MOJO SINGLE SPEEDERS: Track bike build

[TXRAiDR]

Thanks to the wonderful internet, and e-bay, I've come into ownership of a 70's Schwinn Road Bike Frame. I'd like to build this up as a single speed/track bike. I've got the frame only, and basically need to get the rest of the bike. I've got a carbon fork & headset, along with the handlebars. Now, I just need the drive train components & hubs, Any places I should look? Any combinations I should avoid (manufacturers or component sizes)?

[toonces]

<A HREF="http://www.webcyclery.com/">WebCyclery</A> has a bunch of singlespeed stuff. They're pretty reliable too.

If you want a freewheel in the back instead of coaster, you can use an old rear wheel (of the right dropout spacing) and use spacers and BMX cassette cogs to get a single speed. That way you don't have to buy a new hub or wheel -- just spacers and the cog. Otherwise, there's King, Shimano, Spot, Paul, and others that make various freewheel- and cassette-type rear hubs. ACS and Shimano make good freewheels. I've used both and have only had to replace one freewheel for wear and tear.

Inbred will know a little more about this stuff prolly. Others too since I haven't singlespeeded (on a big bike) in a long time. Cool project. Have fun!

[carlos]

on compatability issue would be if you slap chainring gaurd on the single chianring.

[TXRAiDR]

Thanks Toonces for the link. I checked it out and found some stuff. I'm going to give my LBS a call too and see what they can do. Basically, I'm going to build the wheelset myself, and the rest of the bike up as a track bike (since I have a velodrome just down the road).

[the Inbred]

like a true track bike? i.e. FIXED? duuuuude, keep it brakeless and you'll be a badass. :D

as for rear hub, Suzue makes a good flip-flop if you want to go fixed/free. they're cheaper than Phils, too. that's really the only thing you need to worry about. i don't really know what kind of ratio most people run with SS roadbikes. 52:19 maybe?

in my opinion, if you use WebCyclery's SS Conversion Kit, you'll get the best price, and best service. if there's something you need, but it's not listed, Mean Todd will more than likely let you switch it out.

link to Sheldon Browns conversion site:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

(please don't beat me up...i don't like him, either)

[TXRAiDR]

It's not a true track bike perse. The frame is retro, and has horizontal (instead of vertical) dropouts. I've actually decided to modify this road bike, and keep it on the road. Because it doesn't have any downtube shifter braze-ons, I was going to SS it. I've found some groucho-retro add ons for that, AND for the cable guides. I'll still be a badass, but with 9 Italian gears in the back :)