Fixed Rear Gear Cluster
09-29-19, 12:06 PM
#1
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Fixed Rear Gear Cluster
So I have an old Schwinn frame, touring style 27" wheeled, with a very strange freewheeling bottom bracket. The original rear 5 speed gear cluster was fixed in place and did not "freewheel" so when coasting the chain continued to rotate even though the pedals were not. My question is where do I find a new rear wheel cluster and maybe as important what is the proper terminology for this part. Searches for this part have produced nothing but more questions.Alternatives? Can I get a standard freewheel and have it tack welded in a couple of spots to stop it freewheeling? Is it just too weird and one of a kind to find? Any help or advice is welcome. I did find an older gentleman at the LBS that remembered these bikes and told me the cool thing about them was that you could shift gears while coasting because the chain is always in motion as long as the bike is. I couldn't think of a practical application for this but I also thought it was "cool"
09-29-19, 12:28 PM
#2
Really Old Senior Member
09-29-19, 12:29 PM
#3
Steel is real
What is the matter with your existing rear cogs?
I think this design is something Shimano came out with that didn't catch on, It is heavier from memory compared to conventional set ups.
And i'm thinking having a conventional freewheel fitted wouldn't matter {would it?}
I think this design is something Shimano came out with that didn't catch on, It is heavier from memory compared to conventional set ups.
And i'm thinking having a conventional freewheel fitted wouldn't matter {would it?}
09-29-19, 12:36 PM
#4
Steel is real
'spose it would matter, you wouldn't be able to change gears while coasting, Good luck hunting down a replacement, some folks collect these bikes just for the hell of it.
09-29-19, 12:42 PM
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Absolute spot on response thank you. I do not have the original freewheel so I never knew it would "freewheel" in extreme cases. FFS is what I'm looking for. Also I tried a standard freewheel it works but weaker than the front and therefore won't allow chain to move freely. Thanks again.
09-29-19, 01:21 PM
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Stuff is out there yet.
https://bikeretrogrouch.blogspot.com/...ng-cranks.html
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-VINTAGE...4383.l4275.c10
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-NOS...oAAOSwEdRdimtF
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-NOS...UAAOSwqSZdim3Q
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.H0.Xshimano+ff.TRS0&_nkw=shimano+ff&_sacat= 0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=shimano+ffs
https://bikeretrogrouch.blogspot.com/...ng-cranks.html
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-VINTAGE...4383.l4275.c10
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-NOS...oAAOSwEdRdimtF
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-NOS...UAAOSwqSZdim3Q
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.H0.Xshimano+ff.TRS0&_nkw=shimano+ff&_sacat= 0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=shimano+ffs
Last edited by dedhed; 09-29-19 at 01:29 PM.
09-30-19, 10:03 AM
#7
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Secret is....
09-30-19, 02:05 PM
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Can't thank you enough I could not find the part anywhere using FFS rear freewheel as the search topic. You'd think that eBay would be sophisticated enough to figure out what I was asking for but as usual if you don't ask the right question you won't get a right answer. The secret I guess was FF system instead of FFS just great and I was ready to throw in the towel. Well thanks to you this project has new legs and can continue thanks again.
09-30-19, 02:08 PM
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Can't thank you enough I could not find the part anywhere using FFS rear freewheel as the search topic. You'd think that eBay would be sophisticated enough to figure out what I was asking for but as usual if you don't ask the right question you won't get a right answer. The secret I guess was FF system instead of FFS just great and I was ready to throw in the towel. Well thanks to you this project has new legs and can continue thanks again.
09-30-19, 05:53 PM
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Or get a "normal" freewheel, and do without the sifting-while-coasting feature ?
I hope the fixed gear cluster comes off with a normal remover tool.
I hope the fixed gear cluster comes off with a normal remover tool.
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10-01-19, 12:20 AM
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Steel is real
They take the smaller type removal tool {don't think they make em any more}
10-01-19, 07:48 AM
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If the cluster is "Fixed", perhaps gripping the cogs in a vise will work. Or a chainwhip.
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10-01-19, 08:17 AM
#13
Steel is real
Should work. Don't think the OP has one on the bike though, wants to bring it back to original. Even then i suppose he could use that method fasting it on when he buys one..tighten it up with a chain whip
10-01-19, 01:50 PM
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https://***********************/nib-nos...ool-container/
10-03-19, 01:49 PM
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You are correct that I have no stock gear cluster and yes it takes a special tool to remove. I agree a NOS part should thread on and tighten with a chain whip.
10-03-19, 01:52 PM
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10-03-19, 02:00 PM
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Yes, the front-freewheel rear cluster uses the Shimano TL-FW20 tool for removal. It's been out of production since the mid-1980s but you can still find them on the used market.
NIB/NOS Shimano TL-FW20 "Boss" Freewheel Removal Tool: Pre-1985 - Thick Wall - Cool Container - Bike Recyclery
NIB/NOS Shimano TL-FW20 "Boss" Freewheel Removal Tool: Pre-1985 - Thick Wall - Cool Container - Bike Recyclery
