So you want to build a fixie eh? Well where to start, what to do? While I am highly opinionated, I don't have all the answers. However I do know enough to get pointed in the right directions if you live in Vancouver...

From: Paul Copeland
To: Wonder Weasel
Subject:Fixed Gear Shop
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2004 19:34:35 -0600

I'm moving up to vancouver soon to go to school. As soon as I get there I'd like to get a fixed gear ride built up. Do you know any shops that specialize in building up cheap fixed gear track bikes for under $200?

Thanks Paul

A fixie for $200 cnd may be hard because to do it right you often have to build up a rear wheel with a proper track hub. Otherwise you can't have a lock ring. For example if you use a cheap multispeed hub that takes spin on cassettes, and put on a track cog when you brake with your legs the cog will spin off because braking will put force on the cog in the exact direction to remove the cog and with no lockring to prvent this the cog will spin right off. D-oh! This is definitely not a good thing. Anyways, To build up a decent rear wheel... you will be looking at close to $200 cnd- ouch!. You could however build up a single speed (not fixed), with a cheap hub that takes spin on cassettes (just put on a BMX free wheel) and be able to patch together a bike for your target price.

Weasel's fixed gear approved shops:

Our community bikes:

• not-for-profit bike shop
• rent shop space and do it yourself or pay extra for hands off.
• might not have a lot of experience building up fixies.
• Location: 3283 Main Street (11:00 - 6:00, 7 days/wk.); Phone: 604.879.2453

Might Riders:

• Best fixie expertise in Vancouver
• Talk to Ed. He is often grumpy, but really know's his shit inside and out and is a stand up guy.
• Location: West Broad Way a 3 blocks east of Mountain Equipment Co-op. I don't know the phone # off my head.

Finally, if you are building up a bike from scratch, a good place to find a cheap frame could be some sort of consignment sport's store. There are tons in Vancouver. For starters try Cheapskates Too Consignment Sporting Goods 3228 Dunbar St. Vancouver, BC (604) 734-1191.

hope that helps