singlespeed conversion problem
#1
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Joined: Sep 2005
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singlespeed conversion problem
I was reading a singlespeed conversion guide and I thought simply i had to remove the shimano freewheel from the hub, and put in a bmx freewheel. Then no more brakes, no more shifting. Bmx freewheels allow coasting, right? If they allow coasting, how do you brake with a single speed bike, do you have to keep brakes on the bike? Then if i dont want brakes, I need to go fixed gear? so confused...
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Davis CA
Bikes: Surly Cross-Check, '85 Giant road bike (unrecogizable fixed-gear conversion
You need brakes. Fixed or free. Stopping without brakes if you have a freewheel is impossible unless you are Fred Flintstone. Stopping without brakes fixed gear is about as effective as stopping your car by downshifting (the same principal, actually).
#3
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Joined: Sep 2005
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coaster brake hub?
What about coaster brake hubs, could I just get one of them and be set, coast, brake, no lines running on the bike, no shifters, no hand brakes, just backpeddle and brake, or coast when I want, or pedal, This sounds like heaven.
#5
You know you want to.
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Norman, Oklahoma
Bikes: Pinarello Prince, 1980's 531 steel fixie commuter, FrankenMTB
Originally Posted by thursdaynight
What about coaster brake hubs, could I just get one of them and be set, coast, brake, no lines running on the bike, no shifters, no hand brakes, just backpeddle and brake, or coast when I want, or pedal, This sounds like heaven.
Though, if you're descending mountains, apparently you'll not want a coaster brake - they melt. No worries in normal use.
And you only need brakes on your bike if you have a freewheel.
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#6
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Okay, then the question is, where do I find a single speed coaster brake hub to fit 126mm rear spacing? Because of the coaster brake, am I going to have to find a coaster brake hub exactly 126mm wide? I am very excited about this





