Converting a 2-speed freewheel to fixed gear (1 speed)
10-23-22, 11:01 AM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Converting a 2-speed freewheel to fixed gear (1 speed)
Hi all
I'm basically looking if it is possible to convert a 2-speed freewheel to fixed gear (1 speed). I found a nice bike second hand but it's two-speed. The guy says you can change gears by slightly pedaling backwards.
Is this a stupid question and impossible to do, or not?
Sorry if this is a stupid question. I'm REALLY new to all this
Thanks in advance!
I'm basically looking if it is possible to convert a 2-speed freewheel to fixed gear (1 speed). I found a nice bike second hand but it's two-speed. The guy says you can change gears by slightly pedaling backwards.
Is this a stupid question and impossible to do, or not?
Sorry if this is a stupid question. I'm REALLY new to all this
Thanks in advance!
10-23-22, 11:18 AM
#2
Veteran Racer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,757
Bikes: 32 frames + 80 wheels
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1331 Post(s)
Liked 764 Times
in
431 Posts
Sounds like you have a 2-speed kickback hub of some sort like a Sachs Duomatic. So, basically it is what it is and you can't change it. Also, a fixed gear does not coast, so what you are really trying to do is convert into it into a single speed, which is a one speed freewheel.
10-23-22, 01:15 PM
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sounds like you have a 2-speed kickback hub of some sort like a Sachs Duomatic. So, basically it is what it is and you can't change it. Also, a fixed gear does not coast, so what you are really trying to do is convert into it into a single speed, which is a one speed freewheel.
I'll be looking at other options, probably just buying a wheelset that is already fixed.
10-23-22, 01:28 PM
#4
Veteran Racer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,757
Bikes: 32 frames + 80 wheels
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1331 Post(s)
Liked 764 Times
in
431 Posts
A real fixed gear can pedal backwards, but that hub has a coaster brake, so if you try to pedal backwards you will just activate the brake. All you need is a rear wheel with a track hub, and then screw on a fixed cog and lockring.
10-30-22, 04:45 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paradise, TX
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: Soma Pescadero, Surly Pugsley, Salsa Fargo, Schwinn Klunker, Gravity SS 27.5, Monocog 29er
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 186 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
166 Posts
You will have to change the rear wheel for one with a track hub. Hopefully the chainline will line up.
10-30-22, 04:50 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paradise, TX
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: Soma Pescadero, Surly Pugsley, Salsa Fargo, Schwinn Klunker, Gravity SS 27.5, Monocog 29er
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 186 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
166 Posts
The Motobecane Fantom Cross is back in stock at Bikes Direct. You are better off with that than sinking money into a conversion. By the time you buy a new wheel, spend a bunch of time on it and find out it needs tirews and tubes also, the conversion will cost more than the Motobecane.
