Overview
Fixed gear bicycles use only two gears, one attached to the right crank arm and the other attached to the right rear hub. This provides a shift-free, direct drive for the bike. Fixed gear bikes are the simplest bikes and the most challenging to ride, especially through hilly terrain. The least expensive method for building a fixed gear bike is to use a multiple gear bike as a foundation and add a single chain ring crank arm set and single freewheel. With the right equipment, the entire process can be done in an afternoon.
Step 1
Select a good quality road bike with a threaded rear wheel hub and a frame with horizontal slots, called dropouts, to mount the rear wheel. Purchase a replacement crank arm set with a single chain ring setup, a single chain ring and a single gear freewheel at the gear ratios you desire.
Step 2
Break the bicycle chain using a chain tool. Remove the check for the bicycle and set of chain tool and chain aside for later.
Step 3
Disconnect the cables from the front and rear derailleurs. Remove the gear shifters from the handlebars. Remove the derailleurs and cables from the frame of the bicycle.
Step 4
Remove the tightening bolt of each crank arm with an Allen wrench. Thread a crank arm puller into the right crank arm. Turn the internal driver of the puller clockwise until it is finger tight. Place an adjustable wrench onto the flats on the puller. While holding the adjustable wrench in one hand, fit another wrench on the internal puller and turn it clockwise to free the crank arm. Repeat this step on the left crank arm.
Step 5
Bolt the new single chain ring onto the new right crank arm. Place the new right and left crank arms onto the crank spindles. Replace the tightening bolts and torque the bolts to around 40 lbs.
Step 6
Remove the rear wheel from the bicycle. Slide a freewheel remover over the axle and into the freewheel. Steady the wheel and turn the freewheel remover counter-clockwise with an adjustable wrench. Unthread the multi-gear freewheel from the hub. Thread the new free wheel onto the hub finger tight.
Step 7
Measure the position of the hub in reference to the rim of the rear wheel using a dishing tool. Adjust the spokes to center the hub. Replace the rear wheel on the bicycle.
Step 8
Place the broken chain onto the new gears and take note of the link in the chain that will provide the tightest fit between the gears. Use the chain tool to break the chain at that link. Remove the extra links and reconnect the chain with the chain tool.
Step 9
Pull the rear wheel back to increase tension on the chain. Check that the chain has about 1/2 inch of up and down play in the center of the chain. Ensure that the wheel is properly aligned and secure it to the bicycle frame.
