How to Make a Fixie Conversion Bike

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How to Make a Fixie Conversion Bike

Ray Diaz

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Step 1 of 22

Fixie Conversion from an old bike. Focusing more on the frame restoration than the mechanical job.

Step 2 of 22

Donor Bike

Step 3 of 22

Sanded down to remove rust.

Step 4 of 22

Not pretty...

Step 5 of 22

New Eighthinch Bottom Bracket will go here...

Step 6 of 22

More Rust... More sanding...

Step 7 of 22

Black Primer. "Rust Converter" Formula.

Step 8 of 22

FLAT Black Paint. The reason for picking Flat Black is because it hides imperfections very well and it can be re-touched in the future and it blends in so well that you can't see it.

Step 9 of 22

The Frame -- painted a Manly "Stealth Black". (Flat Black). I painted the Fork and Stem's hardware because it was pretty rusted but still usable. I cleaned and re-greased the bearings.

Step 10 of 22

I really dig the Stealth Black! :)

Step 11 of 22

I used sturdy Coat Hangers to hang the bike for painting.

Step 12 of 22

Almost finished. At this point, still waiting for the Seat Post and Handlebar Gel Tape I ordered. I think I'm going to strip the paint from the Pedals to make them match the aluminum crank and rims.

Step 13 of 22

The Bullhorn Handlebar is the Chopped Dropdown that came with the Bike.

Step 14 of 22

I put Two layers of Gel Tape on the handlebar to make it more comfortable since I don't like wearing gloves. The Bullhorn is shorter than the original so one pack was enough for the double layer.

Step 15 of 22

$Finished! That's a Zimbale Leather Saddle. At around $80, it's a fraction of the price of a Brooks Swallow - $400 - ouch! If you haven't ridden a Leather Saddle, read up on it at SheldonBrown.com$

Finished! That's a Zimbale Leather Saddle. At around $80, it's a fraction of the price of a Brooks Swallow - $400 - ouch! If you haven't ridden a Leather Saddle, read up on it at SheldonBrown.com

Step 16 of 22

I like the contrast between the Black and the Aluminum. :)

Step 17 of 22

I installed a new Mountain Bike handlebar. I really like these grips because they have screws that keep them in place. For me, these are much more comfortable than the bullhorn...

Step 18 of 22

Yes, I have front and rear brakes because I have bad knees that can't take the pounding of skid stops... :/ I stripped the black paint off the pedals, which was way too much work!

Step 19 of 22

The saddle was originally Black, but it was showing it's age...

Step 20 of 22

I dyed it using Black Acrylic Paint from Walmart's hobby section. I mixed 1:1 with water. The paint was too thick straight from the bottle. It came out pretty good and hasn't peeled or faded.

Step 21 of 22