How to Convert Your Beach Cruiser Into a Fixie

Fixed-gear or "fixie" bicycles are single-speed, direct-drive bicycles, meaning there is only one gear and the braking power comes from the legs of the rider through the pedals. Fixies are popular because they are mechanically simple; there is very little maintenance; they are light; and riders feel more connected to their bikes and the road. Converting your beach cruiser bike to a fixed-gear is a simple process.

Things You'll Need

  • Fixed-gear rear wheel and hub
  • Hand tools
  • Chain tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the rear wheel from your beach cruiser bike by loosening the axle until it is able to slide out of the dropouts.

    • 2

      Remove the rear derailleur from your bike. Using an Allen wrench, remove the dropout bolt that attaches the derailleur to the frame.

    • 3

      Mount your fixed gear wheel. Slide the axle into the dropouts and tighten the bolts until the wheel is secured to the frame and rotates in a straight light with the rest of your bike.

    • 4

      Your chain will be too long for the fixed gear hub so you will need to shorten it. Make a ballpark estimate of the length of chain you will need by threading the chain on your new hub and the front hub; then count how many links to remove for the chain to be tight.

    • 5

      Use a chain tool to pop the pin out of a link in the chain. Count the number of links you want to remove from one end and pop the pin out of that link.

    • 6

      Line up the shortened chain ends and use the chain tool to replace the pin to secure the chain together. Place the chain back on your bike. If the chain does not have enough tension, remove more links.

    • 7

      Remove extraneous parts from you cruiser bike, including the brake mechanisms. Brakes can be removed with Allen wrenches and screwdrivers.