Originally Posted by
Tapeworm21
Holy crap. My co worker told me the exact same thing. I guess the threads can be crooked on the Shimano freewheel so I should get a White Industries one. He said they go for $40 so i think I'll spring for it. Does a freewheel wear with a chain? Should I be getting a new chain too? I get to go bike part shopping tomorrow, I love those days.
If you can get a WI ENO for $40, then you're a lucky fellow. They normally retail for $60-80...and they're nice, but really not necessary. The Shimano works fine, it just sounds bad. I replaced mine a while ago, thinking that a new one would solve the problem...nah, they're just not well made. But they do the job. Wait until yours wears out...unless you got money to burn, and then get the WI.
If the drivetrain is relatively new, then you won't need a new chain, but you need to solve this wheel-slipping issue, and fast. Slack chains will cause real trouble for all your drivetrain parts, and can be very dangerous in addition. Get it worked out (take it to a shop, if you need to) before you start riding fixed. SS can handle slack chains alright (still not advised), but with fixed, it's an absolute no-no.