Fixed cog and freewheel need different sized chains?
07-24-18, 04:13 PM
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Fixed cog and freewheel need different sized chains?
I have a Swobo Accomplice and it's all original. Today I decided, finally, to try out the fixed cog. The chain won't fit it, it's too small to get in between the teeth, just like the one in the picture below. I think it's pretty messed up that they spec'd the bike like that. My question is this: Since I don't know what size chain I currently have (I have limited SS education), does anyone know what size it needs? I am planning on getting a WI freewheel and it requires a 3/32. Hopefully that is the size the fixed cog needs?
07-24-18, 04:21 PM
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Fixed cogs come in two thicknesses: 3/32" and 1/8". As far as I know, single speed cogs are all 3/32".
If you have a 3/32" chain, it will not fit on a 1/8" cog, but a 1/8" chain will fit and work fine with either size of cog.
Pros and cons? 3/32" chains are a little lighter. 1/8" chains may wear a little longer. In practice, there's not much difference.
If you have a 3/32" chain, it will not fit on a 1/8" cog, but a 1/8" chain will fit and work fine with either size of cog.
Pros and cons? 3/32" chains are a little lighter. 1/8" chains may wear a little longer. In practice, there's not much difference.
07-24-18, 04:36 PM
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Fixed cogs come in two thicknesses: 3/32" and 1/8". As far as I know, single speed cogs are all 3/32".
If you have a 3/32" chain, it will not fit on a 1/8" cog, but a 1/8" chain will fit and work fine with either size of cog.
Pros and cons? 3/32" chains are a little lighter. 1/8" chains may wear a little longer. In practice, there's not much difference.
If you have a 3/32" chain, it will not fit on a 1/8" cog, but a 1/8" chain will fit and work fine with either size of cog.
Pros and cons? 3/32" chains are a little lighter. 1/8" chains may wear a little longer. In practice, there's not much difference.
07-24-18, 04:48 PM
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The brand of freewheel doesn't matter.
I have little experience with freewheels but am not aware of any which come 1/8." Most, if not all are 3/32" and I'd be surprised if the White Industries was not. .
1/8" chain will work with either 1/8" or 3/32" components, both fixed gear cogs and freewheels.
Solution: get a 1/8' chain or exchange the 1/8" fixed gear cog for a 3/32" cog and run your current chain. .
-Tim-
I have little experience with freewheels but am not aware of any which come 1/8." Most, if not all are 3/32" and I'd be surprised if the White Industries was not. .
1/8" chain will work with either 1/8" or 3/32" components, both fixed gear cogs and freewheels.
Solution: get a 1/8' chain or exchange the 1/8" fixed gear cog for a 3/32" cog and run your current chain. .
-Tim-
07-24-18, 10:32 PM
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Single speed FWs for road bikes tend to be 3/32". BMXers used to use 1/8". (I have no idea what they are doing now. Campagnolo used to make track quality 1/8" chainrings with colored anodizing for the BMX crowd. I have a blue 144 BCD 1/8" Campy ring.)
1/8" SS drive trains have a 100 year history, 3/32" is relatively new.
Ben
1/8" SS drive trains have a 100 year history, 3/32" is relatively new.
Ben
07-25-18, 07:01 PM
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My WI freewheels are both 1/8 but you can get them in 3/32 and the Dos Eno only comes 3/32!
07-26-18, 01:13 PM
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07-30-18, 12:16 PM
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So I got a 1/8 chain. Took a ride on the fixed cog, and on bumpy roads I have a loud rattling sound. Quiet on smooth roads. Could it be the cheap freewheel on the non-drive side? It does have a little play when I wiggle it by hand. I've checked everything else.
07-30-18, 12:48 PM
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Never mind, it has to be the freewheel rattling. Just flipped it over and took it for a spin and the noise was gone.
07-30-18, 01:06 PM
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Take the freewheel off and don't look back. 
Hey, are you in coastal NC or upstate? What gearing are you running?
NC is just far enough to make organizing a BFFGSS group ride a PITA.
-Tim-
Hey, are you in coastal NC or upstate? What gearing are you running?
NC is just far enough to make organizing a BFFGSS group ride a PITA.
-Tim-
07-30-18, 02:37 PM
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The stock gearing is 41/17. I'm sticking with a 17T freewheel but I'm going to buy a set of Sugino cranks with a 46. I'm about 90 miles east of Charlotte right on the border of SC.
