Hey guys, this is my first post and hopefully not my last. I tried the search bar and couldn't come to any solid conclusions. My question is whether I should buy a wheelset that already comes with the freewheel and fixed cog, or to get it seperately? Also, how can I be sure what I am buying includes them, because often the description and photo do not match. I'd like to keep my budget at $300. I'm not too concerned with weight as sturdiness is more important. Also, I'm in Canada, any good online retailers?

Wheels typically do not come with a freewheel or cog. These wheels are going on a street bike? Velomine is the most often recommended place to get wheels.

Oh ok. Thanks. I kept reading "hubs" and I thought that meant cog. They are going on an old road bike. So I need to buy a wheelset, cog(s), freewheel tool, and the tubes and tires, right? I'm looking for 700c. Any general recommendations as I am kind of overhwhelmed?

I'm Canadian too. I used Velomine, with a budget of 300 you can get a nice set shipped, they will not come with cogs and freewheels, but they do sell them separately

Edit: they will space your rear wheel to fit your old frame, most likely 126 mm.

I think I'm going to go with Velomine, they have a nice selection. What else do I need to buy concerning wheels so theoretically I'm good to go with everything when it arrives?

Freewheel, or cog, and a lockring. Whether you want single speed or fixed.

Thanks, and I would need a freewheel tool as well?

Tires are good to have if you don't already.

Not to install a freewheel, just to remove one. To install, just a light coat of grease on the threads, spin it on, and it tightens when you pedal.

You may need to have the wheels trued and tensioned when they arrive (as in before riding on them). Most of Velomine's wheels are machine-built and shipping often takes its toll on a wheel set regardless of how well it's packed up.

Pfft, tyres are over rated. Go naked my boy


This sub-forum really needs a devil smiley.

Haha never out of the question. I noticed that some wheels include "Formula" hubs. Do I need a formula specific cog and lockring or can parts from different companies go together?

Hey guys so I checked out Velomine and these are my preliminary choices:
MAVIC CXP22 wheels (I like the black colour and I prefer a flip-flop hub),

PHIL WOOD TRACK COG 20 TOOTH X 1/8 INCH,

a Phil Wood lock ring,

And a SHIMANO SF-1200 16T SINGLE SPEED FREEWHEEL 1/8"

How does that look? Shipping to Canada it comes to just above $300. I could ship it to a family member's house in New York and save $30 as I am going there in a month.

Is there anything that would be better. I'd rather pay a bit more for better quality if that is the case. And thanks for all the help, I greatly appreciate it.

The Phil Wood cog is way too expensive and the Phil Wood lockring won't fit your hub. If you buy from Velomine, get the All City 20T cog All City Track Cog 1/8th Inch 20 Tooth Single [fw4760 - 70875206475] - $19.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike and the Shimano Dura Ace lockring Shimano Dura Ace NJS Track Cog Lockring track hub LOCKRING Shimano Dura Ace NJS [0689228127531] - $15.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike.

I recommend the Wabi GX series, they are under $300.
Even though weight isn't a concern for you, they are light. As far as being sturdy, I ride these around Manhattan with no issue.


EDIT:
I'm not too sure if the Wabi's are available in a flip flop hub if you really wanted a freewheel.

The Wabi wheels are fixed/fixed. A freewheel can easily be installed on fixed threading without any problem.