Folding Bikes - Fixed gear problem?

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special_k
12-24-07, 05:50 PM
I have Raleigh Twenty that I wanted to convert into a fixie.
I have ditched the steel rims and replaced them with aluminum BMX wheels.
However, the BMX wheels have 48 spokes, and I don't think there is ( or at least I can't find) a fixed hub with 48 holes.
Fixed wheels usually don't come in 20" sizes either.
Should I just ditch the idea and stick with a singlespeed freewheel instead?
I'm actually still consider between SS or FG.
rhenning
12-24-07, 07:24 PM
Just ride it as a single speed. That will also solve some chain alignment problems you might of had anyway. Roger
LittlePixel
12-24-07, 10:17 PM
Doing some clever maths you may find a way of lacing a 28 or 32 hole hub into those rims. 48h holed bmx rims though are usually a bit over-engineered and oversized for folder use - esp fixie and you might a) find problems fitting skinnier tyres to them and b) find they are heavy. Also - you will likely find the axle is 14mm not 10mm and have to do some serious filing to the vintage frame to make it fit. (not advisable IMHO)
Having done the exact same thing as a 'suck it and see' thing when I first tried out fixed riding (suicide hub and all) I'd recommend skipping the 48 holes and getting a proper track hub (not necessarily expensive) and some matched lighter-weight rims. Again—not necessarily expensive if you look properly, then get a local bike shop to spoke them together or have fun learning to do it yourself!
Hope that doesn't all seem doom and gloom. A Twenty makes a great fixed gear platform and I'm just putting in my 2¢. I seem to recall a pair of track hubs for mine cost about £30 GBP ($60 USD)
Doing some clever maths you may find a way of lacing a 28 or 32 hole hub into those rims. 48h holed bmx rims though are usually a bit over-engineered and oversized for folder use - esp fixie and you might a) find problems fitting skinnier tyres to them and b) find they are heavy. Also - you will likely find the axle is 14mm not 10mm and have to do some serious filing to the vintage frame to make it fit. (not advisable IMHO)
Having done the exact same thing as a 'suck it and see' thing when I first tried out fixed riding (suicide hub and all) I'd recommend skipping the 48 holes and getting a proper track hub (not necessarily expensive) and some matched lighter-weight rims. Again—not necessarily expensive if you look properly, then get a local bike shop to spoke them together or have fun learning to do it yourself!
Hope that doesn't all seem doom and gloom. A Twenty makes a great fixed gear platform and I'm just putting in my 2¢. I seem to recall a pair of track hubs for mine cost about £30 GBP ($60 USD)
Hold it !
You might consider lacing a 40holes fixed gear hub to the 48 holes rim.
I might have this kind of hub
PM me if you are interested
awetmore
12-25-07, 08:27 AM
You can easily find 36 hole fixed hubs and 36 hole 406mm rims.
You probably won't find a stock 20" fixed wheel, you'll need to build your own.
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