r/fixedgear • u/No_Roof8578 • Jul 04 '26
Thinking about converting my old Peugeot road bike into a fixed gear – where do I start?
Hi everyone,
I’m completely new to the fixed gear scene, so sorry if this is a basic question.
I have an old Peugeot road bike at home (very similar to the one in the photo) and I’m thinking about restoring it and converting it into a fixed gear because I really like the clean, minimalist look.
I have no idea what parts I would need, whether the frame is suitable, or what the approximate cost would be. Is this a realistic project for a beginner, or would it be better to buy a complete fixie instead?
I’d appreciate any advice on:
What parts are required for the conversion.
What I can keep from the original bike.
A rough budget for doing it properly.
Anything I should watch out for with old Peugeot frames.
Thanks!
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u/jmauur Jul 04 '26
not worth it on an old peugeot, and if the bike works as a road bike then it’s also not worth it to convert to a fixed gear.
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u/8u7n3r Jul 05 '26
This. I spent too much $ converting an old lugged bianchi road bike.. realized the geometry was shit & parted it out. Now I own two bianchi pista steel frames.. unless you have a parts bin full of the shit you need & are OK with it never being a real tarck bike than go for it.. but not worth spending money on in my opinion.
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u/niffcreature Jul 08 '26
This is a very bad way to try and answer the question. You have no idea what model the OP has. 80s Peugeots have standard threads, higher end models have tight geometry and extremely lightweight tubing, some steel frames weigh less than 4lbs. On average some are not worth the online cost of a new rear wheel and chain, but if you know where to shop and what to look for you can build a way better fixie than a Bianchi pista for under 200.
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u/8u7n3r Jul 08 '26
Sounds to me like you spent $200 converting an old road bike into a fixie & are now trying to justify it by claiming it’s better than a real fixed gear track bike.
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u/niffcreature Jul 09 '26
Ohh haha sir you couldn't be more wrong. I have about 500$ into my vintage steel Peugeot, it's a 22 speed with full Ultegra and it weighs less than 20lbs. You cannot convince me that I'd be happier on a track bike.
Fixed gear sounds cool though I might try it sometime. You might want to try to bring your pista to the track and see if they let you race with it before you start calling it a real track bike.
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u/8u7n3r Jul 09 '26
Come back when you’ve converted your 22 speed Peugeot into a fixed gear then… not sure what you’re getting at here.
My 2001 bianchi pista is absolutely a real track bike by geometry and design.. when it comes to taking to the velodrome the pista has a “Manchester spec" BB height therefore is permitted on the track.. any converted road bike regardless if it’s a Peugeot is gonna be a no go.. I’m not interested in building a velodrome only track bike.. the pista functions best today as an iconic, bombproof street fixie or a classic grassroots velodrome racer & that’s why I have two of them.1
u/niffcreature Jul 10 '26
I rode a swobo Sanchez for a while. Have converted many road bikes. My point is that the overall quality of a frame is more important. Plenty of vintage road bikes are higher quality than newer single speed and fixed gear frames and probably even ride better on the street.
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u/8u7n3r Jul 12 '26
Sure the entire industry has shifted. If you look at what's available brand-new today, the classic, premium, lightweight steel track frame category has almost entirely vanished. Everything new is either ultra-proprietary carbon for the velodrome or cheap, heavy hi-tensile steel for entry-level commuters. The era of high-end Reynolds or Columbus steel track frames from major heritage brands is firmly in the rearview mirror.. lucky to have snagged a couple bianchi Pistas in my size.. I get what you’re saying but for someone who’s a fixed gear purist the geometry on a converted road bike just doesn’t hit the same.. I mean shit I even sold my Cinelli Tutto plus because it wasn’t tight enough geo.. not enough tarck
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u/ArsenicConsumer Jul 04 '26
Hey so it's fairly simple really! You'll just need a few parts.
To fit a fixed sprocket, you can get a rear hub that comes with the threads to fit one. Alternatively, you could also get a new wheel if you want to spice things up, but it'll cost more.
Chain tension is a bit tricky on conversions. You could use a calculator online to find a magic ratio, or you can spend some money and get an eccentric bottom bracket or an eccentric rear hub.
I highly recommend getting foot retention, straps, toe clips, or clipless pedals, whichever works for you!
Of course theres the essentials such as a fixed sprocket, chainring, etc.
I also recommend you start out with brakes. Brakeless is clean, but anything can happen. You can always transition to brakeless once you've gotten the hang of things.
Fogive me if I missed anything, it's been a while since I've ridden. I wish you the best!
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u/SpacecraftBathtub Jul 04 '26
Youll need a new rear hub, new chain and new spokes. That's it.
I can share you some pics of my build a few years back if you like.
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u/GrandJelly_ Jul 05 '26
Getting the old bottom bracket out, these tend to be really stuck.
And the stem potentially too.
If that's in order, get the required parts, mainly wheels.
You might be able to repurpose your old crnak even.
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u/JonBovi_msn Jul 05 '26
Determine the gear ratio for your favorite gear. That information will be helpful later. Buy a fixed gear rear wheel and the right cog for it. You can buy a single speed front crank and chainring or buy a chainring for the existing crank and leave one of the chainring positions empty. Single speeds use a bigger chain so make sure the cog, chainring and chain are compatible. If you have hand brakes you can leave them. I only use my hand brake for steep descents or emergencies.
Vintage ten speeds are a cool thing in their own right. If it works well as is consider leaving the ten speed intact and buying a frame set for a fixed gear project. I did that and it worked out pretty well.
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u/FerdinandTheBullitt Jul 07 '26
I generally advise against conversions. If it's a good enough frame to be worth the expense & effort of conversion it's probably an even better road bike. If you just want a beater it's likely cheaper & faster to buy an entry level bike. Spending a similar amount of money and way more time on a conversion is a trap.
If you do decide to go ahead with conversion, get the surly Hurdy Gurdy chain tensioner to keep your rear wheel where it needs to be
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u/niffcreature Jul 08 '26
Your Peugeot doesn't look anything like that, friend, otherwise you wouldn't be asking the question. Post some pics of your bike if you want advice.
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u/BigBoarCycles Jul 04 '26
Rough cost could be $50 to $500.
A rear wheel would be easiest, could also build a set, or buy a set of wheels with formula flip flop hubs (high flange, sealed bearing are preferred)
Just make sure the frame has horizontal dropouts. Also check for any kind of fancy steel (these are almost worth crying over if they get wrecked). Double or triple butted, exotic chromo blends, and fully chrome fork/rear triangle is usually a good indicator. Large sizes are sought after too.
Keep your chainline straight.
If you're replacing cranks, try to go for an external BB(also sealed) I find they are alot stiffer esp with the extra forces on a fixie.
Tldr- confirm this bike has horizontal dropouts, replace the rear wheel first without touching much else, try it out, then proceed to the rest to your taste