Dred

It was weird at first but I expected that, getting real used to it. Went from the fixed onto my tourer and it was so odd, I also miss the leg braking as well when I'm riding a freewheel.

I've gone for 44/16, looking to get a dirty harry brake lever at some point, also have fitted a new front wheel which I got off ebay for a song, its an ultegra hub laced to an open pro grey coloured rim and I've got rid of the bottle cage, that now adorns my road bike. Need to sort out some kind of tube protection as well at some point. It looks much better in the flesh to be honest.

The bike is sorted now, been riding it for over a week now and its sweet as a nut, just about to put spd pedals on it so I can really give it the beans

cool, I shall check it out, actually there is a bike recycle project up here so might try and get something there, my creation is slowly coming together. The wheel should be ready soon, I managed to get the wrong size spokes so have had to buy some more, it does however mean I have spare spokes so will prob try and build a wheel myself over the summer. Oh and I can't seem to remove my rear break, the allan key bolt has rounded off so that might be a job for the shop.

Alright mate, I got my brake lever from Brick Lane Bikes in London, but you can easily get them on t'internet. It is a Dia Compe Dirty Harry brake lever and costs about a tenner. Check out www.winstanleysbmx.com. I bought a run of brake cable and the outer plastic sheath for a couple of quid extra, but nothing stopping you using your old cable if its in good nick...yeah you just shorten it with some wire cutters. Looking forward to seeing the creation, you got your wheel sorted yet?

Ed mate, where did you get your brake from and did it come with the correct cable or did you just shorten the one you had? I've just ripped off my bar tape and am looking to get the old bmx brake thing on the go.

Just looked at the bike, looks fucking sweet. I was wondering whether to ditch the old hoods and tape but I use the hoods for sprinting and climbing on my road bike so much it would be weird without it (got up to 59km/hr on a slight downhill on thursday) Might give it a go, see what happens. Yeah bike tinkering and cleaning cripples my work time but it doesn't seem as bad as flash gaming. Still no wheel yet but I suppose thats what happens when you get someone to build it up for free. Loving the phil hubs by the way. What tools you got at the mo? Did you get the lifeline shizzle from wiggle?

Cool, gotta get James fixed up too then we can all go out cottaging together! Yeah, im really chuffed with how my bike has turned out. Basically I bought an old Raleigh Clubman bike (steel 531 frame with gears) off of Ebay for about £30 and then splashed out on some new wheels and a Brooks saddle for it. Kept the original cranks, bars, stem etc and recently fitted a new bottom bracket to give me a decent chainline. Also added in a bmx brake lever for the front brake (ditched the back one). The bike goes like the wind, really light and responsive. Gonna take some getting used to the new riding style, but loving it already...as you say gotta learn to keep going and to resist the temptation to coast! Will get some pictures up on here or facebook soon, so you can have a peak. Uni bloody heavy going for me as well at the moment, got exams lurking around the corner and the uncontrollable bike tinkering keeps ruining my plans to work!

yeah uni's cool, bloody tough though, I joined this the other day as I bought a rim a hub and some spokes, should have a wheel put together by tomorrow and then my bike will be ready to throw me off as soon as I want to coast. I actually facebooked you the other day as well re your fixed gear, I'd love to see it, mine looks like a right shitter but I've only spent £150 altogether to get it going.

Alrighty Bern! Yeah its Ed...I saw one of your posts with old JimboJones and so thought I would befriend you! I only signed up to this website the other day, but have been using it for a while to pick up tips for sorting out my new fixed gear bike. Anyways have finally got the bike going and its fucking ace, think I might kill myself on it though!!! How are tricks with you, uni life going alright?

Ed is that you?