Gearing and Chain Compatibility
 

Im currently working on a SS build and im working in the drivetrain. I currently have a Sugino Messenger front BB and front crankset. I have a road rear wheel with a traditional Shimano freewheel hub and a spacer kit for the rear cog. The front crank takes a 1/2 x 1/8 chain but the rear cog is much thinner. The issue I discovered was that I need to find a rear cog that fits a shimano style freewheel hub but also takes a 1/2 x 1/8 chain.

My question is: Will either of the links below work with that set up? Or will have have to put a road style front chainring on and a new chain?

http://www.bikebling.com/Rennen-Sing...speed-cogs.htm

http://www.bikebling.com/Niner-Cogal...ogalicious.htm

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

You can use the thinner cog in the back. It isn't a problem.

I've tried and the chain kept popping off and I thought it was because of the amount of play between the chain width and the width of the road cog. The front cog is much thicker, so the chain is nice and tight on there. It has some play side-to-side on the rear cog. But maybe its something else??

It's your chain line.

Make sure the chainring and the cog are lined up as straight as possible.

Thanks — I thought it was straight, but I'll take a closer look tonight and give it a shot. Thanks again!

Those cassette cogs may be just a bit too narrow/low to work with an 1/8in chain even with a good chain line. Definitely make sure it's straight first.

Those two cogs are what you are looking for, but far more expensive than necessary. You can get an Origin8 or Singleworks cog for less than $20 that will handle the street just fine.

I do like the aero machining on the Rennen cog. I think it might smooth up the air that has been disturbed by my legs and pedals. That should reduce the vacuum behind me from my pushing thru the air. That should make hill climbing eaiser.

Yeah — I figure the aerodynamics would also help by creating a rear-facing micro vortex creating a bubble of silence behind me for low noise levels while riding.

So i emailed that store and the guy said they are made for a 3/32 chain. Does anyone know if I can find a rear cog for a freewheel that also uses a 1/2 x 1/8 chain? Im thinking it may be easier to get a 3/32 front chainring and a new chain at this point... but id rather not. Thoughts?

Thanks again

3/32 cogs are compatible with 1/8 inch chains.

How's that chainline?

You can use a 3/32 cog with a 1/8 chain. Honest.

How tight is your chain?

So I checked my chain line... and it "looked" straight. But when I used this method to check it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFMa1EP7d2M) It was off about an 1/4". I adjusted it and will test it out in a few. I'll be sure to post how it works.

I did my best to make sure the chain is tight. I'd imagine that there is no secret to this outside of just pulling the wheel back and locking it down?

thanks again!

Make sure it isn't too tight. It's a single speed, so you won't even really feel any slack anyway.

That guy's chain in the video is way too tight.