Huge noob question. What is the silver thing on the threads?

It's a part of the Miche cog carrier system. Not really a noob question, kind of an obscure thing.

I knew I could count on you. I thought it was something extremely obvious but I just have not had enough experience with wheels.

What exactly is its purpose? How do I remove it?

*Edit - Found more info on it, I guess it just makes changing Miche cogs easier. Can I remove it with the Park Tool HCW-17?

Good luck removing it if you don't have a Miche cog on hand.

It alleviates the use of a chain whip when changing cogs. Rather than screwing on the cogs each time, you screw that base on once, and then the cogs fit onto those spline like notches, and then a lockring is threaded on top. Makes it easier to change cogs, and is a cheaper overall system.

I have no clue how to get it off, assuming there isn't a special tool, I would think you place a miche cog on it, and the use a chainwhip. Again, no ****ing clue, just a guess.

If you don't need it, take it off with a big pair of channel locks. This might actually be a good time to switch if you wanted to.

The system is growing on me.

I'm guessing Miche cog and chainwhip?

Who wants to lend me a Miche cog?

Table vise or channel locks.

But I remember you're in a dorm, so just kick it off.

I'm home for winter break now and tried the rubber mallet and wood method. I still prefer stepping on it!

You're not going to get that thing off with channel locks. Just go rip some bong hits and think about something else.

I do believe the phrase is "Hogwash!"

I don't see why it wouldn't work.

I've got one in my hand right now, I'll let you know how it goes in a moment

The suspense is killing me.

A bong?

And channel locks

There's your problem.

Stop trying to multitask.

Jesus, you kids today...

Didn't work, should I throw the bong at it as last resort?

No, you should go make some microwave popcorn.

Are you turning the right direction? I don't know how stoned you are.

So do I throw the microwaved popcorn at it? Does it have to be microwaved?

I'm turning right...right?

Turn counter clock wise.

Counter clock wise... so I probably tightened it another 100nm

It's standard threading. It goes on where the cog does.