Decent components and a reputable frame

in previous posts a frame wasn't emphasized but instead wheels/components were. although if it is an old road bike, most of the components aren't going to be used on the fixed gear, correct?

There's also just really simple things that can be a major headache on a fresh overhaul. Like a bottom bracket. If it already has one that's doing fine, you'll save yourself the frustration of repacking it for now.
Same goes for the headset.
And if you find an older bike with a decent crankset that has removable chainrings, you'll spare yourself some cash for a bit.

In my opinion, the biggest mistake is piecing together a low end bike from scratch. There are so many bikes with usable components floating around for cheap. And things like handlebars, cranks, bottom bracket, headset, pedal add up fast.

Not necessarily. The main problem is like half the guys on here are ready to spend $60 on a stem, so they will tell you things aren't usable or are ugly or something. The best method I've found for conversions is to get a road bike, and not totally overhaul it all at once. A lot of people don't know what types of bars they will like when they ride fixed. But some guys say you need bullhorns right away, or flat bars, or drops. Thats a prime example of something you should leave on the bike until you figure out the best riding position for you. You don't know how many people I know dumped $300 into components on their first conversion, then sold half of em a month later to get different ones. I've been riding my current conversion for about 4 months and STILL don't have it where I want it.

There's also just really simple things that can be a major headache on a fresh overhaul. Like a bottom bracket. If it already has one that's doing fine, you'll save yourself the frustration of repacking it for now.
Same goes for the headset.
And if you find an older bike with a decent crankset that has removable chainrings, you'll spare yourself some cash for a bit.

In my opinion, the biggest mistake is piecing together a low end bike from scratch. There are so many bikes with usable components floating around for cheap. And things like handlebars, cranks, bottom bracket, headset, pedal add up fast.

awesome advice. i'm realizing now how quickly things add up. i just went through universal cycles website and priced out almost everything. i narrowed it down to... once i find a bike i will need: rim (rear), spokes, tire (rear), tube, cog (i was given a hub). i don't need anymore than this to convert it, right? the other things can come later, but for a start this would be all that i would need i'm guessing.

awesome advice. i'm realizing now how quickly things add up. i just went through universal cycles website and priced out almost everything. i narrowed it down to... once i find a bike i will need: rim (rear), spokes, tire (rear), tube, cog (i was given a hub). i don't need anymore than this to convert it, right? the other things can come later, but for a start this would be all that i would need i'm guessing.

Remember to add in the price of getting the wheel build up. If you can find a bike with a serviceable front wheel and removable chainrings (not required, but useful), as well as useable parts on the rest of the bike you're set. Useable=functioning, not top of the line, obviously. The majority of my parts are crap, but they work, and thats all that matters.

Remember to add in the price of getting the wheel build up. If you can find a bike with a serviceable front wheel and removable chainrings (not required, but useful), as well as useable parts on the rest of the bike you're set. Useable=functioning, not top of the line, obviously. The majority of my parts are crap, but they work, and thats all that matters.

how much does a wheelbuild usually run? how hard is it to do myself?

how much does a wheelbuild usually run? how hard is it to do myself?

Not sure how much they are (I'm sure someone else does though, according this website- http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/Wheels.asp - it'll run you ~$40), but I highly recommend you don't do it yourself. I think it is pretty generally accepted that wheelbuilding is something that is best left to the pros. Or I may be entirely wrong, lets see what others have to say.

unless you know what you're doing it's true you're best to leave it to the pro's. you'll be at least 99% sure that it would be true, and done right.

and those wood fenders are close to $100 too....

Exactly. Unfortunately he sold it to someone else. Grr.

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/bik/647101033.html

and

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/647130808.html

I like the panasonic, but tis hard to see.

i asked them to send more pictures... still waiting. i got close up pictures of the schwinn and doesn't look too bad - no rust and crank seems okay.

Max is NOW!:

I like the panasonic, but tis hard to see.

i asked them to send more pictures... still waiting. i got close up pictures of the schwinn and doesn't look too bad - no rust and crank seems okay.

Post 'em.

Am I crazy or is this guy asking too much for his stuff?

p.s. if it's your posting, sorry.

But wheel building takes a little study, some patience and a few special tool...thats it.

If it's just a "get you there" set of wheels city bikes does a nice job for reasonable.

If it's "the lifetime set" with deep vees and phils, go to dean.

I can build your wheels too, but the other places can get you rims/hubs.spokes packages cheaper if you are having them build it.

I have to pay retail, or damn near.

I'm kinda bored with three cross, although it's said to be the strongest.

I personally think that crows foot is stronger..

yadda yadda yadda

i'll shut up now

Forget about the Schwinn, but post the add'l pictures of the Panasonic when you get them.

still no pictures. i talked to the person earlier and they said that there is no rust on the frame and that everything works fine. i'm worried if i wait too long this one will be sold too...

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/647030310.html

Am I crazy or is this guy asking too much for his stuff?

p.s. if it's your posting, sorry.

Uhh, yeah. Way too much.

I'm just curious about the components

Exactly. If you can't get pics, just ask for details on the components.

Max is NOW!:

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/647030310.html

Am I crazy or is this guy asking too much for his stuff?

p.s. if it's your posting, sorry.

Uhh, yeah. Way too much.

those prices are higher than new retail!

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/bik/647319540.html

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/bik/647331960.html

longwood, do you drive?

i did in new york. i have no car here in portland, although my roommates do. so if i need to go out and get a bike it shouldn't be a problem.

those prices are higher than new retail!

Yeah, and he seems relatively knowledgable...I'm totally confused by those prices.

same person as the panasonic:

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/bik/647319540.html

$80's not bad for the Schwinn.

no i don't have a brand or additional photos. i'm going to take a look at it tonight after work... hopefully everything will be straight.

damn.....

someone is bound to swoop that up. price..... yah but it's nice.

does anyone else think of eating pie when they see this saddle?

http://cgi.ebay.com/57cm-Alan-Aluminum-Campione-Del-Mondo-Cobra-Frame-Set_W0QQitemZ330230588597QQihZ014QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem