Fixed Wheelset on Standard Frame

Jaeger
Jaeger Posts: 439
edited March 2009 in Workshop
Does a fixed wheelset have the same axel width as a standard geared wheelset?

Assuming you can tension the chain correctly, will a fixed rear wheel fit a conversion project from geared to fixed/SS?

Cheers, Ben

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Fixed / track wheels are generally 120mm OLN whereas geared / road hubs are 130mm and MTB 135mm. Some fixed/track hubs have longer axles you can fit spacers to fit - depending on the model - try Velosolo.co.uk
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    I should have added that with a steel or titanium frame, you can 'pull' the drop outs in and rely on the natural springiness of the material - don't try this with aluminium or carbon!
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Jaeger
    Jaeger Posts: 439
    Yeah, not sure my alu stays could handle a 10mm deflection! :shock:

    Will go with a SS conversion kit to space out the sprocket out an standard wheel. Hoping to do away with the tensioner though by using a half link chain to tension it more precisely.

    Anyone got any experience doing this? Does using a half link chain provide enough adjustment to get the tension right or will I still get 'chain-off' problems?
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    I wouldn't bother trying unless your frame has horizantal dropouts. You can't use a tensioner with a fixed wheel and using half links won't be accurate enough. If the frame has vertical dropouts the only sensible answer is singlespeed and use a tensioner unfortunately.
  • Jaeger
    Jaeger Posts: 439
    Yeah, that's what I thought. Unless it happens to be a complete fluke and fits..... (no chance!) :D
  • pete.whelan
    pete.whelan Posts: 788
    Get an ENO hub, it works for vertical dropouts. The axle is set within an eccentric to adjust chain tension. Probably able to get it in various widths
    Recipe: shave legs sparingly, rub in embrocation and drizzle with freshly squeezed baby oil.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    I forgot the White Bros ENO hub - available in 130mm from Hubjub for the princely sum of £110. The axle turns in an eccentic so provides about 15mm of adjustment, enough to accommodate chain slack.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    eno hub, or hubjub has the eccentric BB fitting so you can do it for marginally less.

    For the cheapest conversion, a surly fixator on your current wheels and the eccentric BB thingy, with a half link you should have enough adjustment, and you 'll be able to run fixed with vertical dropouts.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • Nelson Longflap
    Nelson Longflap Posts: 129
    The ultimate bodge, of course, is to take a Dremel to the dropouts and carefully remove about 5mm of steel (giving you a bit of fore and aft axle adjustment) and combine with a half link. I did this to my pub bike, and it's been fine.

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