I'm having trouble finding a singlespeed freewheel of decent quality. My first experience was with an AC Racing (not to be confused with ACS) unit. Its malformed teeth prevented chain disengagement, rendering it unusable. Thankfully, the mail-order outfit from which I bought it was good enough to replace it free of charge. The replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps 1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies. It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load, causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric with the BB spindle.)
So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.
On Mar 29, 3:32 pm, "Stephen Greenwood" <[email hidden]>
Quoted message said:
I'm having trouble finding a singlespeed freewheel of decent quality. My first experience was with an AC Racing (not to be confused with ACS) unit. Its malformed teeth prevented chain disengagement, rendering it unusable. Thankfully, the mail-order outfit from which I bought it was good enough to replace it free of charge. The replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps 1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies. It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load, causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric with the BB spindle.)
So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.
Thanks, Stephen Greenwood
How picky are you trying to get about the axis offset? The SS freewheel on my road bike couldn't have been too expensive, based on what I paid for the bike with new wheels & ss drivetrain. My freewheel is offset like you describe enough to be visible when working on the bike in the living room or basement, but not enough to notable affect chain tension when riding. It's also been in service for many all-weather miles (don't keep track) and still feels about new. My assumption is that this is deemed "close enough" by the industry, and I'd have to pay top dollar (i.e. White Industries, who makes great stuff) to get perfection. I don't care enough to pay the $ for perfect, mine is close enough. If it sounds like it would be for you too I can check the make when I get home.
So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.
If White had the production numbers of Shimano, their freewheel would probably be priced like Dura Ace; there's obviously a lot of tooling cost recovery in that $80. If you're planning to wear out a lot of sprockets, a single speed cassette hub is likely to be cheaper in the long run; the fact that this is so makes other companies reluctant to tool up for a very low volume market.
Kinky Cowboy*
*Batteries not included May contain traces of nuts Your milage may vary
The replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps 1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies. It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load, causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric with the BB spindle.)
Quoted message said:
So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.
Quoted message said:
Thanks, Stephen Greenwood
How picky are you trying to get about the axis offset? The SS freewheel on my road bike couldn't have been too expensive, based on what I paid for the bike with new wheels & ss drivetrain. My freewheel is offset like you describe enough to be visible when working on the bike in the living room or basement, but not enough to notable affect chain tension when riding. It's also been in service for many all-weather miles (don't keep track) and still feels about new. My assumption is that this is deemed "close enough" by the industry, and I'd have to pay top dollar (i.e. White Industries, who makes great stuff) to get perfection. I don't care enough to pay the $ for perfect, mine is close enough. If it sounds like it would be for you too I can check the make when I get home.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
How picky? Exactly the standard you mention: not enough offset to cause a noticeable change in chain tension while riding. With the part I have, it's visually and aurally observable. You're right that I don't want to pay the big bucks for perfection if "good enough" is available. I'd appreciate your checking for me.
Maybe I've simply gotten out-of-spec parts. But having that happen two- for-two times, which should be quite unlikely, and the existence of an $80 unit have combined to make me suspect that the standard for singlespeed freewheels is low.
Maybe I've simply gotten out-of-spec parts. But having that happen two- for-two times, which should be quite unlikely, and the existence of an $80 unit have combined to make me suspect that the standard for singlespeed freewheels is low.
Wait a bit. You had two freewheels on the bike, both were offset? (Sorry, I may have only skimmed your original post). don't you think you might be blaming the wrong part? It's certainly as likely that the hub has the axle center misaligned with the axis of the freewheel threads. With a geared system you'd never notice it because the derailleur takes up the slack (sometimes you can see the freewheel wobble when coasting, and sometimes this is the cause), but with a ss setup it's more noticable in terms of chain tension.
--
David L. Johnson
Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling with a pig... You soon find out the pig likes it!
Maybe I've simply gotten out-of-spec parts. But having that happen two- for-two times, which should be quite unlikely, and the existence of an $80 unit have combined to make me suspect that the standard for singlespeed freewheels is low.
Maintaining consistent chain tension is even more important on a fixed gear than a single freewheel, since a thrown chain can very easily lead to a serious crash. Real track equipment tends to be manufactured to closer tolerances than road or BMX equipment, and this is reflected in the cost.
seriously consider a White. Sure it's some cash but how long do you plan to be dead? That value in gasoline, girlfriends or groceries gets lost in most people's budget anyway. May as well own something pretty & useful. YMMV.
I'm having trouble finding a singlespeed freewheel of decent quality. My first experience was with an AC Racing (not to be confused with ACS) unit. Its malformed teeth prevented chain disengagement, rendering it unusable. Thankfully, the mail-order outfit from which I bought it was good enough to replace it free of charge. The replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps 1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies. It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load, causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric with the BB spindle.)
So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.
The White freewheel is expensive because they are round and durable. If you can live with a few $20 freewheels then don't buy it. Since you've discovered what 'standard quality' means and are dissatisfied , seriously consider a White. Sure it's some cash but how long do you plan to be dead? That value in gasoline, girlfriends or groceries gets lost in most people's budget anyway. May as well own something pretty & useful. YMMV. -- Andrew Muzi www.yellowjersey.org Open every day since 1 April, 1971
replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps 1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies. It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load, causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric with the BB spindle.) So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.
Quoted message said:
Quoted post said:
How picky are you trying to get about the axis offset? The SS freewheel on my road bike couldn't have been too expensive, based on what I paid for the bike with new wheels & ss drivetrain. My freewheel is offset like you describe enough to be visible when working on the bike in the living room or basement, but not enough to notable affect chain tension when riding. It's also been in service for many all-weather miles (don't keep track) and still feels about new. My assumption is that this is deemed "close enough" by the industry, and I'd have to pay top dollar (i.e. White Industries, who makes great stuff) to get perfection. I don't care enough to pay the $ for perfect, mine is close enough. If it sounds like it would be for you too I can check the make when I get home.- Hide quoted text -
Stephen Greenwood said:
How picky? Exactly the standard you mention: not enough offset to cause a noticeable change in chain tension while riding. With the part I have, it's visually and aurally observable. You're right that I don't want to pay the big bucks for perfection if "good enough" is available. I'd appreciate your checking for me.
Maybe I've simply gotten out-of-spec parts. But having that happen two- for-two times, which should be quite unlikely, and the existence of an $80 unit have combined to make me suspect that the standard for singlespeed freewheels is low.
It may just be that your chain was too tight. That exacerbates the standard variances to an annoying degree and wears everything rapidly. Easy does it: http://www.yellowjersey.org/chainchk.html
Or it may not. Doesn't hurt to check. -- Andrew Muzi www.yellowjersey.org Open every day since 1 April, 1971
On Mar 29, 2:37 pm, "Stephen Greenwood" <[email hidden]>
Quoted message said:
Quoted post said:
Quoted message said:
The replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps 1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies. It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load, causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric with the BB spindle.)
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Thanks, Stephen Greenwood
Quoted message said:
How picky are you trying to get about the axis offset? The SS freewheel on my road bike couldn't have been too expensive, based on what I paid for the bike with new wheels & ss drivetrain. My freewheel is offset like you describe enough to be visible when working on the bike in the living room or basement, but not enough to notable affect chain tension when riding. It's also been in service for many all-weather miles (don't keep track) and still feels about new. My assumption is that this is deemed "close enough" by the industry, and I'd have to pay top dollar (i.e. White Industries, who makes great stuff) to get perfection. I don't care enough to pay the $ for perfect, mine is close enough. If it sounds like it would be for you too I can check the make when I get home.- Hide quoted text -
Quoted message said:
- Show quoted text -
How picky? Exactly the standard you mention: not enough offset to cause a noticeable change in chain tension while riding. With the part I have, it's visually and aurally observable. You're right that I don't want to pay the big bucks for perfection if "good enough" is available. I'd appreciate your checking for me.
Maybe I've simply gotten out-of-spec parts. But having that happen two- for-two times, which should be quite unlikely, and the existence of an $80 unit have combined to make me suspect that the standard for singlespeed freewheels is low.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
David: That's a good thought, but no, the first one had a different problem.
John: I agree. I've got an EAI track sprocket for the other side of the hub (a flip-flop), and it has no discernable offset.
Andrew: It's difficult to quantify exactly, but using the spoke immediately above the chain as a reference in your photo, I think my chain was about that tight at its tightest point. It gets significantly looser at the loosest point.
On Mar 29, 4:37 pm, "Stephen Greenwood" <[email hidden]>
Quoted message said:
How picky? Exactly the standard you mention: not enough offset to cause a noticeable change in chain tension while riding. With the part I have, it's visually and aurally observable. You're right that I don't want to pay the big bucks for perfection if "good enough" is available. I'd appreciate your checking for me.
