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Flip flop hub max cog difference

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Old 05-14-15, 11:01 AM
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vegematarian
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Flip flop hub max cog difference

What would be the maximum size difference in cogs that could be used for each side? i.e. if I'm using a 19t on the freewheel, what's the lowest cog size I can go on the flip side that would work with the chain/dropout?
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Old 05-14-15, 11:05 AM
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Depends on the length of your track ends.
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Old 05-14-15, 11:06 AM
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That depends on the length of your dropout and where the axle sits in the dropout currently. I usually say 2 teeth but if the axle is in the middle that will effect how much tension you can take up.
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Old 05-14-15, 11:07 AM
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Depends on your current chain length, (where your axle sits now) and the length of your dropout slots.

*** Every tooth added or subtracted will move the axle 1/8th inch.
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Old 05-14-15, 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by vegematarian
What would be the maximum size difference in cogs that could be used for each side? i.e. if I'm using a 19t on the freewheel, what's the lowest cog size I can go on the flip side that would work with the chain/dropout?
For each tooth added or subtracted the rear wheel axle moves approximately 1/8" in the dropouts, so you should be able to figure this out.
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Old 05-14-15, 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by TejanoTrackie
For each tooth added or subtracted the rear wheel axle moves approximately 1/8" in the dropouts, so you should be able to figure this out.

thanks
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Old 05-14-15, 12:04 PM
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Your axle will move forward or back about 1/8" for each tooth added or subtracted.
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Old 05-14-15, 12:19 PM
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According to the late Sheldon, run them the same or with 1-2 teeth difference. Typically I run a 16t freewheel opposite of a 17t fixed cog. That will allow you to use the same chain and let your track ends take up the slack.
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Old 05-14-15, 02:09 PM
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I'm squeaking by running an 18t slammed and can get a 14t at the end, like others have said, it all depends on the length of your dropouts.
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Old 05-14-15, 04:11 PM
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I have cross check built as fixed/fixed and I have 17 and 20 cogs.
with 38 in front - 17 is slammed all the way back and 20 is close to opening
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Old 05-14-15, 07:00 PM
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I would recommend staying within 2 teeth difference. And if you're running single speed instead of fixed, then it's not just the track end length that matters, but also your brake pad alignment.

IMHO, if you need single speed/fixed gear with more than two teeth difference then what you really need is A) a geared bike or B) another singlespeed/fixed gear bike
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Old 05-14-15, 07:07 PM
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or a double dingle

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Old 05-14-15, 07:15 PM
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The last step (pop open a brew) is the most important one.
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Originally Posted by Dcv
I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
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Old 05-14-15, 07:19 PM
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guy dropped the ball on that one though, he has 4 bottle openers he couldve used on that rear axle alone
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Old 05-14-15, 07:36 PM
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If you use some creativity, you can have a very large difference in the number of teeth on your cogs. The solution is to have two chainrings up front with same tooth differential. Move your chain front and back and your rear wheel stays in the same place. This concept is the principle behind the Surly Dingle . You would be using your flip-flop hub in the rear instead of the Dingle. Here is video showing the system.
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