We build many types of track and road fixed gear wheels as well as provide those on a budget with machine-built fixed wheels for street riding at a decent prices. So, I've had this Surly Fixxxer hub converter sitting in the case for a while. There wasn't really a reason to use it. Until last weekend, when I wanted to convert an old red Nishiki Colorado mountain frame into a fixed gear for street trick riding.
The head mechanic stuck the Fixxxer onto one of our hand-built wheels, Shimano XT rim brake hub laced to a Velocity 26" Deep V, and he finished his coffee while it was still hot. You are probably running disc brakes on your mountain bike. So, put an old rim brake mountain wheels you've been saving to good use.
The Fixxxer retails for around $85.00 + shipping according to clicking around on google. And it is a practical answer to those who want to reuse an old road or mountain wheel in the garage, and convert it to fixed. It works on any Shimano cassette hub except for Silent Clutch of pre-1997 Dura Ace.
You can stick on any track cog or freewheel with ISO standard threads (1.375 x 24 tpi) and English lockring (1.29 x .24 tpi Lefthand). It is best to install the Fixxxer on an exisiting wheel that is laced and ready to go, not an unlaced hub. It comes with spacers, so you can space the hub correctly to fit your frame.
Photos by Wheelgirl: The crumpled, grease-smeared back of the install sheet showing spacing and the Surly Fixxxer installed
If you've not done any hub conversion work, go to a coffee shop. Buy four cups of coffee for the bike shop crew and two waters for those shop employees who believe they are in contact with the spirit world when they drink too much caffeine. Ask to watch the hub conversion process. It is not infant surgery, but it is somewhat technical, and if you don't know what you are doing, you could end up you-know-what over tea kettle in a pile of leaves this fall or worse.
Fixed wheels work on flatish to rolling asphalt pretty well for most determined cyclists. There is a reason that most single-speed mountain riders choose a freewheel over a fixed cog for mountain trail riding. You can't coast or spin your pedals to clear obstacles with a fixed mountain wheel. However, there are cyclists who race and ride fixed mountain bikes. (Of course, now that you know it is difficult and perhaps dangerous, you are most likely thinking to yourself, I am going to have to try that.)
