Hello

[J-Dog]

Hello

Just signed up as I have recently aquired a singled speed, fixed wheel bike and am looking for some advice on how to make it unfixed wheel.

My last bike was a Specialised Crossroads but it got stolen within a week of me getting it which put my off bikes for a few years.

Good day.

 

[PpPete]

Keep the fixed gear - and buy a second bike with gears.

 

[J-Dog]

Can't really afford it and don't have room. Just want one bike so might as well try and sort out the one I have and make it free wheel.

 

[roadiewill]

hello... have fun

 

[Landslide]

Hi J-Dog and

If you want to switch to freewheel you'll need to remove the current (fixed) sprocket. This may be held in place with a lockring, which will look summat like this:

The lockring unscrews in a clockwise direction (reverse-thread). Use a lockring spanner like this:

or just tap it round with a hammer and chisel.

The sprocket then unscrews in an anti-clockwise direction. To unscrew it, use a chain-whip like this one:

You may need to apply a fair bit of force at this stage!

Once the sprocket is off, simply screw on a freewheel in the size of your choice.

 

[J-Dog]

Is that all I have to do? Will get to it. Thanks.

 

[Landslide]

If you're changing the gearing ratio (different number of teeth on the freewheel as compared to the sprocket) then you may need to add or remove a link from your chain, but it shouldn't make to much difference.

 

[J-Dog]

Wasnt planning to change the ratio.

Guess I better count the teeth before I buy a new sprocket. Are they all free wheel unless otherwise stated?

 

[Landslide]

Look for a single-speed freewheel.
"Sprocket" often refers to fixed, but this isn't necessarily a hard and fast rule.

 

[J-Dog]

Would this suffice: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7805

 

[Landslide]

Just the job!

 

[J-Dog]

Cool. Reckon I will probably take it somewhere to get fitted rather than do it myself as I don't have the kit.