A decent singlespeed freewheel

[Stephen Greenwood]

I'm having trouble finding a singlespeed freewheel of decent quality.
My first experience was with an AC Racing (not to be confused with
ACS) unit. Its malformed teeth prevented chain disengagement,
rendering it unusable. Thankfully, the mail-order outfit from which I
bought it was good enough to replace it free of charge. The
replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It
works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is
parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps
1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies.
It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the
lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load,
causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel
causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric
with the BB spindle.)

So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size
is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS
brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries
ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible
to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.

Thanks,
Stephen Greenwood

[[email protected]]

On Mar 29, 3:32 pm, "Stephen Greenwood" >
wrote:
> I'm having trouble finding a singlespeed freewheel of decent quality.
> My first experience was with an AC Racing (not to be confused with
> ACS) unit. Its malformed teeth prevented chain disengagement,
> rendering it unusable. Thankfully, the mail-order outfit from which I
> bought it was good enough to replace it free of charge. The
> replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It
> works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is
> parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps
> 1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies.
> It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the
> lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load,
> causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel
> causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric
> with the BB spindle.)
>
> So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size
> is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS
> brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries
> ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible
> to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.
>
> Thanks,
> Stephen Greenwood

How picky are you trying to get about the axis offset? The SS
freewheel on my road bike couldn't have been too expensive, based on
what I paid for the bike with new wheels & ss drivetrain. My
freewheel is offset like you describe enough to be visible when
working on the bike in the living room or basement, but not enough to
notable affect chain tension when riding. It's also been in service
for many all-weather miles (don't keep track) and still feels about
new. My assumption is that this is deemed "close enough" by the
industry, and I'd have to pay top dollar (i.e. White Industries, who
makes great stuff) to get perfection. I don't care enough to pay the
$ for perfect, mine is close enough. If it sounds like it would be
for you too I can check the make when I get home.

[Kinky Cowboy]

On 29 Mar 2007 12:32:38 -0700, "Stephen Greenwood"
> wrote:
>
>So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size
>is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS
>brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries
>ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible
>to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.
>

If White had the production numbers of Shimano, their freewheel would
probably be priced like Dura Ace; there's obviously a lot of tooling
cost recovery in that $80. If you're planning to wear out a lot of
sprockets, a single speed cassette hub is likely to be cheaper in the
long run; the fact that this is so makes other companies reluctant to
tool up for a very low volume market.

Kinky Cowboy*

*Batteries not included
May contain traces of nuts
Your milage may vary

[Stephen Greenwood]

On Mar 29, 2:17 pm, " > wrote:
> > The
> > replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It
> > works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is
> > parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps
> > 1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies.
> > It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the
> > lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load,
> > causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel
> > causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric
> > with the BB spindle.)
>
> > So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size
> > is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS
> > brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries
> > ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible
> > to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.
>
> > Thanks,
> > Stephen Greenwood
>
> How picky are you trying to get about the axis offset? The SS
> freewheel on my road bike couldn't have been too expensive, based on
> what I paid for the bike with new wheels & ss drivetrain. My
> freewheel is offset like you describe enough to be visible when
> working on the bike in the living room or basement, but not enough to
> notable affect chain tension when riding. It's also been in service
> for many all-weather miles (don't keep track) and still feels about
> new. My assumption is that this is deemed "close enough" by the
> industry, and I'd have to pay top dollar (i.e. White Industries, who
> makes great stuff) to get perfection. I don't care enough to pay the
> $ for perfect, mine is close enough. If it sounds like it would be
> for you too I can check the make when I get home.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

How picky? Exactly the standard you mention: not enough offset to
cause a noticeable change in chain tension while riding. With the part
I have, it's visually and aurally observable. You're right that I
don't want to pay the big bucks for perfection if "good enough" is
available. I'd appreciate your checking for me.

Maybe I've simply gotten out-of-spec parts. But having that happen two-
for-two times, which should be quite unlikely, and the existence of an
$80 unit have combined to make me suspect that the standard for
singlespeed freewheels is low.

[David L. Johnson]

Stephen Greenwood wrote:

> Maybe I've simply gotten out-of-spec parts. But having that happen two-
> for-two times, which should be quite unlikely, and the existence of an
> $80 unit have combined to make me suspect that the standard for
> singlespeed freewheels is low.

Wait a bit. You had two freewheels on the bike, both were offset?
(Sorry, I may have only skimmed your original post). don't you think
you might be blaming the wrong part? It's certainly as likely that the
hub has the axle center misaligned with the axis of the freewheel
threads. With a geared system you'd never notice it because the
derailleur takes up the slack (sometimes you can see the freewheel
wobble when coasting, and sometimes this is the cause), but with a ss
setup it's more noticable in terms of chain tension.

--

David L. Johnson

Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling with a pig...
You soon find out the pig likes it!

[John Thompson]

On 2007-03-29, Stephen Greenwood > wrote:

> Maybe I've simply gotten out-of-spec parts. But having that happen two-
> for-two times, which should be quite unlikely, and the existence of an
> $80 unit have combined to make me suspect that the standard for
> singlespeed freewheels is low.

Maintaining consistent chain tension is even more important on a fixed
gear than a single freewheel, since a thrown chain can very easily lead
to a serious crash. Real track equipment tends to be manufactured to
closer tolerances than road or BMX equipment, and this is reflected in
the cost.

--

John )

[jim beam]

A Muzi wrote:
<snip for clarity>
> seriously consider a White. Sure it's some cash but how long do you plan
> to be dead? That value in gasoline, girlfriends or groceries gets lost
> in most people's budget anyway. May as well own something pretty &
> useful. YMMV.

ain't that the truth.

[A Muzi]

Stephen Greenwood wrote:
> I'm having trouble finding a singlespeed freewheel of decent quality.
> My first experience was with an AC Racing (not to be confused with
> ACS) unit. Its malformed teeth prevented chain disengagement,
> rendering it unusable. Thankfully, the mail-order outfit from which I
> bought it was good enough to replace it free of charge. The
> replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It
> works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is
> parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps
> 1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies.
> It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the
> lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load,
> causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel
> causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric
> with the BB spindle.)
>
> So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size
> is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS
> brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries
> ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible
> to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.

The White freewheel is expensive because they are round and durable. If
you can live with a few $20 freewheels then don't buy it. Since you've
discovered what 'standard quality' means and are dissatisfied ,
seriously consider a White. Sure it's some cash but how long do you plan
to be dead? That value in gasoline, girlfriends or groceries gets lost
in most people's budget anyway. May as well own something pretty &
useful. YMMV.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

[A Muzi]

Stephen Greenwood wrote:
>>> replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It
>>> works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is
>>> parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps
>>> 1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies.
>>> It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the
>>> lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load,
>>> causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel
>>> causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric
>>> with the BB spindle.)
>>> So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size
>>> is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS
>>> brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries
>>> ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible
>>> to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.

> " > wrote:
>> How picky are you trying to get about the axis offset? The SS
>> freewheel on my road bike couldn't have been too expensive, based on
>> what I paid for the bike with new wheels & ss drivetrain. My
>> freewheel is offset like you describe enough to be visible when
>> working on the bike in the living room or basement, but not enough to
>> notable affect chain tension when riding. It's also been in service
>> for many all-weather miles (don't keep track) and still feels about
>> new. My assumption is that this is deemed "close enough" by the
>> industry, and I'd have to pay top dollar (i.e. White Industries, who
>> makes great stuff) to get perfection. I don't care enough to pay the
>> $ for perfect, mine is close enough. If it sounds like it would be
>> for you too I can check the make when I get home.- Hide quoted text -

Stephen Greenwood wrote:
> How picky? Exactly the standard you mention: not enough offset to
> cause a noticeable change in chain tension while riding. With the part
> I have, it's visually and aurally observable. You're right that I
> don't want to pay the big bucks for perfection if "good enough" is
> available. I'd appreciate your checking for me.
>
> Maybe I've simply gotten out-of-spec parts. But having that happen two-
> for-two times, which should be quite unlikely, and the existence of an
> $80 unit have combined to make me suspect that the standard for
> singlespeed freewheels is low.

It may just be that your chain was too tight. That exacerbates the
standard variances to an annoying degree and wears everything rapidly.
Easy does it:
http://www.yellowjersey.org/chainchk.html

Or it may not. Doesn't hurt to check.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

[Stephen Greenwood]

On Mar 29, 2:37 pm, "Stephen Greenwood" >
wrote:
> On Mar 29, 2:17 pm, " > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > > The
> > > replacement was a Shimano MX part, which I'm currently using. It
> > > works, but not as well as I'd like. While the axis of the sprocket is
> > > parallel to the hub axis (as it should be), it is offset by perhaps
> > > 1.5 mm. The effect is that while pedaling, the chain tension varies.
> > > It's not enough to derail the chain, but it is enough to cause the
> > > lower run of the chain to flap up and down under steady pedaling load,
> > > causing an annoying noise. (I have verified that it is the freewheel
> > > causing this, not the chainwheel, which is almost perfectly concentric
> > > with the BB spindle.)
>
> > > So, can anyone recommend a decent singlespeed freewheel? Required size
> > > is 16T in the usual 1.37" x 24 TPI threading. I've seen Dicta and ACS
> > > brands but haven't tried them. I do know about the White Industries
> > > ENO, but it's $80 or so. That strikes me as odd, since it's possible
> > > to get decent-quality multispeed freewheels for half that much.
>
> > > Thanks,
> > > Stephen Greenwood
>
> > How picky are you trying to get about the axis offset? The SS
> > freewheel on my road bike couldn't have been too expensive, based on
> > what I paid for the bike with new wheels & ss drivetrain. My
> > freewheel is offset like you describe enough to be visible when
> > working on the bike in the living room or basement, but not enough to
> > notable affect chain tension when riding. It's also been in service
> > for many all-weather miles (don't keep track) and still feels about
> > new. My assumption is that this is deemed "close enough" by the
> > industry, and I'd have to pay top dollar (i.e. White Industries, who
> > makes great stuff) to get perfection. I don't care enough to pay the
> > $ for perfect, mine is close enough. If it sounds like it would be
> > for you too I can check the make when I get home.- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> How picky? Exactly the standard you mention: not enough offset to
> cause a noticeable change in chain tension while riding. With the part
> I have, it's visually and aurally observable. You're right that I
> don't want to pay the big bucks for perfection if "good enough" is
> available. I'd appreciate your checking for me.
>
> Maybe I've simply gotten out-of-spec parts. But having that happen two-
> for-two times, which should be quite unlikely, and the existence of an
> $80 unit have combined to make me suspect that the standard for
> singlespeed freewheels is low.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -


David: That's a good thought, but no, the first one had a different
problem.

John: I agree. I've got an EAI track sprocket for the other side of
the hub (a flip-flop), and it has no discernable offset.

Andrew: It's difficult to quantify exactly, but using the spoke
immediately above the chain as a reference in your photo, I think my
chain was about that tight at its tightest point. It gets
significantly looser at the loosest point.

Thanks for the replies.

Stephen Greenwood

[[email protected]]

On Mar 29, 4:37 pm, "Stephen Greenwood" >
wrote:
> How picky? Exactly the standard you mention: not enough offset to
> cause a noticeable change in chain tension while riding. With the part
> I have, it's visually and aurally observable. You're right that I
> don't want to pay the big bucks for perfection if "good enough" is
> available. I'd appreciate your checking for me.

ACS Claws.

[Stephen Greenwood]

On Apr 2, 6:12 am, " > wrote:
> On Mar 29, 4:37 pm, "Stephen Greenwood" >
> wrote:
>
> > I'd appreciate your checking for me.
>
> ACS Claws.

Thanks, Dan.