I think i need a fr...
 

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I think i need a freewheel

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I have a fixie, that is lovely. It has White Industries Eno rear hub.

Here in Snowdonia i live at the top of a steep hill. The gearing to get it ip the hill means i am spinning like a madman on the way down and in lots of other descents.  I also sometimes forget to pedal at roundabouts and have had a scare or two.

So i need a freewheel. Are they much of a muchness and use the same tool to remove? Or will i need the White Ind version?

Thanks

Ian


 
Posted : 15/09/2023 5:05 pm
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Most of them pull off once you’ve removed the axle end plugs either by hand or using a spanner.

They’re all quite similar, so often one make will fit another hub, if they use a similar ratchet/pawl system. However in general I believe it’s better to stick to the same make if possible.


 
Posted : 15/09/2023 5:12 pm
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This is screw-on device. It will be single speed and the hub is double sided for a fixed gear sprocket or a screw on free wheel sprocket


 
Posted : 15/09/2023 5:19 pm
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I ran a decent White Industries on the single speed MTB. Was very classy. Most of the cheap ones will rust rapidly, then you end up with fixed. You'll also need a freewheel removal tool if you don't have a flip-flop hub.


 
Posted : 15/09/2023 5:28 pm
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I have the White hub, the excentric axle job on my commuter. Brilliant . You have a choice of 3 or maybe 4 freewheels. Dicta. Cheap and nasty but ok if you want to play with ratios and they do improve if you soak them in some very heavy oil. Shimano. So-so. White. Pricey. Chinese. Goodness knows! Old Euro or Bristish. Can be good. Is that more than 4 options.

I vague prefer a 1 tooth larger free wheel to my fixed sprocket. Easier for hills and you don't keep the moemtum that you do with a fixed and oof course you can freewheel down hills.

Got one of each on the hub but to be honest I stay with the fixed.


 
Posted : 15/09/2023 6:00 pm
 Del
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have run WI singlespeed freewheels extensively. got through about three of them. for my use i got about 18 months out of a main bearing and 3 years out of the part as a whole. SS offroad 16t. they're OK, but TBH a freehub of your choice is likely a better option with a suitable sprocket in terms of serviceability and durability. these days i run newmen and hope hubs with surly cogs.


 
Posted : 15/09/2023 8:06 pm
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Freewheels are all shit and when they do decide to go, which is after a short time period, they go at the most embarrassing pull away from the traffic lights moment. APART from the WI one, which doesn't do any of that.


 
Posted : 15/09/2023 8:19 pm
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Learn to unclip down the hills and keep your feet out of the way until you play Russian roulette at the bottom trying to get them back in.


 
Posted : 15/09/2023 8:24 pm
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Halo Clickster is half-way between a WI and cheapo Dicta/Shimano ones - I’ve been running one for quite a few years and not showing any signs of wear.


 
Posted : 15/09/2023 8:28 pm

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