LIKED IT!!! I don't know why. It's a large frame, and I'm a big guy. 27" wheels. Maybe that's it? I don't know.

So I'm paying my LBS to convert it to a fixie. Is this lame? I have more money than time. Not a ton of money, but more money than time. All the posts on this Fixed Gear forum seem to come from DIYers. I don't think I'd trust my life riding on a bike that I converted myself. It'll cost about $300 for everything. Am I missing out? Would anyone talk me out of doing this? I'm looking forward to giving my old ten-speed a new life as a one-speed and joining you in the fixie fraternity. But if someone wants to burst my balloon go ahead.

If you're happy with the net end result and don't mind the cost then do what pleases you.


I've never seen you walk so I have no idea if you're lame or not. ;)

just kidding. With 9 month and 2 year old boys at home, I know all about time restraints- between the kids and work, it took me two weeks to build up my last bike (IRO Jamie Roy). Although I think you might feel more satisfaction if you diy'd the conversion-it won't really matter once you're out on the road now will it? Have fun- you'll love getting "fixed".

had a sprite i bought out of this guy's front yard for $8. it was chained to a tree with a couple others. that was a 3-speed, i think, way before 10-speed. this one was an early 70's job. i stripped parts off and was going to spray-paint the frame and rebuild it as a ss commuter or errand bike, but discovered the bb shell was rotting through the frame. so it became yard art for awhile and then went on the curb for garbage day when i moved.

if you like it so much, don't ask around, just do what makes you happy.

If it is made of boat anchor gas pipe steel (or lead pipe), you might be wasting your money... otherwise, ENJOY!

Mine was an upright (or is that uptight) 10 speed complete with cottered cranks. Dropped some money on an Ideal saddle, cinnelli bars and toe clips.

Wish I still had the bars and saddle.

for your support. It's already done!

for your support. It's already done!

Got pictures?

Ahem..."If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad." Really, if you don't have the time and you don't mind the loss of the $$, ride it and enjoy it. FWIW-my fixie has 27" wheels and even though it has cheapo wheels and is a cheap-arse Tiawanese Bianchi; I love how it rides. Think those larger wheels help smooth things out. I currently have an old Gitane that is waiting to be converted; no time.

Rode it home. Love it.
They used a Surley rear wheel which I can flip/flop but right now it's fixed.
One of the cool things is that the rear wheel is now wider than the front. Hee hee. Formula 1 baby!
The increased efficiency is not just hype -- the bike feels about 10 pounds lighter this way.
I WILL get a picture posted, but no digital camera means that will take a while.

Thanks again for everyone's helpful comments.

...The increased efficiency is not just hype -- the bike feels about 10 pounds lighter this way...

I agree. I find it easier to ride my fixed 42/16t than my road bike in the same gear.

It was a 5 speed with cheap Reynolds tubing and pretty much fun to ride. Older bikes are swell vehicles for self-expression as well as transportation. I think your fixie should first and foremost be fun for you to ride. The varieties of fixed bikes are a joy to see and anything you ride that works for you and adds to the variety of the mix is very cool. As for being lame, diversity isn't only about race, the disabled have a place as well.