24" Desoto Classic Trailmate...1-speed to 5-speed freewheel conv. info request.
03-19-23, 03:02 PM
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24" Desoto Classic Trailmate...1-speed to 5-speed freewheel conv. info request.
I was gifted a desoto 24" single free wheel (front brake only), Im not sure what year it is (any identifiers to tell?). I am quite mechanically inclined not sure how mechanically inclined I need to be...but the short of it is I planned rig this unit up with a pretty small trailer just big enough to haul my weed trimmer/edger/leaf blower/small push mower around my mobile home community as I do lawncare of 40 or so lots. I thought changing out single speed for a 5 speed would be advantageous for my stamina. I looked at their website and they have a kit for $349 a bit steep for what I am l doing, the model they sell is a Sturmey Archer srf-5 w...I have found 3 and 5 speed hubs from various sites, but im unsure which one or ones might be compatible or if someone else out there had the know how or has done this before that could offer guidance. Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciate, thanks!
03-19-23, 03:38 PM
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You probably aren't going to want to go very fast on that thing anyway, so if you want a low-cost easy solution, I'd suggest swapping out the chainring for a smaller one. You may have to change out the whole crank assembly, but it isn't too hard; you can find a YouTube video for that, and no special tools are needed other than a chain tool. You'll still only have one gear but it will be lower.
03-19-23, 04:28 PM
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You probably aren't going to want to go very fast on that thing anyway, so if you want a low-cost easy solution, I'd suggest swapping out the chainring for a smaller one. You may have to change out the whole crank assembly, but it isn't too hard; you can find a YouTube video for that, and no special tools are needed other than a chain tool. You'll still only have one gear but it will be lower.
