Vertical to Track end 'dropouts'

[MacGyver]

I have a '94 GT Karakoram that I've converted into a fixed gear singlespeed commuter bike, except for track end dropouts on the frame. I've gotten a couple gearing combinations to work with the fixed chainstay length, but there always is a slight bit of slack in the chain which makes it a bit annoying.

Anyway, I've seen where I can order some track ends and I've read that they can be brazed on or welded in place of the vertical dropouts already on the frame once they're removed. My question is, does anyone know if this is a process that any welding shop could do or do I have to go to a bicycle-specific framebuilding/welding shop? Welding shops (car, motorcycle, truck) are a plenty around here, but bicycle frame shops are not. Basically the way of thinking around here is "if it doesn't have an engine, its wrong." I think it could be done in an auto/motorcycle welding shop, but I'm not sure they would have the equipment to get the track ends lined up accurately.

If it requires a bike frame shop, anyone know of a place that'll do it if I ship my frame out to them?
Thanks!

[wooglin]

Run a web search for Spicer bikes. They can do the dropouts for you, but probably a better alternative is to get them to put an eccentric bb on there (which they do all the time). Cost is ca. $100, plus you'll have to get the frame repainted.

[Lane]

The old karakoram frame is steel so your new dropouts can be brazed on. Any competent welder should be able to take care of that for you. Just make sure that they don't overheat the stays when they're doing it. (makes em brittle). Another option you might want to consider is doing it yourself. You can pick up a brazing kit (oxy/mapp gas)at any hardware store. Look around the web for info on brazing. Check out www.henryjames.com for instructions to install the drops. Or go to your local library and try to find a book on brazing bike frames. Talbot/Paterik
Once you have a vague idea on how to braze, go to the dump, find an old trashed frame and practice. It dosen't take long until you can competently tack up a frame or do small jobs on one.

[riderx]

Dude, you're MacGyver, can't you do this yourself with a swiss army knife and some bubble gum?

Seriously though, the above advice works. You might also conact Vulturecycles.com - he can do dropouts or retro-fit your frame with an eccentric BB.

[MacGyver]

Originally posted by riderx
Dude, you're MacGyver, can't you do this yourself with a swiss army knife and some bubble gum?

I s'pose I could...I'm already running a macgyver'd fixed gear hub I hacked together for the time being. I've had some experience welding/brazing, but my skills and knowledge are such that I know just enough to be dangerous. With a little more practice, I may be able to pull it off myself though.

All the information has been great! I appreciate it, thanks all!

[riderx]

MacGyver -

I just noticed your are in MD. There is a guy in Reisterstown, MD that can do this for you. Holland Cycles, check the yellow pages. He's done some work for my friends and they have nothing but great things to say about what he does. One guy just had him replace a dented downtube on his Fat Chance. You can drive it to him and avoid shipping charges and worrying about UPS running it over w/ a truck.