After being unsuccessful in trying to find a fixed gear bike I liked, I decided to buy an old bike online with the intention to restore it, the way I wanted it. I bought this bike of for £30.

Step 1: Buying Parts

Here is where you need to decide what parts are needed to restore the bike. The bike was in fairly good condition so in this case I didn't need to buy many parts.

Items I bought:

- Drop Bar Handle Bars

- Handle Bars Tape

- Black Chain

Step 2: Materials/Tools Needed

- Masking Tape

- Plastic Sheet

- Paper/Newspaper

-Black Electrical Tape

- Sand Paper

-Steel wool

- Primer Spray Paint

- Black Spray Paint (or colour of your choice)

- Clear Sprat Paint

- Paint Remover

- I used Nitromors Paint Stripper, however you can use something similar if you are unable to get this, however I can say from previous experience, I found that this product has the best out comes.

Step 3: Break Down the Bike

First off all you need to break down the bike completely. Take off any part that can be removed so that you are left with just the frame. Put all the parts to one side.

Once you are left with just the frame, remove the front forks from the bike, keeping all parts such as the ball bearing in a safe place.

Feel free to document this process via photographs, written notes etc, it will make the assembly part run a lot smoother!

Step 4: Removing the Paint

Next you need to remove all the paint. To do so, ensure the frame is first cleaned. Then apply the Nitromors. Apply a thick coat with the brush, using a dabbing motion (DO NOT BRUSH ON). After about 5/10 minutes you should see the paint starting to blister. When this happens, apply the second coat, working the Nitromors into the blistered paint. Now wait for around 20 minutes.

If the paint is still not blistered enough, apply a third coat. Once finished, removed the blistered paint with a scraping knife, or something to that effect. Once the majority of the paint is removed, rub the frame down with the steel wool. Now allow to dry.

Next, you have to sand down the remaining paint, using wet&dry sandpaper. Remember it is not necessary to remove every single bit of paint, however the more paint you remove, the better the finished paint job will be. Start off using sand paper with a grit of around 80, moving down to around a 1200-grit.

Step 5: Prep the Bike for Spraying

Once you are happy with the frame, its time to start the preparation for spraying. To save time, I chose to leave the crank set on, however you can remove it if you desire.

Its now time to tape of any parts that you do not wish to be painted. There is special tape for this, however masking tape will do the job just fine. Tape of any holes expecting screws, bearing etc. Also, if you do decide to leave the crank set on, you will need to tape this off as well.

For spraying you need to be in a well ventilated room. Try to avoid spraying outside if possible as there is a risk of wind blowing dirt onto the newly sprayed frame.

To prevent spraying the whole room, put a plastic sheet, or something similar behind where you're spraying, to protect the walls.

Step 6: Start Spraying

First, make sure the frame is clean of any dust or dirt. Then begin spraying with Primer. Apply in long fast movement, and try not to focus on one part for too long, as it may result in the paint pooling. To avoid this, apply lots of light layers, instead of 2 or 3 heavy layers. Allow for drying between the layers.

After the final priming layer, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.

Next, you need to apply the final colour, in this case, I chose black. Apply the paint in the same way as before, watch out for pooling.

Once you've finished painting, again leave it for 24 hours to fully set.

If you wish to add decals, now is the time to add them.

Once you are happy with the frame, you will need to spray it will a clear coat. This will help prevent the frame from rusting, and the paint from chipping. Just like before, spray lots of light layers instead of a few heavy ones. Once you have finished leave it to dry for 24 hours plus.

Step 7: Assembly

Now is the time to assemble to bike back together. Take your time and make sure you assemble it exactly how you disassembled it, to avoid any unwanted complications.

Step 8: Finished

I took it for a couple test rides, and it rides great! I do need to make some adjustments to the chain as it was a little slack, however I'm very happy with the outcome!

Thanks for reading!