The Story of a Fixed Gear Bicycle

Five weeks ago I went to the Chesapeake Bay for the 4th of July and I saw an old road bike, a Fuji del Rey, in the garage. “Wtf?” I said. “From where did this bike come?” (That’s right, I don’t even dangle my prepositions on vacation). My step-dad had stolen it bought it for $40 at a church’s silent auction, but it ended up being not for what he was looking. I looked up the serial number stamped under the bottom bracket and it turned out to be from 1984. Of course I couldn’t just let it sit there, all unloved and vintage. “Up with this I will not put,” I thought (what did I tell you?). I liberated the bike of superfluous parts like brakes, dreailleurs, and a ridiculous seat, and shipped it to Phat Tire in Bentonville, AR. They “hooked it up,” as it were, with a wheelset with fixed rear hub and a spiffy new saddle, and I picked it up last weekend. (click for larger images)

Former 12-speed. The boys at Phat Tire took care of that:

Parts list, for those who are into that kind of thing:

• 1984 Fuji del Rey frame & fork (Original)
• Sugino crankset, 42-tooth cog, 170mm arms (Original)
• Nitto bars & stem (Original)
• Goofy cruiser grips (Original, will be removing shortly)
• Alex rims laced to unknown hubs (New)
• Surly 15-tooth track cog (New)
• Selle San Marco Regal saddle (New)
• Time ATAC Alium pedals (New)

Loving this bike. Simple to maintain and a blast to ride. If you ever get a chance to ride a fixed gear bike, try it, it’s very different and very fun. For more information on the what & why of fixed gear, visit the all-knowing Sheldon Brown.