Bought a thrift bike for a buddy of mine. I'm trying to replace the freewheel, but my shimano tool doesn't fit this thing, it's about a half inch too small in diameter. Is there some trick to removing this that I don't know? I looked on Sheldon Brown, is this a Shimano freehub? Am I going to be able to replace it with a standard 6-speed freewheel? For that matter, will it be possible to convert the wheel to quick release?

I'd also like to service the hubs. Any kind of special tools I'll need for that? It'll be my first time, but I've been told it's fairly easy.

Sorry for the barrage of questions. Like I said, I'm putting this thing in shape for a buddy of mine and I'm eager to get him riding with me.




Here's the front wheel...