Converting a fixed to singlespeed

gmb · November 2013

Hi,

Not sure where I should have posted this with it not technically being a road bike (although it is a bike I use on the road...)

I have an On One Pompino which is currently fixed gear (40 X 20), however I want to convert it to singlespeed for my winter commutes.

The bike came with a Weinman flip/flop rear wheel.

What components will I need. I've been Google-ing but am not very technically minded I'm afraid.

Thanks for any help.

Ben6899 · November 2013

If you have a flip-flop rear wheel, just swap it over in the dropouts. And fix a brake.

Or am I missing something?

craker · November 2013

So there's a fixed 20 tooth cog on one side of the hub, what's on the other side?

You'll be wanting to buy a 20 tooth freewheel, eg http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shimano-20-tooth-freewheel-x1/dp/B001GSSIJ0 I presume :oops: it's a standard thread.

gmb · November 2013

craker wrote:

So there's a fixed 20 tooth cog on one side of the hub, what's on the other side?

There's nothing on the other side save for some screw threads.

So I need the cog you've suggested and some form of lock ring?

Thanks - sorry if it seems obvious but I'm a total novice when it comes to this.

craker · November 2013

I don't know as I've never done it but I did google this

-http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-189578.html

I have a flip flob hub which is fixed gear on one side. I want to install a freewheel on the other side. Is there a particular way to go about doing this? For example, do I need to use any special tools to install it (or to remove the freewheel later on). Since the bike has track ends, do have to adjust the spacing to make sure the chainline is straight or can I use the same spacing as I do for the fixed cog (the idea being that the freewheel is wider than the fixed cog).

No tools are required to install a freewheel, just screw it on. What you need the tool for is to remove the freewheel 'cause when you try to unscrew it the ratchet will just spin around.

It would be prudent to put a bit of grease on the threads before screwing the freewheel on.

Singlespeed freewheels generally give pretty much the same chainline as normally installed track sprockets.

keef66 · November 2013

I'd recommend copperslip on the threads when installing a freewheel. One day when you're trying to unscrew it after several winters you'll be glad you did.

redvee · November 2013

craker wrote:

So there's a fixed 20 tooth cog on one side of the hub, what's on the other side?

You'll be wanting to buy a 20 tooth freewheel, eg http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shimano-20-tooth-freewheel-x1/dp/B001GSSIJ0 I presume :oops: it's a standard thread.

Have you seen the price? :shock: :shock: Go for a Shimano MX30 freewheel.

All the OP will need is Shimano MX30 freewheel or White Industries freewheel and a rear brake if not already fitted.

gmb · November 2013

Hi,

Thanks for all the advice.

I decided to go for a cheap freewheel in the end just in the short term (I know I will need a vice to take it off!):-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/270958413194? ... 1497.l2649

If I get along with singlespeed I'll buy a better freewheel later.

The bike it's going on does have a rear brake:-

Thanks again

marcusjb · November 2013

40/20 - where do you live?

I certainly couldn't ride that down a hill on fixed!

moonshine · November 2013

you don't need a lockring on a freewheel - it is the backpedal action of a fixed that can unscrew the fixed sprocket -
You will need the right freewheel tool to install and remove the single speed freewheel.

Converting a fixed to singlespeed

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