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Should I get a new freewheel and track cog?

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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Should I get a new freewheel and track cog?

Old 08-14-10, 08:40 PM
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Should I get a new freewheel and track cog?

I recently got the Dawes SST AL and the first thing I noticed was that the included freewheel and track cog are pieces of crap. The included freewheel isn't smooth and has 17t and the included track cog has 18t. I was thinking of going 48-16. Can people tell me if 48-16 is good and what brands make good freewheels and track cogs? I know that Phil Woods are good, but that is way out of my budget. My cogs are screw-ons. I also wanted to know how to find whether my cogs are 3/32" or 1/8". Thanks.

I accidentally posted this in the Road forum. Oops.
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Old 08-14-10, 08:46 PM
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48/16 isnt good, only 3 skid patches. Go either 46/17 or 48/17. For size check if it says on the cogs, if not maybe measure them. 3/32 look really thin though.
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Old 08-14-10, 08:58 PM
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What are skid patches?

Is the size the diameter of the hole?
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Old 08-14-10, 09:10 PM
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Old 08-14-10, 09:22 PM
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Skid patches are on how many places you can skid on your wheel. The more patches, the longer it takes for your tire to wear out from skidding. With 3 prepare to spend money on tires often, if you skid.
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Old 08-14-10, 09:41 PM
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Gear calculator which gives skid patches: https://software.bareknucklebrigade.c...it.applet.html

The cog size? It's based on the number of teeth.
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Old 08-15-10, 12:44 AM
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What are some good freewheels and track cogs? Dura Ace?
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Old 08-15-10, 12:58 AM
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White Industries' ENO freewheels are the best freewheels on the market, expensive but very well made.

Shimano freewheels are pretty much standard, can't go wrong with them.

Many good track cogs, Dura Ace, Surly, EAI, Phil etc etc.
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Old 08-15-10, 02:06 AM
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I recommend Milwaukee cogs made in the USA. https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...d687f9ad1c990e
Their lockrings are great too.

48/16 is a bad street gear. Pick a combo that is 65-70 gear inches.
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Old 08-15-10, 08:41 PM
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What exactly is gear inch?

Is a higher gear inch measure better for skidding? Or is lower better?
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Old 08-15-10, 08:48 PM
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Sure.

Low gear inches = easier pedaling/skiddz
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Old 08-15-10, 08:49 PM
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There's no such thing as "bad" gearing or "good" gearing. It just depends what you're using it for. My winter bike is geared 40-18 while my fixed road bike is geared 52-15, but that's a bit high. Ride around on a derailer bike similar to your fixie, and see what gear you spend the most time in/feel the most comfortable with.
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Old 08-15-10, 09:36 PM
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I run 48/16. With bullhorns, those hills got nothing on me.
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Old 08-15-10, 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by WoundedKnee
I recommend Milwaukee cogs made in the USA. https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...d687f9ad1c990e
Their lockrings are great too.

48/16 is a bad street gear. Pick a combo that is 65-70 gear inches.
I would suggest Dura Ace cogs and lockrings. I can't speak for Milwaukee though.

Also, 65-70 is too small! (at least for me). I can't see myself lowering below 80 gi
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Old 08-15-10, 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by TejanoTrackie
My male appendage is bigger than your male appendage.
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Old 08-15-10, 10:28 PM
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Originally Posted by xavier853
Also, 65-70 is too small! (at least for me). I can't see myself lowering below 80 gi
On the street?
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Old 08-15-10, 10:35 PM
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i've always been in the mid to high 70s. it's best for me. low enough that i can handle any hill around. and it's much better for descending. you don't have to spin at lightning speeds.
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Old 08-15-10, 10:37 PM
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40-50rpm ftw.
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Old 08-16-10, 12:19 AM
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Can you guys link me to some bike store that sells good freewheels and track cogs?
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Old 08-16-10, 12:44 AM
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Originally Posted by xavier853

Also, 65-70 is too small! (at least for me). I can't see myself lowering below 80 gi
c'mon baby, spin those thunder thighs.
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Old 08-16-10, 09:35 AM
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I ride 48/17 and its perfect for slight hills and riding around town. I'm not spinning like crazy on downhills, and it's comfortable. Seems to be the norm, and 76 gear inches is nice and easy, unlike the lunatic who rides 52/15.
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Old 08-18-10, 05:26 PM
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I'm about to pull the trigger on these 2. Is Bikesmiths a legit site?

https://thebikesmiths.com/j/index.php...mart&Itemid=59
https://thebikesmiths.com/j/index.php...mart&Itemid=59
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Old 08-18-10, 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by leslieliang
The site is fine. Now, are you sure you want a 3/32" cog?
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Old 08-18-10, 06:50 PM
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What's wrong with a 3/32" cog?
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Old 08-18-10, 06:53 PM
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Nothing is wrong with the cog, and now that I think about it it probably doesnt matter too much.

Making the mistake of ordering a 1/8 cog for a 3/32 drivetrain would be a bit of a problem. Wouldnt want to order parts that didnt fit only to find out you just ordered the wrong size on accident
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