Originally Posted by
dramiscram
It froze yesterday morning, I parked the bike inside at work (as always) and it was okay when I left work last night but froze again after 13-14 kms. I parked the bike in my garage (as always) and an hour later it was ok.
I took the wife's car this morning because the thermometer was at -22 c
two possibilities.
1- it's simply that the grease is hardening, but usually that sticks the pawls in the retracted position causing it to freewheel in both directions.
2- there's water inside, which is freezing solid. This might be OK if you can live with it, but is not good for the freehub which will rust out. It's a common problem for year round riders. The remedy is to flush with alcohol (methanol, or fuel alcohol (aka fondue fuel) is best) which will absorb water and carry it out. Once the water is flished out lubricate with a synthetic oil because it won't thicken as much in the cold as mineral oil does.
BTW- if you're not sure, put the wheel outside tonight. In the morning try to spin the freewheel backward, Use a chain whip if you have or a Channellock plier for leverage. If it's frozen solid that's water. If it simply becomes super sticky or sluggish it's oil or grease thickening. Only water freezes solid, grease and oil get stiff but not solid.