[Closed] replacing a BMX style freewheel

[url= http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Park-Tool-FR6C-Freewheel-Remover-BMX_11198.htm?sku=40906&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=CJ_H3u3-_c0CFQ2eGwodFH0OJg ]This is what my shimano freewheel needed[/url]

and see here - last pic

[url= https://singlespeedcomponents.co.uk/collections/single-speed-freewheels/products/single-speed-freewheel-dicta-16-18?variant=1073143352&gclid=CN7mm4L__c0CFTUW0wod-rsMQg ]Dicta images[/url]

Ah, my current Dicta freewheel looks like the pic with two little depressions on the face. Does this come off to reveal the four recesses for the tool?

Some of the Dicta ones don't have any notches for a removal tool (so the Shimano tool etc is useless).

If this is the case, the tidiest way to remove (and probably scrap it in the process) is to unscrew the centre bearing race so all the guts fall out, then hold the remaining inner race in a vice to unscrew from the hub.

To unscrew the bearing race, use a hammer and punch in one of those two little holes. That bit (to get at the guts) is a LEFT hand thread so needs to go clockwise with freewheel facing you. The thread holding the remaining inner race to the hub is a regular RH one. Could be wrong but don't think anyone makes a tool to fit the inner bit.

If you don't damage it, then it is possible to rebuild the freewheel with a steady hand and lots of patience.......

That's a bugger, was hoping I could swap freewheels about as and when I desired. They're only cheap but I don't fancy wrecking one everytime I fancy a change.

Most people just bin the Dictas.....

Just seems a waste of cash wrecking a brand new freewheel just to try a different size!

Only take it apart if you think you can rebuild it, otherwise just tighten a vice round it till the rachet stops spinning and unscrew the wheel, totally kills the freewheel, but works.

Think that will be the way forward 🙁

Matches with my experience of Dicta free wheels. Lasted 80 miles before it failed and then had to destroy it to remove it. Definitely a false economy.

Any other 16T versions out there? Preferably ones that can be removed properly?

Is it not a flip flop hub? (threaded both sides?) 18t on one side & 16t the other.

Any other 16T versions out there? Preferably ones that can be removed properly?

Shimano (you can then use a shimano tool)
Halo Clickster for when you are more set on your gearing as much nicer than Shimano
White Industries when you are really set on your gearing as many times better than everything else and lasts for years.

You may also find yourself fine tuning the gearing which may need you to use different size chainrings.

I've never bought a really expensive one, (i.e. one that costs as much as a 10 speed cassette, not wearing out expensive bits is one of the reasons for Single speeding) but none of the cheaper options seem to last very long with MTB punishment.

Dicta - worst - really just bin it, they're shit.
Sturmey Archer - Just acceptable
Shimano - about the same as Sturmey Archer.

When I asked Charlie the Bikemonger what was better, he said White Industries was the only thing that really lasted, but at 90 quid the buy cheap, buy twice adage still doesn't add up.

Of course, if you're talking road bike, the answer is fixed. 😈

Hah, fixed doesn't work for me due to a twice wrecked knee, quite apart from having CMT!
So its either Shimsno or Sturmey Archer then?

Not a flip flop hub either unfortunately.

I'm an idiot - of course it has a flip flop hub! Makes life a lot easier!

Shimano is about a million times better than Dicta. And really, not that much more expensive.

Again, all depends on how many miles you intend to be doing.
I did 1,000s of miles on a White Industries and it was worth every penny.

Even from new cheaper freewheels wobble and knock which for me ruins the ride (which with single-speed should be dead quiet and smooth)

Can't really have quiet with a White Industries freewheel. They make that reassuring buzz that says "keep pedalling you lazy git".