Fixed Conversion Question

[dbmtb]

When I was assistantspannering for the Danish track team in Manchester this Feb, I was surprised to be told not to fit lockrings, even for wheels to be used by the pursuit team. This was purely to save time as gearchanges were announced with sometimes few minutes notice.

But if it's for tarmac then I'd fit one if I were you.

 

[titch__16]

I've looked at velosolo and hub jub for a new hub but they're all so expensive. If I do replace the hub it will have to be silver to match the front and cheap. Anyone know where I can get budget ones? or a cheap set.

Also could I use something like plumbers tape to tighten the sprocket better around the thread?

 

[grumpycommuter]

Its no good looking at just hubs unless you have the skills to build a wheel yourself. £100 will get you a robust, reliable fixed / free wheelset but you will have to budget for a sprocket and lock ring if you dont have them. Converting a geared rear wheel is the cheapest option if you are prepared to have a go yourself. You wont need plumbers tape, locktite etc...just screw your sprocket on with a little grease, tighten the f..k out of it with a chain whip, pop on a bottom bracket lock ring and tighten it even more, head for the nearest big hill and drive up it until you think you are going to be sick Back brake is essential. Whats your biggest concern?

 

[mattsccm]

I agree with the above from experience

 

[titch__16]

I'll tell you what I have then. Geared wheel, sprocket, BB lockring and the ability to build wheels. My only concern is that people keep mentioning possible dangers with using a standard freewheel hub of the sprocket coming off. Therefore if I was able to find a very cheap hub or set, I would be safer.

I don't want a wheelset as I already have the rims I want, but a hub for less than maybe £30 would be ideal.

 

[HQDP]

I've been using one of these for the last year, without any problems. 30 quid from SJS cycles.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/system-ex-hu ... prod20852/

 

[foz]

If you're only going to be riding on the road, no major (down)hills, and have both brakes installed, then I don't think there's much danger of a sprocket unscrewing on a standard freewheel hub, especially if you have enough threads to fit a lockring.
I bought a set of on-one large flange hubs, flip flop rear (double fixed, but I think they also do fixed/free version) a few years back. I haven't used them much, but they're good hubs for the money. available from other places too I think, they're pretty generic. the axle was more than long enough to add 5mm of spacers each side and use it in a 130mm frame.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HUOOLF/on_o ... etrack-hub

 

[grumpycommuter]

I'll tell you what I have then. Geared wheel, sprocket, BB lockring and the ability to build wheels. My only concern is that people keep mentioning possible dangers with using a standard freewheel hub of the sprocket coming off. Therefore if I was able to find a very cheap hub or set, I would be safer.

I don't want a wheelset as I already have the rims I want, but a hub for less than maybe £30 would be ideal.

If you can build a wheel then buy a fixed hub and do it yourself..jobs a good un There will always be the danger of unscrewing a sprocket from a standard freewheel hub, thats the nature of the beast. It all depends how you ride as mentioned in the previous posts. Rear brakes, not descending Hardknott Pass and no really crazy skid stops and youll be fine If your still concerned try building one. Its going to cost nothing and what have you lost if it doesnt work? Go out somewhere safe (with soft hedges for jumping in!! no hawthorn) having followed everyones advice and try and unspin it. It's chuffing difficult!!

 

[titch__16]

Ok, so I've decided to fit the sprocket tomorrow and see how it goes. I've had a further look round for a hub and found a few that look ok, so if it doesn't work I'll get one of them or maybe a flip-flop.

Also I was wrong about the 53-14T setup, it's actually a 13T sprocket I have. And I'm not worried about skid stops as I will always use a brake, whether I fit a rear brake or not I haven't decided but I will certainly give the fixed a go.

 

[HQDP]

I've been using one of these for the last year, without any problems. 30 quid from SJS cycles.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/system-ex-hu ... prod20852/

I spaced it out from 120 to 126mm, but I think going to 130 might be pushing it for this model.