Replace coaster brake with freewheel?
03-20-20 | 08:58 AM
#1
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Replace coaster brake with freewheel?
I want to remove the rear wheel w/coaster brake on my Schwinn 26" & replace with a freewheel & handbrake. I want to go with a single cog the same as on my coaster (NOT derailleur) which I think is 18T. If I take the cog off the old coaster wheel, will it fit on the new freewheel?
03-20-20 | 09:49 AM
#2
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From: socal
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1) I don't think so since you will need a gear that has a "freewheel" (look at White Industries, Shimano, probably others).
2) I'm not impressed with caliper brakes, but will try Kool Stop pads on mine to see if they're that much better than the Tektro that came with the brake.
3) The chain line could be a challenge, but you'll have some latitude with the freewheel mount on the hub.
2) I'm not impressed with caliper brakes, but will try Kool Stop pads on mine to see if they're that much better than the Tektro that came with the brake.
3) The chain line could be a challenge, but you'll have some latitude with the freewheel mount on the hub.
03-20-20 | 11:17 AM
#3
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No, the coaster hub uses a completely different style cog than the freewheel hub. You'll need a new wheel/hub, and an 18 tooth freewheel to mount on it.
With the same tooth set up front and rear, chain will fit the same.
With the same tooth set up front and rear, chain will fit the same.
03-20-20 | 11:21 AM
#4
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Not going to work. You'll need something like a BMX freewheel/hub. You could also use a BMX brake.
07-09-20 | 09:27 AM
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You are going to have to get a new hub/wheel to do that. I have replaced a coaster hub before. I suggest you find a old donor bike with a Shimano 3 speed internal rear hub and use that rear wheel. That hub is common and should be easy to find. The hub is quite reliable in my opinion and would give a few more gears to play with. Alternatively, you might find a single speed free wheeling hub with a wheel ..... or you could build your own wheel out of new components then get whatever you want.
07-27-20 | 09:53 PM
#7
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I want to remove the rear wheel w/coaster brake on my Schwinn 26" & replace with a freewheel & handbrake. I want to go with a single cog the same as on my coaster (NOT derailleur) which I think is 18T. If I take the cog off the old coaster wheel, will it fit on the new freewheel?
07-31-20 | 10:35 AM
#8
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Clarifying
Because braking back pedal would unscrew it, coaster brakes will not have a threaded cog .. on a threaded hub.
So you buy a wheel with a freewheel threaded hub & a 1 speed freewheel .. you can get the same tooth count ..
as the cog on your coaster brake hub, 18t as you say, for the same gear ratio.
the cog is part of the freewheel.. not separate..
...
If I take the cog off the old coaster wheel, will it fit on the new freewheel?
So you buy a wheel with a freewheel threaded hub & a 1 speed freewheel .. you can get the same tooth count ..
as the cog on your coaster brake hub, 18t as you say, for the same gear ratio.
the cog is part of the freewheel.. not separate..
...
Last edited by fietsbob; 08-04-20 at 05:59 PM.
08-03-20 | 02:44 PM
#9
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I am no expert because I haven't done this myself, however, it may be possible to turn your coaster brake into a "Freecoaster". This disconnects the backpedal braking from the hub and allows the hub to work more or less like a freewheel. So, you can use your existing rear wheel and not have to go out and find a replacement wheel. One other thing that BMX riders like about this conversion is that it allows for the bike to move backward without moving the pedals to do tricks.
If you do it, let us know how it goes and how you like it. And if you can get some pictures that would be even better.
There are a number of YouTube videos on the topic. Here is one: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...DytMP8N6r0Ao29
If you do it, let us know how it goes and how you like it. And if you can get some pictures that would be even better.
There are a number of YouTube videos on the topic. Here is one: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...DytMP8N6r0Ao29
08-18-20 | 12:47 AM
#10
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From: Louisville KY
Bikes: Rideable; 83 Schwinn High Sierra. Two cruiser, bmx bike, one other mtb, three road frames, one citybike.
I am no expert because I haven't done this myself, however, it may be possible to turn your coaster brake into a "Freecoaster". This disconnects the backpedal braking from the hub and allows the hub to work more or less like a freewheel. So, you can use your existing rear wheel and not have to go out and find a replacement wheel. One other thing that BMX riders like about this conversion is that it allows for the bike to move backward without moving the pedals to do tricks.
If you do it, let us know how it goes and how you like it. And if you can get some pictures that would be even better.
There are a number of YouTube videos on the topic. Here is one: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...DytMP8N6r0Ao29
If you do it, let us know how it goes and how you like it. And if you can get some pictures that would be even better.
There are a number of YouTube videos on the topic. Here is one: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...DytMP8N6r0Ao29
08-24-20 | 08:42 PM
#13
Rhapsodic Laviathan
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,053
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From: Louisville KY
Bikes: Rideable; 83 Schwinn High Sierra. Two cruiser, bmx bike, one other mtb, three road frames, one citybike.
