it's alright i suppose. you really gotta know what you're buying though because they don't really check all the stuff there. Check out the threads on frames and forks, make sure things like dropouts aren't bent, etc.

are you building up a conversion? in the long run you'll save money buying a track frame up front. Also there's a 60cm pista on craigslist right now. Look at the "inexpensive frame" thread.

If you are commited to a conversion, how tall are you I have a couple nice frames that'd make good conversions. I have NICE raliegh super course but it's like 61cm it's pretty big. Also have a 55cm nishiki roadbike frame that'd would be really nice, nice tubeset, nice geometry.

Also, beyond buying just the frame stay away from the recyclery. Go to city bikes instead. That guy B******n has fucked up two of my friends bikes so I try and steer folks away from there.

What is exactly a conversion? You mean a single speed? If so then yes, figure this will be the easiest to maintain and it's for my girlfriend and fixed is out of the question with her. I did look at the inexpensive frame thread and found a few but I'm really set on building my own bike to get an understanding of bicycle mechanics and maintenance. The 55cm might work as it's for my girl and she's 5'6 5'7" ish.

I might just take some of you up on that. Escape from New York, Hamms and Sparks. The Sparks so we'll get it on the road quick. Holla.

Wha??? Still a beginner here must extrapolate.

Fuck street cred I'm cheap. I'll take a $1 corn dog at am pm over a $2.49 whopper any day. It's for my g/f anyways and she doesn't give a shit about that stuff. Road frame is what I'm looking for. I'm trying not to spend more than $300.

Max is NOW!:

A track frame is a frame originally developed for velodrome racing. The geometry is less comfortable (for most people) and more sensitive than a normal road bike. There's other differences as well, but thats the main one.

A road frame is just like the bikes you are used to seeing. The geometry is for touring or commuting normally and has a more comfortable ride for cruising along.

I believe you are talking about road frames, as track frames are a little more work to find, and more expensive than an older, low-end, road bike. A road frame should suit a SS nicely, especially if it's for around town. Although you may not get the same "street cred", it's more about the use/cost factor.

Plus the dropouts(place where the wheels axle slide in) are horizontal on the older road bikes or "conversion" frames making it possible to deal with a single speed chainline.

You know, I would love to sit around and drink beers and watch someone build up a conversion. I've never seen it done from scratch before.

Freewheel is easier than a cog and lockring if you ask me.

And as for parts, I would honestly lurk craigslist and look for a cheap road bike. Theres lot of things you can keep without replacing too much. Then if it has a nice enough bottom bracket and headset we might not even have to play with too much grease.

My girlfriend is 5'7". Thanks a lot for offering up your services you guys. We'll make it worth your while. Bourbon, pizza, beer and crepes at my apartment. I'll definitely need tools and a stand as I left all that stuff back in the burbs. I'll check out craigslist for a deal and send out a discussion when I get the stuff. We have an old Sears bike we could use some parts off of but it's an old three speed and I'm not sure if we could use a lot off of it. The tires are new though. It's a great bike but it's not very fast and it's meant for cruising not zipping around town so it's not as safe as I'd like it to be. If you guys see anything or know anyone selling anything let me know. Is around $300 plausible for this thing?

It's a one-piece.

I built my first fixie with material from citybikes. Craiglist will probably be cheaper, but the mechanics are trustworthy and offer great advice if you need help.

I'd say she's probably a 54...I'm 5'5 and I have a 52cm frame. I want in on this building party. I'm building my next track bike (practically the first thing I've ever built) from components I'm buying online. Plus, I really like beer. I don't have tools to offer, but I do have a lot of charm, wit and a 24 pack of Hamm's.

Don't go to the Recyclery unless you totally know your shit. I constantly feel like they are trying to convince me that shitty stuff is good. They're pretty overpriced, too. And they don't seem to have any qualms with selling stuff that doesn't seem all that safe to me.

You just need to go and check the bike or parts out before you agree to buy it. Look at everything. And ask about all of the parts before you go and look at it. Find out what brands they are and such. You can't tell the quality of anything really just from a picture. And always test ride.

I don't have tools unfortunately :(
But he could easily have a shop do that for him. Actually, most shops are nice enough to let you borrow their tools for free. Depends where you go.

i've got all the tools you'd need to put together a conversion from scratch, as that's what i got them to do originally. and, that's so long as you aren't using old bottom brackets, as i don't have a c-spanner or pin tool. i also don't have a chain whip.

but, i've converted two roadies from scratch last fall and winter, and enjoy doing it.

so, let me in on that partay.

i just measured both frames I have and sorry looks as if both are too big

the nishiki has a 57.2 seat tube and a 56 top tube

the super course has a 59 seat tube and a 55 top tube

bummer cuz the raleigh is almost ready to go, just needs cranks and wheels.

I would just go in there with the knowledge that $50--75 oughta get you a serviceable frame and fork. in the right size.more than that and it better be something rally nice like a px-10 peugot or some nice italian job.

I was just at the 8th ave city bikes and besides a couple nice frames hangin from the ceiling, they have a couple bikes upstairs that would make nice single speeders.

If your out in NE check at the Comm Cycling center 16th and alberta, they have good deals and they are straight shooters.

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bik/639620597.html

this would be promising to harvest parts off of and sounds like it's her size.

actually that is one of the few scwhinn's I would touch. something like that.

yetti_core:

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bik/639620597.html

this would be promising to harvest parts off of and sounds like it's her size.

This looks perfect. Indeed... I'll call em up unless anyone has some doubts.

Terrible news... it's been taken but the guy has another bike, it's a Fuji late 70s, light build, suntour dropouts. Said it would be a good candidate for a conversion. A little bit of rust on the frame but nothing that effects the strength of the frame according to him. He's going to send me some pics right before he puts the ad up on CL. He wants $100 for it. Anyways if anyone has anything to say about this it would be helpful. I'll send a link to the pics or the ad soon. Oh yeah it's a 54cm and he said it should fit her just fine.

jvandub:

Terrible news... it's been taken but the guy has another bike, it's a Fuji late 70s, light build, suntour dropouts. Said it would be a good candidate for a conversion. A little bit of rust on the frame but nothing that effects the strength of the frame according to him. He's going to send me some pics right before he puts the ad up on CL. He wants $100 for it. Anyways if anyone has anything to say about this it would be helpful. I'll send a link to the pics or the ad soon. Oh yeah it's a 54cm and he said it should fit her just fine.

you could easily sand the rust out and repaint it if the rust isn't too bad. don't underestimate a good rattle can job.or powdercoat later down the road.

Yea, the components are important because I wouldn't pay $100 for just an ok frame.

ask if the wheels are 27" or 700c.

27" wheels will severely limit your tire choices.

Other than that, if the size is right it sounds decent. The cranks are the next thing to look at after wheels, are they 3 peice,cotterless? can they use modern chain wheels? an 86 110 130 or 144 bolt circle diameter

after that just make sure the seat post is not stuck, rust on the frame sometimes means rust other places.

something like this:

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bik/643936534.html

but with 700c size wheels

if you want this one, call and offer $75 cash but be nice and explain your situation, most folks will be happy the bike is gonna get some love.