
Originally Posted by
Antaresia
I'm seriously looking at cheapo single speeds (something I can lock up downtown, you know?)
I'm not having much luck, and I've been thinking of going the conversion route...any thoughts? I'm not sure what the draw backs are.
And your bike is super cute, too!
Thanks! Gotten lots of compliments riding around!
First off, if your bike has 27'' wheels it's impossible to get alloy wheels for it. You're stuck with steel rims. Kind of bland but works. I happened to find a bike with about 4mm of the brake pads that could move downward to accomodate 700c wheels. Thus the colored tires.
I went nuts with the color. Turned out better than I hoped. Cable crimps are green, so are the valve caps, to kind of bring the bar tape into theme.
For the most part, it's a great option. I feel more comfortable locking this up than my Surly or 520. However, "Creepers gonna creep" and a dude approached me unlocking from a local pub and asked me where he could, "Get a bike like that." I told him to, "Build his own." and told him about my local cycle project then bid him "Adios," and high-tailed it home.
I like all the customization I can do on my single-speed. And I love to coast. Haters can suck my b*lls (metaphorically speaking). LOL.
I say look for a frame that fits you and do it. I love mine. Also, it works different muscle groups than my geared bike. Different parts of me are sore...yea!
"Things look different from the seat of a bike carrying a sleeping bag with a cold beer tucked inside." ~Jim Malusa
2009 Trek 520-Brooks B-17 Special in Antique Brown
2010 Surly Long Haul Trucker-Brooks B-17 Standard in Black
1983 Fuji Espree Single Speed-Brooks B17 British Racing Green