Are you tired of the constant pedaling required with a fixed gear bike? Do you dream of coasting effortlessly down hills without having to worry about keeping up with the pedals? Converting your fixed gear to a freewheel may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
In this how-to guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make the conversion from fixed gear to freewheel, providing you with a smoother and more versatile riding experience.
From removing the fixed gear cog to installing a freewheel hub, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully make the switch. So grab your tools and get ready to unlock a new level of freedom on your bike!
Tools You Will Need
Converting a fixed gear to a freewheel requires a few specific tools to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently. Here is a list of tools you will need:
Main Tools:
| Chain whip | To hold the sprocket in place while removing the lockring. |
| Lockring tool | To remove the lockring that secures the fixed gear cog in place. |
| Adjustable wrench | To loosen and tighten nuts and bolts. |
Removing the Fixed Gear
1. Start by loosening the lockring with a lockring tool. Turn counterclockwise to remove it completely.
2. Use a chain whip tool to hold the cog in place while you unscrew the fixed gear cog in a clockwise direction.
3. Once the cog is removed, take off any spacers or washers that may be present on the hub.
4. Inspect the hub threads to ensure they are clean and in good condition before proceeding.
5. Install the freewheel onto the hub in the desired position and tighten it securely with a freewheel remover tool.
6. Replace the spacers and lockring, ensuring they are properly aligned and tightened to prevent any issues.
7. Test the newly converted freewheel setup to ensure it is working smoothly before taking your bike out for a ride.
Installing the Freewheel
To install the freewheel on your fixed gear bike, you will need a freewheel remover tool, a wrench, and some grease. Start by removing the lockring on the fixed gear side of the hub using the freewheel remover tool. Once the lockring is off, thread the freewheel onto the hub in a clockwise direction, making sure it is properly aligned.
Securing the Freewheel
Use the lockring that came with the freewheel to secure it in place. Tighten the lockring using the freewheel remover tool and a wrench to ensure it is secure. Apply a small amount of grease to the threads of the freewheel before installation to prevent it from seizing up in the future.
Adjusting Chain Tension
To adjust the chain tension on your fixed gear bike when converting it to a freewheel, you will need to loosen the rear wheel nuts or bolts. Be sure to have the correct tools on hand before starting this process.
Step 1: Loosen the Rear Wheel Nuts
- Using a wrench, loosen the nuts or bolts on both sides of the rear wheel.
- Make sure not to completely remove them, just enough to allow the wheel to move back and forth.
Step 2: Adjust Chain Tension
- With the wheel slightly loose, move it back or forth to adjust the tension of the chain.
- Ensure the chain is not too tight or too loose, as it can affect the performance of your bike.
- Once you have achieved the desired tension, tighten the rear wheel nuts or bolts back to secure the wheel in place.
It is important to check the chain tension periodically to ensure a smooth and efficient ride on your newly converted freewheel fixed gear bike.
Testing the Freewheel
Before taking your converted fixed gear bike out for a ride with the new freewheel, it’s important to test it to ensure that everything is working properly. Here’s how you can test the freewheel:
1. Spin the Cranks
With the bike raised off the ground, spin the cranks to see if the freewheel engages correctly. You should hear a clicking sound as the freewheel spins freely in one direction but locks up in the other.
| Action | Expected Result |
| Spin the cranks forward | Freewheel engages and spins freely |
| Spin the cranks backward | Freewheel locks up and prevents the cranks from rotating |
2. Test Ride
Take your bike for a test ride to make sure that the freewheel functions properly while in motion. Start slowly and gradually pick up speed to observe how the freewheel responds to changes in pedaling speed and direction. If you encounter any issues, such as skipping or slipping, stop immediately and assess the problem before continuing.
Replacing Necessary Components
To convert your fixed gear bike to a freewheel, you will need to replace several key components. Here is a list of the components you will need to replace:
1. Rear cog: Remove the fixed gear cog and replace it with a freewheel cog.
2. Lockring: Swap out the lockring used to secure the fixed gear cog with a new lockring that will keep the freewheel cog in place.
3. Chain: You may need to adjust the length of your chain to accommodate the new freewheel cog.
4. Rear wheel: Depending on the type of hub you have, you may need to replace the entire rear wheel to fit the freewheel cog.
5. Freewheel hub: Install a freewheel hub if your current hub is not compatible with a freewheel cog.
By replacing these necessary components, you will successfully convert your fixed gear bike to a freewheel, giving you the option to coast while riding.
Adjusting Brake System
To convert a fixed gear bike to freewheel, it’s crucial to ensure the brake system is adjusted properly to guarantee safe riding. Follow these steps to adjust your brake system:
1. Check Your Brake Pads: Make sure your brake pads are in good condition and have enough grip left. If they are worn out, replace them with new ones.
2. Adjust Brake Tension: Use the barrel adjuster on your brake caliper to adjust the tension of the brakes. Tighten or loosen the tension depending on how much stopping power you need.
3. Center Your Brake Calipers: Make sure the brake calipers are centered over the rim before adjusting the brake pads. Use the centering screw to align them properly.
4. Align Your Brake Pads: Position your brake pads so they make even contact with the rim when engaged. Adjust the angle and height of the pads as needed.
5. Test Your Brakes: Before riding, test your brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly. Make any final adjustments if necessary to guarantee optimal braking performance.
Ensuring Smooth Shifting
When converting a fixed gear to a freewheel setup, it’s crucial to ensure smooth shifting between gears for optimal performance. Here are some key steps to follow:
- Check the chain tension to make sure it is properly adjusted. A loose chain can cause skipping or slipping during shifting.
- Inspect the chainring and rear sprocket for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn components to prevent issues with shifting.
- Ensure that the derailleur hanger is aligned correctly to prevent misalignment and poor shifting performance.
- Use high-quality lubricant on the chain and moving parts to reduce friction and promote smooth shifting.
- Test the shifting by riding the bike and adjusting the cable tension as needed for precise and seamless transitions between gears.
Fine-Tuning the Gear Ratio
One crucial aspect to consider when converting your fixed gear bike to a freewheel is the gear ratio. This refers to the relationship between the number of teeth on the front chainring and the rear cog. Fine-tuning the gear ratio can greatly impact your riding experience, including speed, acceleration, and overall comfort.
To optimize your gear ratio, you may need to experiment with different combinations of chainrings and cogs. A higher gear ratio will provide more resistance, making it ideal for flat terrain and high-speed riding. On the other hand, a lower gear ratio will offer easier pedaling, making it suitable for hilly terrain or city commuting.
Consider your riding style, terrain, and personal preferences when adjusting the gear ratio. Take the time to test out different combinations to find the perfect balance between effort and efficiency. Remember, the right gear ratio can make a significant difference in your cycling performance and enjoyment.
Checking for Proper Alignment
Before converting your fixed gear to a freewheel, it is essential to check for proper alignment to ensure smooth functioning and prevent any potential issues down the road.
Step 1: Inspect Chain Tension
Start by checking the tension of the chain on your fixed gear bike. The chain should be straight and not too loose or too tight. Adjust the tension if needed to ensure proper alignment.
Step 2: Check Chainring and Cog Alignment
Next, verify that the chainring and cog are aligned correctly. They should be parallel to each other and in line with the chain. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper alignment before proceeding with the conversion.
Final Safety Inspection
1. Check all Bolts and Screws
Make sure all bolts and screws are tightened securely to prevent any parts from coming loose while riding.
2. Test the Freewheel Mechanism
Ensure that the freewheel mechanism is functioning properly and smoothly. Test it by spinning the cranks backwards while the bike is stationary to make sure there are no issues.
Enjoying the Benefits of Freewheel Riding
Freewheel riding allows for greater versatility and ease of use when navigating various terrains and road conditions. With the ability to coast and pedal at your own pace, you can enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable cycling experience.
Increased Control
Having the option to freewheel gives you more control over your speed and movement. You can easily adjust your pace and effortlessly glide over bumps and obstacles in the road without having to constantly pedal.
Reduced Strain
Freewheeling helps to reduce strain on your legs and joints, especially on long rides or steep inclines. By allowing your muscles to rest periodically, you can prolong your endurance and overall cycling enjoyment.