Which road bike to make a Fixie?

[devosity]

I know you guys are probably sick of answering questions on how to build a fixie but i have one more.

So i have come across some nice deep V wheels with a flip flop on the back already and want to build a fixie to put them on. I'm don't want to buy a fixie of the shelf, so i'm going to look around for a nice road frame and convert it over.

I plan on buying an old complete road bike so i'll have the cranks, headset, stem and bars already at least i'll have it up and running and con upgrade from there. i just want some advice on what to look for in an old road bike?

Or would I be best off looking for a frame and then getting all the parts to go with with?

[addmin]

ok first off, read this
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

second, look for an old road bike, in hard rubbish or on egay and then go from there,
look to pay between $50 - $150.

to get the chainline right you may have to replace your bottom bracket.
it will be easier with semi horizontal dropouts or track tips

[crank]

If they are nice deep v wheels, you don't want to go putting them on a bike you find in a bin, generally. Try to match up the quality of the parts to the frame. For me, i see some of these awesome old hi-tensile steel or low quality chromoly steel frames that people are throwing money at with parts of a much higher quality than would ever be put on the frame when new as a waste of time. Sort of like putting Boxxers on a Huffy mtb. Find a nice frame, probably not an old Repco or such, to match some of the bits you've got and plan to get.

Your idea of finding a second hand bike is probably the best option i reckon. It'll need a little bit of tweaking to get just right, but at least you know most of the bits will suit the frame.

[Babau]

First up, look for a frame that'll fit your wheels. You've got 700c wheels, most old shitters you see come with 27" wheels. Chances are you can just adjust the brake pads, but check that there's enough room to move on the brake arms.

Better yet, spend more time looking for a bargain or spend more money on getting a better bike now.

[Lorday]

Or run brakeless, makes the build cheap...

Look for an old track bike or a high end old roadie. If all else fails to inspire looks for a cheap fuji/steam roller, Then you'll have an awsome new, but stylish bike. Useless you want lugs. I like lugs.

[addmin]

good luck getting any track bike frame for under about $350.

[milkman]

Horizontal dropouts to save headaches.

[addmin]

or at least semi horizontal

[ukalipt]

ok. this might do the trick. (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Giant-Peleton-7000-road-bike_W0QQitemZ250417261322QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Sp ort_Cycling_Bikes?hash=item250417261322&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A1|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0| 293%3A1|294%3A50) large frame and i can't really see the rear drop out
that well in the pic but still i think with shifters on the down tube should mean
semi horizontal dropouts.

http://i.ebayimg.com/15/!BRnLcQw!mk~$(KGrHgoOKiMEjlLmVOYOBJ73vviJw~~_1.JPG

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
another good one. (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Malvern-Star-Racer-Bike_W0QQitemZ280339063249QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Sp ort_Cycling_Bikes?hash=item280339063249&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A1|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0| 293%3A2|294%3A50) but a HUGE frame. the wheels do look like they are 700c's

http://i.ebayimg.com/14/!BRUPZvQCGk~$(KGrHgoOKiwEjlLmVWD3BJ9Z1wBBGw~~_1.JP G

[devosity]

Thanks a lot for all your feedback. what i've gathered is i need to look out for a older road bike and just make sure all the components are in good order.

I'm going to keep my eye out for something with nice lugs and respray it. Cheers

i need about 54cm i think, so if anyone sees anything let me know.