What's the absolute minimum I'd have to pay to build a fixie / track bike?

Question

Already have a road bike frame, seat, pedals, etc.

What basic parts do I need?

How much do each of those parts cost?

Answer 1

The long answer to your question is at Sheldon Brown's website.  Sheldon Brown is the quintessential source.

I'm assuming you are talking about converting a road bike with 126mm rear spacing.  If you have a relatively newer frame with 130 spacing, there are kits out there to do so.  An IRO build kit costs from $125 to $249.

If you just want a single speed, take off the derailleurs and shorten the chain to connect the chainring you want with the cog on the freewheel that gives you a good chainline.

As to making it a fixie, It's hard to say how much it would cost as it's not just a matter of parts.  At the very least, you will need to get a track cog and a lock ring (about $30).  This means that your chain line is going to be way off, so you will have to adjust the spacers on your rear hub and then redish the wheel.  You may also end up buying a new crank/chainring to get a good ratio for street riding.

I was going to build a fixie from a road bike, and I figured that for what I was going to spend on parts, it was actually cheaper for me to buy the Surly Steamroller I got for $630.

Answer 2

It's not "fixie" it's "fixed gear". d**n hipsters

http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/

Answer 3

Nothing (But you would need a free bike to strip down).

You need frame/fork/headset, crank, single large chainring, wheels, seatpost, seat, stem, chain, single small cog at back (not a freewheel), pedals, tires/tubes (or preferably tubulars).

You don't need derailleur, gear levers, brakes.

See the link.