How to Make a Fixed Gear Out of Regular Bike

Part of the process of a fixed gear conversion is removing the gear casette.

Most stock bicycles have a gear cluster, or cassette, that contains between five and seven gears. This cassette has a ratcheting system that allows it to spin freely when the bike and rider are coasting. These systems also require additional weight in longer chains, derailleurs, cables and shifting levers. Some urban cyclists prefer the lower weight of having a single gear that is fixed. A fixed gear bicycle does not coast. The pedals turn whenever the bicycle is in motion. Some fixed gear bicycles don't have separate brakes. The braking is limited to the power of the legs of the rider reducing the spin on the rear wheel.

Things You'll Need

• Fixed gear rear wheel assembly with tire and tube installed
• Screwdriver set
• Wrench set
• Chain
• Chain tool

Instructions

1. Remove the rear wheel. If your bicycle has quick release levers, flip the levers out and rotate the releases until the tire is free. If your wheel is secured using bolts, loosen the bolts until the wheel drops out of the frame.

2. Remove the old chain. Place the chain tool on the chain with the chain tool pin against one of the pins in the chain. Turn the handle on the tool to push the pin out of the chain.

3. Disconnect the shift cable from the rear derailleur and pull it from the bicycle.

4. Remove the derailleur by removing the screws or bolts that secure it to the frame.

5. Attach the new wheel to the frame using either its quick release levers or its bolts.

6. Disconnect the cable from the front derailleur and remove the cable. Remove them both and remove the gear shift to reduce weight.

7. Disconnect the cable from the front derailleur and remove the cable. Remove them both and remove the gear shift to reduce weight.

8. Remove the crank on the chain ring side of the bicycle. The chain ring is sometimes called the front sprocket.

9. Remove the chain ring you won't be using. Fixed gear bicycles are single-speed and only require one chain ring. The larger the ring, the faster the bicycle. However, larger rings require more leg strength to ride. The exact process for removing the ring will vary greatly, depending on your bicycle. However, removing the bolts or screws that secure the rings will allow you to disassemble the ring assembly.

10. Re-assemble the chain ring assembly with the desired ring by reversing the disassembly process for your bike. Removing chain rings usually involves removing between five and 12 screws that hold the rings on the bottom bracket.

11. Re-attach the crank and pedal.

12. Place the new chain around the chain ring and rear sprocket. Shorten the chain to the proper length using the chain tool. New chains ship with excess length to allow for a variety of gear sizes. Connect the two ends of the chain together and press the pin in using the chain tool.

13. Remove the brakes for the most classic track-inspired fixed-gear urban bicycle. However, consider leaving the brakes in place until you are used to stopping using leg power alone.

Tips & Warnings

• When ordering your rear wheel or having it made, make sure the supplier or wheel maker knows the frame brand and type.

References

• Harris Cyclery: Fixed Gear Conversions
• Bicycle Habitat: Buyer's Guide to Fixie Bicycles