London Fixed-gear and Single-speed

Hi all,

I have a stock Genesis Flyer and am largely very happy with it. However, I want to customise it a bit without breaking the bank.

Here's what I'm thinking of:

- converting to fixed (16T cog, maybe switching chainset over to 1/8 - is it worth it?)

- getting a Brooks saddle (not sure which one). Don't find the stock one comfy, think it's too narrow for my sit bones.

- replacing the bars and tape (Brooks to match seat?). Never use the drops! Can someone recommend alternatives?

- getting clipless pedals and shoes (not sure which, I'm new to all this!)

- Removing the decals - is this possible?

Thanks!

John

removing the decals .. ive tried it on a ridgeback, it's a huge effort. You need to remove the lacquer.

hi.. I think if you have a 3/32 chainset, just keep it that way.. but a 3/32 cog and chain and it'll be fine!

Can't help you with the brooks stuff, I'm not a fan of leather.

As for bars, just get some cheap flats/risers to see what kind you prefer, I guess.. I don't think flat bars are something worth spending much money on, but someone will surely prove me wrong somehow :D

clipless pedals - I got the time atac's and I really like pedalling with them.. It's great that they feel so "solid" and secure, I'm never worried about them unclipping. On the other hand, I've made a fool of myself a couple times on central london traffic lights :D I did manage to put a smile on a couple cabbie's faces though, which can only be a good thing! I might've saved a life or two! Yeah, I think they're a bit too secure for someone who has never used clipless pedals, but it's nothing that you don't get used to fairly quickly. For now, I just unclip a good 20 yards from wherever I have to stop..

Removing decals - ah, good luck! :)

Keep it 3/32. On-One have cheap cogs to suit £10. I've got a 3/32 15T on the Soma and will likely swap it for a 16T I bought at the same time.

If you don't find it comfy, why buy one?

Drops rock. There are loads of bullhorn, riser alternatives but drops are where it's at.

Get shoes that fit and SPD or the Time ATAC pedal system. Buy cheapest ones you can find.

Too much time and effort for me but I've seen good results from people that've razor-bladed their decals off from under the clearcoat.

you can get white PVC tape to tape the mother up if removing decals are a pain.

agree with hippy about the pedals.

depends on how pimp you want it, most of the coloured chains come in 1/8th. can get a gold KMC Z510 for bling. doesn't hurt at all to use a 1/8 chain on 3/32 chainring + cogs

3/32" should be fine - but get a good quality cog, and maybe put on a new chain at the same time
Brooks all the way - B17 is your standard route to nirvana
You could try moustache bars if the width doesn't bother you
Can't help you here - I'm running with clips
Sounds like a faff and could end up fugly - get it resprayed if it bothers you that much

hippy - why'd you recommended buying the cheapest shoes available?

Hippy -The stock Genesis saddle is too narrow. I'd like to know if the Brooks Swift or Swallow would also be too narrow? The standard B17 seems to be the popular one - anyone have a B17 narrow?

Thanks,

John

"Get shoes that fit and SPD or the Time ATAC pedal system. Buy cheapest ones you can find."

i disagree i would get mtb 'race' style shoes that have a stiff sole and a snug fit (with straps or ratchets on the top) as they offer the most support and you can still walk around in them. I wouldn't use the trainer type spd shoes as they just don't offer the same amount of support, i had one ride with my mtb 'trainer' spd shoes and went and brought a cheap pair of 'race' shoes the next day. you don't have to pay loads 661, nike, specialized, northwave, diadora all do £40-50 shoes but try them on before buying as fit is very important. if a more expensive pair fits your foot better then pay the extra (imho)

Cheapest pedals not shoes. That might not have been clear. Shoes that fit, any cost.
Cheapest pedal system. If you don't like it you haven't shelled out loads of dosh on your pedals.

I meant pedals not shoes, that's why I started with "get shoes that fit". I wasn't my usual crystal clear self and my AI code has been altered to prevent this happening again.

If your knees don't like SPD for example, you don't want to have shelled out £100 for the superduper ones.

I just got these to replace my 100 year old Nikes:

is that actual size?

Well, given that I'm 48 eu... :)

They're the only shoe my LBS stocks. They\re quite nice :) How much did you pay? They were selling 'em for £79.

look at wiggle, they are under 60 sheets.

Yeah I know, was wondering how much Hippy got them for.

I'm avoiding looking at shoes/pedals, since I want them but can't really afford them at the moment :)

I think they were £54 from cycle surgery spitalfields. They were the only ones that had a 48 left and i wasn't fscking about with online coz i wanted to try them on first.

yeah, gotta try 'em on innit

ive got the '05 version of these. price for spesh shoes gets you these and spds and some change. does the job...had them for 3yrs and counting

a narrow fit though. ive got the spesh mtb...they're bit wide for my liking.

oh. if you want a wider leather saddle check out the brooks ladies b17. wider, but slightly shorter

if you want leather look for a flat or riser bar. check these out.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LEATHER-BICYCLE-HANDLEBAR-GRIPS-MOUNTAIN-BIKE-BAR-NEW_W0QQitemZ120154856847QQihZ002QQcategoryZ56194Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem

- replacing the bars and tape (Brooks to match seat?). Never use the drops! Can someone recommend alternatives?

Yeah get some black riser bars with white oury grips and fit up a white tioga spyder saddle

get on ebay..;)

what shoes are they?

i...i think i may actually like them

as for pimping flyers, i've just replaced my saddle with a specialized avatar 130, cheap and not too shabby looking - doesnt have the vintage brooks look ofcourse, but neither does the rest of the bike... taped over the decals with white insulation tape, already banged up a bit, but looks much better... using m520's with shimano shoes (same price range as the specialized mtb's and they're good). using a 16t dura ace sprocket - the whole shabang cost me in the region of 120 quid, not too bad and it looks good in my opinion...

sixsixone expert from chainreaction.

Didn't someone have a really sweet Flyer posted on here? Black and white was the theme if I remember right? Looked sweet-as.

Re Brooks: I have Swift Titanium saddle and matching Brooks bar tape. Expensive, but all good. Have a Fiz:ik saddle on my other bike, which is also very good.

The bike was Build's:

Now tell me you prefer risers...

i prefer risers..ha!

ooh! get you! ;o)

get back alright?

yeah, well got lost after my co-pilot decided to dissapear for a leak, ended up going into hammersmith, then caught up with hippy, then some pub grub......

You should stick with me.. I'm always lost but take minimal exploring to return home. Hammersmith, indeed? hehehe :P