Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - metric vs english freewheel

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idcruiserman
06-30-07, 08:46 PM
My Van Dessel came stock with a flip-flop hub with a metric sized freewheel. I am going to take the bike on some trails, and I was hoping to set it up with the stock 38T chainring and a 22T freewheel in the back. The problem is metric freewheels seem to be limited to 15T max. The english freewheel will thread on to the fixed side, but it sticks out slightly beyond the hub.

It appears my only option is to buy or build a rear wheel with an english threaded hub. I would still like to commute fixed, so I'd like to keep a flip-flop setup. The Surly 130mm road hub has 1.37" x 24tpi and 1.29" x 24tpi for fee and fixed, respectively. That is the standard fixed size, correct?

Any way out of this besides a new wheel? My crank is 5 bolt, 110mm, and I didn't see any chainrings below 32T.

thx, Eric

SSSasky
06-30-07, 09:04 PM
just run the freewheel on the fixed side - you'll have no problems. It's plenty strong, and the chainline should work out. Many many people have done it before, and it's often brought up that companies should only make fixed/fixed wheels, as they work fixed or free.

Run whut you brung.
idcruiserman
06-30-07, 09:29 PM
I would, but the english freewheel is wider than the hub, so I can't tighten it down enough :(.

Seggybop
06-30-07, 09:53 PM
Even if it seems to be sticking out a bit, it should still work fine~
idcruiserman
07-01-07, 12:42 AM
I mean that the freewheel hits the frame before the end of the hub. It's odd.
SSSasky
07-01-07, 07:04 AM
that is really odd. i have no idea how to help. just send me the whole bike.
Seggybop
07-01-07, 11:01 AM
Can you take a picture?
idcruiserman
07-01-07, 04:57 PM
that is really odd. i have no idea how to help. just send me the whole bike.

:)

I put it back to my commuting setup (42/16), and I neglected to take a picture. The english freewheel sticks out more than the metric version, which probably explains why it bottoms out on the fixed side. I have an email into VD, and hopefully they can tell me what's going on. They sell flip-flop hubs and complete wheels. (http://www.vandesselsports.com/accessories.php) No details unfortunately.
idcruiserman
07-03-07, 03:05 PM
I called VD today and was told the metric freewheel was a mistake from the factory in Taiwan. They are sending me a new wheelset with english hub at dealer cost + shipping. Now I'll have a set for commuting and one for the dirt. I'm happy.