Fixed cog and freewheel need different sized chains?
07-24-18 | 04:13 PM
#1
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From: Minas Ithil
Fixed cog and freewheel need different sized chains?
I have a Swobo Accomplice and it's all original. Today I decided, finally, to try out the fixed cog. The chain won't fit it, it's too small to get in between the teeth, just like the one in the picture below. I think it's pretty messed up that they spec'd the bike like that. My question is this: Since I don't know what size chain I currently have (I have limited SS education), does anyone know what size it needs? I am planning on getting a WI freewheel and it requires a 3/32. Hopefully that is the size the fixed cog needs?
07-24-18 | 04:21 PM
#2
Super-duper Genius
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Muskrat Springs, Utah
Fixed cogs come in two thicknesses: 3/32" and 1/8". As far as I know, single speed cogs are all 3/32".
If you have a 3/32" chain, it will not fit on a 1/8" cog, but a 1/8" chain will fit and work fine with either size of cog.
Pros and cons? 3/32" chains are a little lighter. 1/8" chains may wear a little longer. In practice, there's not much difference.
If you have a 3/32" chain, it will not fit on a 1/8" cog, but a 1/8" chain will fit and work fine with either size of cog.
Pros and cons? 3/32" chains are a little lighter. 1/8" chains may wear a little longer. In practice, there's not much difference.
07-24-18 | 04:36 PM
#3
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From: Minas Ithil
Fixed cogs come in two thicknesses: 3/32" and 1/8". As far as I know, single speed cogs are all 3/32".
If you have a 3/32" chain, it will not fit on a 1/8" cog, but a 1/8" chain will fit and work fine with either size of cog.
Pros and cons? 3/32" chains are a little lighter. 1/8" chains may wear a little longer. In practice, there's not much difference.
If you have a 3/32" chain, it will not fit on a 1/8" cog, but a 1/8" chain will fit and work fine with either size of cog.
Pros and cons? 3/32" chains are a little lighter. 1/8" chains may wear a little longer. In practice, there's not much difference.
07-24-18 | 04:48 PM
#4
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 14,779
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From: Northwest Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
The brand of freewheel doesn't matter.
I have little experience with freewheels but am not aware of any which come 1/8." Most, if not all are 3/32" and I'd be surprised if the White Industries was not. .
1/8" chain will work with either 1/8" or 3/32" components, both fixed gear cogs and freewheels.
Solution: get a 1/8' chain or exchange the 1/8" fixed gear cog for a 3/32" cog and run your current chain. .
-Tim-
I have little experience with freewheels but am not aware of any which come 1/8." Most, if not all are 3/32" and I'd be surprised if the White Industries was not. .
1/8" chain will work with either 1/8" or 3/32" components, both fixed gear cogs and freewheels.
Solution: get a 1/8' chain or exchange the 1/8" fixed gear cog for a 3/32" cog and run your current chain. .
-Tim-
07-24-18 | 10:32 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Single speed FWs for road bikes tend to be 3/32". BMXers used to use 1/8". (I have no idea what they are doing now. Campagnolo used to make track quality 1/8" chainrings with colored anodizing for the BMX crowd. I have a blue 144 BCD 1/8" Campy ring.)
1/8" SS drive trains have a 100 year history, 3/32" is relatively new.
Ben
1/8" SS drive trains have a 100 year history, 3/32" is relatively new.
Ben
07-25-18 | 07:01 PM
#6
Clark W. Griswold
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
My WI freewheels are both 1/8 but you can get them in 3/32 and the Dos Eno only comes 3/32!
07-26-18 | 01:13 PM
#7
Old fart
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From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
07-30-18 | 12:16 PM
#8
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From: Minas Ithil
So I got a 1/8 chain. Took a ride on the fixed cog, and on bumpy roads I have a loud rattling sound. Quiet on smooth roads. Could it be the cheap freewheel on the non-drive side? It does have a little play when I wiggle it by hand. I've checked everything else.
07-30-18 | 01:06 PM
#10
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 14,779
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From: Northwest Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Take the freewheel off and don't look back. 
Hey, are you in coastal NC or upstate? What gearing are you running?
NC is just far enough to make organizing a BFFGSS group ride a PITA.
-Tim-
Hey, are you in coastal NC or upstate? What gearing are you running?
NC is just far enough to make organizing a BFFGSS group ride a PITA.
-Tim-
07-30-18 | 02:37 PM
#12
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From: Minas Ithil
The stock gearing is 41/17. I'm sticking with a 17T freewheel but I'm going to buy a set of Sugino cranks with a 46. I'm about 90 miles east of Charlotte right on the border of SC.
