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Kilo WT freewheel replacement help

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Old 05-03-24, 07:50 PM
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Kilo WT freewheel replacement help

Hello all

I’m trying to replace the freewheel on my Kilo WT, bikes direct (https://www.bikesdirect.com/products.../kilott_wt.htm) says that the

Freewheel is a: 16 tooth Single speed freewheel in the parts box, 1/2x1/8

Questions:

1) What does the “1/2” mean?
2) Any recommendations on freewheel brands?

Thanks in advance!
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Old 05-03-24, 08:45 PM
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1/2×1/8" is the standard chain for single speed.

The designation refers to the pitch and width respectively.

As for freewheel, I don't do brand recommendations, but have heard of issues with off brand units, so shop carefully and play it safe with a known brand.

Last edited by FBinNY; 05-03-24 at 08:58 PM.
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Old 05-03-24, 09:18 PM
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Originally Posted by blueingreen

2) Any recommendations on freewheel brands?

Thanks in advance!
Shimano:

https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...4&category=403
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Old 05-04-24, 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by blueingreen
Hello all

I’m trying to replace the freewheel on my Kilo WT, bikes direct (https://www.bikesdirect.com/products.../kilott_wt.htm) says that the

Freewheel is a: 16 tooth Single speed freewheel in the parts box, 1/2x1/8

Questions:

1) What does the “1/2” mean?
Thanks in advance!
1/2" is the pitch of the chain, which is the distance from one pin to the next
1/8" is the nominal width between inner plates of the chain. 1/8 is fairly popular on fixed/single speed setups. 3/32" is typical on geared bikes and also used on some singlespeeds. You can usually run 1/8" chain on 3/32 cogs/rings also

All else being equal, a 1/8" drivetrain should last a little longer.

And if you have massive power numbers and happen to loose a chainring bolt, most 1/8" chainrings will be less likely to fold on you than 3/32.
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Old 05-04-24, 02:20 PM
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If looking for a good reliable long term freewheel White Industries is the way to go. If I am just looking for a cheap-o but known quantity and quality Shimano unit is good. Box also makes a decent freewheel just avoid the really cheap stuff and definitely avoid no-name stuff but that could go for most anything.
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Old 05-05-24, 03:17 PM
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Thank you all!!!

Does that mean I can purchase any freewheel that is
16Tx1/8 inch and it will fit?
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Old 05-05-24, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by blueingreen
Thank you all!!!

Does that mean I can purchase any freewheel that is
16Tx1/8 inch and it will fit?
If their website is accurate and has always been the case then yes. Some KiloTTs shipped with 3/32" chain but the site says KiloWT all come with 1/8"

ETA: remember you can put a 1/8" chain on a 3/32" freewheel but you can't put a 3/32" chain on a 1/8 freewheel


Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 05-05-24 at 03:33 PM.
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Old 05-05-24, 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by blueingreen
Thank you all!!!

Does that mean I can purchase any freewheel that is
16Tx1/8 inch and it will fit?
With a few exceptions, yes.

That said, make sure that whichever one you're considering has a good provision for removal.

Some have no such provision, and others are prone to damage during removal because of poor design.

For what these cost, you might take the earlier advice and stay with Shimano, rather than try to save a few pennies and come out behind.
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