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Questions and answers about sports

Is it ok to use fixed gear threads for a freewheel?

5 min read

Asked by: Maikeru Moncriffe

A freewheel can be installed on a fixed-gear hub, but it won’t fully thread onto the hub because fixed-gear hubs have “stepped-down” threading. Thus, 50% of the freewheel won’t be supported.

Can you put a fixed gear on a freewheel hub?

You can just use the freewheel on the large thread on the fixed side. It’s the same size, and just as durable as the freewheel side, for normal people. So just unscrew the lockring and cog, and put on a standard freewheel of your choice.

What thread is a freewheel?

1.375 x 24 TPI

The standard ISO threading for freewheels is 1.375 x 24 TPI, the same as for standard ISO bottom brackets.

Which is better freewheel or fixed?

Perhaps most importantly, a fixed gear bicycle lets you ride backwards. On a freewheel, if you pedal backwards, nothing happens. On a fixed gear bicycle, if you pedal backwards (from a standstill), you’ll go backwards. Again, not so useful in traffic, but fun tricks to work on.

Are freewheels reverse threaded?

Freewheels are not reverse threaded. They screw onto the rear hub in a clockwise direction. The reason for the thread direction is security. When you pedal forward, the rear cogs rotate clockwise and thus tighten the freewheel onto the hub even more.

Can I turn my bike into a fixie?


Quote from video: You're going to need what are called horizontal dropouts getting the proper chain tension that you need for a fixed gear is really difficult with vertical dropouts.

Can you use a cassette hub for a fixie?

Hubs for Fixed-gear Bicycles. There are four ways you can go, as far as hubs are concerned. You can use a track hub, a flip-flop hub, a freewheel hub, or a cassette hub.

How many freewheel thread sizes are there?

Freewheels are available in sizes 13T to 28T and in the same two different widths as the cogs (3/32″ and 1/8″).

Are 6 and 7 speed freewheels interchangeable?

If your bike currently has a regular-spaced 6-speed freewheel, you can generally upgrade to 7-speed with little trouble. Since the sprockets are closer together on a 7-speed freewheel, the overall width is only very slightly wider than a regular-spaced 6-speed.

How do I know what size freewheel I need?

Quote from video: On a bike it can be difficult to determine if you have a cassette or free will but this is the simplest way. After you remove the rear wheel from the bike spin the sprockets backwards.

Why do people ride fixies?

LIGHT WEIGHT MAKES TRAVEL EASIER. Less parts also mean less weight. Fixies are easier to carry up a flight of stairs, easier to move along tight hallways, easier to store and essentially more convenient to move around. The reduced weight is also why fixed gear bikes are better for bike racks.

Why do fixies have no brakes?

Fixed gear (or fixie) bikes typically don’t have brakes because they are most commonly used in velodrome competitions. As a result, there is little need to brake or slow the bike down. In a controlled environment like this, speeds are much higher than riders typically achieve on the roads.

Why is a cassette better than freewheel?

A cassette is the modern alternative and has quickly overtaken the freewheel. Cassettes have a series of straight splines that form the mechanical connection between the sprockets and the cassette-compatible hub, which is called a freehub and contains the ratcheting mechanism.

Can you make any bike single speed?

Quote from video: Into a single speed bike in 10 easy steps step number one remove the bicycle chain from your bike. Use a chain tool to do that. Step two remove the shift cables and housings from your bicycle.

Can any bike be converted to single speed?

The cheapest way to convert a multi-speed bicycle into a singlespeed is to use the original rear hub, assuming that it is made for a conventional threaded freewheel. A single BMX freewheel will thread right on.

Can you use a road bike frame for a fixie?

This is made feasible by repurposing outdated road bike frames to build your own unique fixed gear bike. This is normally a less expensive option to buy a fixie bike, but it all relies on the road bike frames you start with and the cost of the components you choose to add.

Can a single speed bike be converted?

It can be done for some frames, but not most. Again, the simplest option is if the bike manufacturer for your bike model already has a single- to multi-speed conversion kit available for your bike model. Some bike manufacturers, for some bike models, have single- to multi-speed conversion kits.

Can you pedal backwards on a fixie?

Yes, that means you can ride forward or backwards while riding fixed; However, that’s only one of the benefits that come with these bikes. Fixed gear bikes are single speed, if you think this is unfortunate, try looking at it from the angle of less is more.

Why are fixies so popular?

A fixed gear drivetrain is kinetically superior to other bicycle drivetrain because there is more direct transfer of energy from the rider to the wheel. This efficiency is the reason why singlespeed bikes are staple in velodrome racing and track racing.

Can you change a fixie to a single speed?

Quote from video: And getting it converted to single speed it's a simple flip of the hub. I get that done. Just need to loosen the left and right axle nuts. And then loosen the chain tensioners.

Can you ride a fixie uphill?

Is it hard to ride a fixie uphill? Yes, it can be hard to ride a fixie uphill. A fixie is a bicycle with no gears, so you must pedal with your feet to move forward. This can be a little bit tricky when you’re trying to ride up a steep climb since your bike will weigh a lot more than when you are riding it downhill.

How do you convert a freewheel to a fixie?

Switching from freewheel to fixed gear – Le’go!

  1. Get your bike on it’s back. …
  2. Remove the rear wheel nuts. …
  3. Take off the chain. …
  4. Spin the wheel around. …
  5. Put the chain on the fixed cog and replace the wheel. …
  6. Screw the rear wheel nuts back on.