Marinoni86

Hi guys,

In your experience do you guys know if a modern threaded flip flop hub can accomodate a 6spd freewheel? My bike needs a new wheelset and I'm trying to figure out my options to build the rear wheel.. The bike in question is a 89 Nishiki International touring bike. I'm hesitant to go to a modern group because the current 6spd suntour xce drive train is still in very good shape.

Thanks!

alcjphil

Wheels with flip flop hubs are not dished, they are designed for single speed freewheels which are much narrower than a 6 speed freewheel. You need a wheel that has a hub designed for a 6 speed freewheel

Marinoni86

Do you mean that flip flop hubs are narrower? Because if its not the case I would build the wheel with the proper offset so what would not be a problem.

FastJake

The hub itself will certainly accommodate a 6-speed freewheel, but you will have to re-space and re-dish the wheel. And you'll be stuck with a bolt-on hub. I would much rather build a wheel around a nice old (forged shell) freewheel hub than a crappy new (often machined, cartridge bearing) flip flop hub.

In fact, this is the route that I use even when I build wheels for fixed gear use. I get nice old freewheel hubs very cheap (because no one wants them anymore) and build them around my rim of choice. I just rotafix the cogs on. This way I get quick release and a nice quality hub.

Are you using friction or index shifters? If friction, my choice would be a Shimano cassette hub, either 7 speed or 8/9/10 speed since a friction drivetrain will shift anything and you'll get a nice upgrade path for the future, and a better cassette hub as well.

Marinoni86

Thanks FastJake!
Just looked at some hubs and the axle woud definetly need to be re spaced.. sounds like it woulb be a pita to get the right spacing.

I'm currently using indexed shifting, I got my hand on a set of Nos 6spd Suntour accushift barcons shifters part of why I's like to stick with the good ol 6spd freewheel. If I go with a cassette hub I could always use friction mode but I think my chain and chainring would be too big for more than 7 spd.

fietsbob

some are Wider ..

FWIW Quick measure <C> freewheel hub, 6cm between flanges, mine, what is Yours ?

\

reads like DIY bike mechanics is too much Bother , Hire people to do the work in Bike Shops.

Last ride 76 

Why not just buy an old 6 spd rear wheel. Good ones in good shape are $25-50 or even less. Is Gatineau too remote for CL?

alcjphil

Gatineau Quebec is just across the river from Ottawa, the Canadian capital. Together, the two cities form a substantial metropolitan area with a population well over 1 million people

Last ride 76 

Yes, I was aware. That was meant to be tongue in cheek. Ironique si vous preféréz.
Back to the topic, I have no trouble finding vintage wheels.
A+ (Cheers), Eric