Originally Posted by
jimhoff
Hello Bike Forum members,
I disassembled my older 10 speed bike to repaint it and in the process decided that it would be a good idea to turn it into a fixed-gear bicycle. I understand that I could get a track hub and such for it, but I'm going to try to use the original wheel and hub to keep the price down. I've read some very good articles on the subject of conversion and even some threads on this message board but my questions haven't been fully answered. I'm not entirely sure if I need a new back gear cog, or if I can remove all but one from the back wheel and the freewheel to achieve the same thing.
Along with this, I'm unsure if I can remove all the gears but one at the crank and use these two original gears to power my bike. There's also the issue of which gear sizes I need which I haven't fully determined. Would anyone mind enlightening me on this subject?
Thanks.
a track hub uses a reverse-threaded lockring which, when properly installed, prevents backpressure on the pedals/cranks from unscrewing the cog. you can use a hub without a reverse-threaded lockring, but you should be careful how much backpressure you apply - if you apply any. you can rely on a brake to stop and be perfectly confident.
you'll need to buy a track cog. they come in 1/8" and 3/32" widths. if you get a 1/8" wide cog, you will need a 1/8" wide chain.
if you go the "suicide hub" route, you will need to find a bottom bracket lockring. this will screw on to the threads of the hub, after you've screwed the track cog on tight. it's a bit of added security. red locktite on the threads will add some additional security.