Is it possible to convert a bike with an old screw-on freewheel (Schwinn Traveler) into a single speed without buying a new rear wheel? Is it possible to get rid of the extra cogs while maintaining the “screw-on”-ability of the freewheel?
Any help or direction would be appreciated.
You could just shorten the chain and use one of the cogs…
Or use a one-speed frewheel on the same hub (you might want to redish the wheel).
If you’re wanting to make it a fixie, there’s a little more to it, but not much.
Where would I get a one speed freewheel? Is that what is used on BMX bikes?
Apparently this is what I need:
The question is, can this be spaced outward somehow so that I can dial in a decent chainline?
You may be able to learn more from this site:
http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html
I bought a new wheel with flip/flop fixed gear hub for about $90 on ebay. Allows use of single speed free wheel as per your picture on one side and fixed gear (with lock ring) on the other side.
HH
Check out bikeparts.com, they have some good info on converting to single speed. I’m planning on doing it myself.
Do you have a link to the specific info? All I’m finding is parts for sale.
You can probably buy a one speed “BMX” freewheel from your local bike shop. Beware of the BMX “flip-flop” size. Not to be confused with other “Flip-flop” hubs. The BMX flip-flop hub has one side that is a smaller diameter to accommodate a 15 tooth freewheel. This freewheel will not fit a standard threaded hub. Stick with the 16 tooth and up model and you will probably be fine.
I remember doing a conversion for a freewheel to a SS for a buddy’s commuter bike. I used a shimano BMX gear that allowed coasting and was pretty cheap. As for the chainline, the freewheel hub had a bunch of spacers on the axle ends to get the 130mm. I just played around, swapping the spacers from one side to the other. Of course, it requires loosening and retightening the cups and cones everytime.
Wheels Mfg has a bunch of solid axles that I think work better for doing this conversion, and you can use track nuts to hold the wheel in place if on a horizontal drop out. Also used 39/18 gear ratio.
sorry wrong one, try http://www.webcyclery.com/home.php?cat=399, it has alot of stuff for sale and some tips.