Converting a freewheel hub to fixed
I received a gift of some "have a go sessions" at a velodrome. Before I use it I'd like to have a go on a fixed wheel bike, I don't know anyone who could lend me one, so I wondered about a lash-up.
I have sufficient bits hanging around: old frame with working hub, wheels and brakes, chain etc. I don't want to spend anything on this if possible, so i wondered if I can lock up the existing freewheel in the hub? (it doesn't matter if this is a one-way process, the wheel is close to scrap anyway).
Has anyone tried this?
I don't expect 100% reliable or effective, I won't be doing miles, and not on the highway. I just want to get the feel for it.
I have sufficient bits hanging around: old frame with working hub, wheels and brakes, chain etc. I don't want to spend anything on this if possible, so i wondered if I can lock up the existing freewheel in the hub? (it doesn't matter if this is a one-way process, the wheel is close to scrap anyway).
Has anyone tried this?
I don't expect 100% reliable or effective, I won't be doing miles, and not on the highway. I just want to get the feel for it.
The older I get, the better I was.
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It was a bit drastic but it did work. If you really, really wanted to you could wrap a gear or brake cable in similar fashion. All the stress went on my spokes - which showed no ill effects - but I was desperate. If your freehub is working then that should take a lot of the stress. If your wheel is close to scrap then you can't really harm it, can you?
Like it! I can jam it by putting a few screws through if nothing else comes up, didn't think of that route.
Shimano 501 hub BTW. The wheel is my lads old one that has a rim too kinked to fix after an accident, the kink cathes on the rim brakes.
The older I get, the better I was.
The velodrome session is a much safer space in which to try fixed for the first time. The bikes are set up properly and the coach/supervisor will take you through a set of drills to make sure you're safe and confident. If you like it enough then you might consider building a cheap fixie to ride on the roads (with a front brake at least, please), but you need at least either track ends/old-school adjustable dropouts or an eccentric BB to get enough chain tension, and a proper rear wheel with provision for a lock-ring (which won't fit in the 130mm rear spacing of your old frame; that's why most hipster conversions are single-speed, not fixed). You'll also need a front chainring of a) appropriate size and b) 1/2" chain compatibility. You can ride fixed on 3/8" chain, but I wouldn't - the chain certainly wouldn't last very long, I should think.
@964Cup.
Thanks. I can see your reasoning, but I have the time, the bits and some know-how (even a lathe) so I'll have a go.
I realise track bikes have no front brake, but if I have one, i won't be breaking any laws (or by-laws in the local park) and won't be relying on the hub and lack of expertise should I really have to stop.
It's not a build i intend keeping.
The older I get, the better I was.
What keef said. Remember to bring some shower stuff as you'll get pretty sweaty very quickly.
Riding fixed isn't madly different from a regular bike and the velodrome is a far safer environment to learn than a public road.