Hi, I am looking to get a higher-toothed single speed freewheel for my bike, and I'm wondering if there is a different brand that is compatible with Shimano. Currently I'm running a 17T freewheel, Shimano model SF-MX30. I'm assuming the chain is 3/32" as this is how these replacement freewheels are sold. This freewheel only seems to come in 16, 17, or 18T models, and I'm looking to go up to probably 19 or 20T. I've seen other brands that have this size, but I'm not sure if they are compatible. Anyone know if I can use these non-shimano brands?

Oops just realized I should have posted in the fixed/singlspeed forum...sorry!

Number of teeth don't matter except for the length of the chain- more teeth, you either slide the axle forward in the dropouts, or add a link (halflink if you have access to one).

What DOES matter is the chain width the FW is designed for- There is a bit of a one way compatibility as 1/8" > 3/32". You can run a 3/32" cog/fw/chainring with an 1/8" chain, but you can't run a 3/32" chain with a 1/8" cog/fw/chainring.

Branding means little more than implied quality in this context.

Other than the width of the chain, they're all compatible, other than a bizarre deviation off of the beaten path that shimano took for their track bicycle parts in the late 70's, every bicycle chain has been 1/2" (measured from pin to pin) for at least half a century now.