fixed gear cheapie

ghostpedal said:

I know this has probably been answered many times before, but to make a budget fixie out of a bike with a screw on freewheel, couldn't I:
1. remove one of the front chain rings
2. remove freewheel
3. use spacers and track ring on threads for freewheel to line up cog with remaining front chainring to get good chainline
This way, I wouldn't have to respace the hub or redish the wheel. I want to try this before I spend more $$ to ensure I like riding fixed. Any opinions?

1. Actually don't even have to do that (you could have two rings but only use one), but if you do you'll need some washers or single-ring bolts because the chainring bolts will be too long.
2. Yes, must remove freewheel.
3. There's not enough room on the freewheel threads to use any spacers. There's BARELY enough for one track cog and a lockring. You can have crappy dish and crappy chainline if you want - probably ruin your drivetrain but what the hell.

That is how I do it. I just find an offset chainring or use spacers on the cranks to move the chainring inboard, because there is not really room for spacers on the hub. Total cost of most of my conversions ranges from nothing to 15 bucks to pay for a freewheel. Track cogs work just as well, but you need a little more offset on the chainring. I should start charging someday.

Thank you both for your help. I just have a cheap fixie that I want to get on the road and experience. If I like it, it will time to build a nicer one.

Good on ya