5 mph

I have an ACS Paws 16 T freewheel on my Bianchi Pista.
I went out for a ride and in the beginning, the freewheel didn't engage randomly. quite frequently .
I thought about turning around but I was excited about riding.
A 1/4 mile later, it started getting better. For 20 miles it was okay. I thought the problem was solved., it was probably a lube thing
and it was maybe 20 degrees in the garage last night)
Then the last 1/4 mile before I got home, it happened again. Nice and warm..
The other thing is at times in the past few months it makes a clanking noise. I always thought it was the slack in my chain, but now I'm thinking
its been my freewheel all along.
How do I get it off if it needs to be replaced? I see eight notches and the tools I see are 4 notches.
I was told that the ACS Crossfire and ACS Paws freewheels use a different tool and I don't want to order the wrong one.

Supercardplayer

I think you should use some degreaser and get the old grease out , Then put some light oil in it that should do the trick. When it is cold out grease and oil start to harden a bit ,causing the system in the freewheel to not work properly.
If all else fails then might consider a new one every thing doesn't last forever, good luck ride safe.

Ymerej

$22 or retro you kinda get what you pay for which in this case is dog ball $h!T. My philwood fixed cog and lock ring has zero and I mean zero issues mounted to philwood single fixed hub. Good luck with $20 parts
have fun😜

Mikefule

8 notches/4 notches. Just asking: does your 4 notch tool fit 4 of those 8 notches? if so, it will work.

A freewheel is a very simple mechanism, and although they are normally perfectly reliable, the pawl can occasionally fail to engage either due to lack of lubrication, or due to some sort of grit/contamination getting in there.

franswa

Fixed cog has no moving parts, hence the name, so I wouldn’t expect there to be any similar
issues the op is having

Rolla

The ACS "clunk" sound is typical, and is also heard on inexpensive Shimano FWs. When you replace it, look into Box or White Industries. Spendy, but better to buy once, cry once.

Get a local shop to remove the 8-notch ACS for you, then buy whatever tool fits the replacement (most likely 4-notch)..

veganbikes

I have two White Industries Freewheels and there is just no substitute for them. They are super high quality, rebuildable, smooth, round and will last for a long long time. If you like engagement or are a bigger rider you can get the Trials freewheel which has more points of engagement and a lovely sound. They also have a double freewheel meaning you have an extra gear you can manually move the chain to.

If you are only going to have one gear you might as well make that drivetrain the best you can.

jay4usc

invest in a white industries freewheel and you will not have this problem.

5 mph

I know. I've looked at them. I ride my Fixed Gear maybe 5 out of 7 days a week. I don't like geared bikes. I will think it over. Box One any good?

Rolla

After years of using White Industries, I'm currently running a Box One 16T on my BMX cruiser and a Box One 17T on my SSCX. Lots of points of engagement, no clanking, and the teeth are showing good longevity so far. The White Industry ones are rebuildable, but replacement parts are nearly as expensive as a replacement unit. I give the nod to White Industries just in terms of overall refinement, but the Box Ones have so far proven themselves worthy.

jay4usc

not sure about Box but I would google reviews for it. I bought white industries bc of its long history as a reputable company. My previous cog was a Wabi deluxe freewheel which was their top of the line and it made a clicking noise (brand new). After receiving my refund I purchased the WI and runs smooth as butter. I ride about 125 miles a week.

veganbikes

Box makes decent stuff but for me White Industries all the way. They are an excellent company, easy to work with, super friendly and they make really top notch components.

FTB

This. Great company with great products to boot