Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Fixed instead of Freewheel?

Dumb question..

Hub is flip/flop, fixed/free, is it possible to mount just a cog on each side (correctly), or will the freewheel side only work with a freewheel?

Thanks

The freewheel side will only work with a freewheel, but the fixed side will work with a freewheel as well as a cog. There isn't lockring threading on the free side.

If you ever buy a wheelset, get if fixed/fixed.

You can install a fixed cog on the freewheel side. Its not ideal, but it works. You can thread a bottom bracket lockring on there to help secure the cog, but if you get the cog tight enough its not going to unthread even without a lockring. Don't do this unless you run brakes. I rode a suicide hub for years with no problems.

I'm only running a front brake and I'm not sure I'd want to risk it either way. Thanks!

I'm only running a front brake and I'm not sure I'd want to risk it either way. Thanks!

A lot of people (including on this forum) seem to think that running a fixed cog on a freewheel hub will result in certain and instant death, but in practice, its just not that dangerous. The same people do things everyday that are probably a lot more dangerous.

But, I hear you....not worth it if you can avoid it.

I don't like the idea of running a freewheel and only a front brake very much actually, but I'll be using it on the 95% uphill return part of my commute so I'm less worried.

Why are fixed/free hubs even made? Can't a fixed/fixed take a freewheel or fixed cog?

Why are fixed/free hubs even made?

Because in those countries they drive on the wrong side of the road.

I don't like the idea of running a freewheel and only a front brake very much actually, but I'll be using it on the 95% uphill return part of my commute so I'm less worried.

Why are fixed/free hubs even made? Can't a fixed/fixed take a freewheel or fixed cog?

Yeah, but one is not ideal for the other's threading even though it can be done.

The people that generally use a flip flop hub generally will have a rear brake on their bike so it can be flipped and still be able to stop safely.

Why are fixed/free hubs even made? Can't a fixed/fixed take a freewheel or fixed cog?

The freewheel side might be cheaper to manufacture (even if the end user doesn't see the cost savings). There's also a long tradition of equipping bikes with a fixed side for flatter riding, and a lower-geared freewheel for hillier portions (or when you get tired).

Hi! It depends on your use...why do you want to use fixed gear? For me, fixed gear is more natural, when you ride in fixed gear you control the bike with your legs (and in some cases with one break) but when you ride in freewheel you control the bike with you breaks...it's really different the feeling...

Hi! It depends on your use...why do you want to use fixed gear? For me, fixed gear is more natural, when you ride in fixed gear you control the bike with your legs (and in some cases with one break) but when you ride in freewheel you control the bike with you breaks...it's really different the feeling...

Somebody didn't read the actual question the op was asking.

Somebody didn't read the actual question the op was asking.

He has yet to read anything.

There's also a long tradition of equipping bikes with a fixed side for flatter riding, and a lower-geared freewheel for hillier portions (or when you get tired).

Which can be done on a fixed/fixed hub just as easily.

Which can be done on a fixed/fixed hub just as easily.

Not disputing that.

But dude, you can put a freewheel on the fixed side.

Flip flop honestly don't make sense to me, it's just a wasted side when you can put a freewheel on the fixed side. What would be nice is to have a single sided hub where it has the threading on the drive side, but have the non-drive side not flared out which means a wider hub body which would allow for a stronger wheel when built properly.

Aren't most (if not all) single-sided fixed hubs exactly as you're describing?

May be, mind is a little scrambled up tonight.

Edit, definitely scrambled/punch drunk from a lot of wheel truing.

Not all of them are though, the new american classic hubs are not, still alot of axle showing on those.

I like my hubs free/free.

http://www.bikers-stuffwholesale.com/catalog/LiveFreeOrDie.jpg

I like mine without any threading. my bike actually rides a bit like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xjxg1Y7q8w&feature=player_embedded

I have had the fortune of seeing one those in person. The rider looked like a complete tooll doing it

But in a cyclocross race you just stand up and run. Win.

But in a cyclocross race you just stand up and run. Win.


More of a lose, not sure if tire burn on the jewels would be worth it.

Bragging rights, bro.