fixie conversion lockring question!

charly h

Hello

I have a 1970s era Dawes 5sp bike that is on its way to becoming my first fixie conversion. Exciting!!! I have a threaded rear hub and would like to remove the 5sp cassette and just get a sprocket to go on to that for minimum hassle and also cheapness! However I don't want to ride it without a lockring, especially as I don't really have any big hills on any of my regular routes and I ride fast in heavy central London traffic. I don't want my bike exploding at a busy junction! I was told that I could use a bottom bracket lockring to secure it ... would this work do you reckon, and would it actually be secure? I'm fairly small and not that heavy so shouldn't be exerting tons of pressure through the rear wheel, I hope!
The other option I'm considering is buying a doublefixed hub, new wheel etc but although this would probably be a better option longterm, I think I'd rather save the cash for now.
Any help appreciated!

Peter Mc

The purists are appalled but many of us ride the so-called "suicide" hub with and without a lockring.

I use the "Rotafix/Italian" method to get the cog on tight, no lockring (not enough space on the threads), run a front brake - not used much, stay away from agressive skidding/skipping and do not have spin-off problems.

Have at it.

huhenio

X2 ... nicely said

__________________
2003 Gary Fisher Zebrano (standard gearing)
Comfort commuter with drop and aero bars.
Think of a Buick.

1974 Schwinn Traveler Fixed Gear Conversion (42x13)

Think of some medieval torture element that goes fast

Wheelist, show me the bike!!!!!!!

brooklyn

RotaFix the cog and buy some JBWeld.

RedEvoke

Why no lockring? Just curious.

Dont make it permanant. You might want to step up the gear inches later.

__________________
"Kankles are my secret weapon"

76 raleigh grand prix fixie beater
75 raleigh competition fixed gear cross
05 kestrel evoke

.........----- __o
......------_~\<,
_______(_)/ (_)__

victorthewombat

PeterMC is correct...suicide hubs do work. Here is my time tested method:

1) and just about the most important. The freewheel threads need to be laboratory clean and dry. You need a least two hours before installation of the cog.

2) Insert track cog. thread on with blue locktite (hey you may need to change the sprocket later). Use a chain wip to get it on there nice and tight. Now go ride the bike w/o using back pressure.

3) Come home after about 1/2 hour and re tighten cog w/ chain wip and let sit over night.

4) The next day you can install the bottom bracket lockring if you want to. No locktite on the bottom bracket lockring. Just crank it on there and check it at least every week. By using this method I have had reasonable success keeping the cog on. Most of my problems were with my mechanical skills until I got the method down pat ie reread rule number 1.

Good luck

VTW

RedEvoke

Why not wait say two weeks between installing the cog and the lockring.

Heres the deal

1. If you plan on doing ridiculous downhills or have knees of high nickel iron then go for the locktite method. "Suicide hubs" should be used for cruiser type fixies only. If you want to race and or do crazy stuff on you rbike then build up a real flip flop hub that has the proper reverse threads.

I have a 73 raleigh grand prix FGG#3649 (http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/200.../ZakTrafton.htm
with a "suicide hub" and It works great. I ride it to school, work, the store whatever. The lockring hasnt come off yet and i tend to be hard on that bike. Put on the cog, chain everything and put the front wheel in the corner of the room. stand on the pedal to tighten the cog. Then put on the lockring (make sure its a good old one) And use a lockring tool if you have one or a hammer and screwdriver.

Then ride the piss out of the bike.

Make sure you drop it on the ground before your first big ride just for good luck.

__________________
"Kankles are my secret weapon"

76 raleigh grand prix fixie beater
75 raleigh competition fixed gear cross
05 kestrel evoke

.........----- __o
......------_~\<,
_______(_)/ (_)__

Derek.vt

i set one of my bikes up this way, just dished the wheel out and put on the bottom bracket lock ring, got some help in tightening it down and have been running it like this for say... 7 months or so? i 've had absolutely no problems and i've been riding it almost every day. also i backpedal and skid to stop constantly and it seems to be as tight as always. just check it often, and keep a front brake on there just incase.

roadfix

just install a front brake and not worry about a lockring, whether you use it or not....

alfeng

Is it a matter of perspective in the pics OR is your chainline way off?



I realize the configuration has worked for you, but I'd get some thinner spacers and redish the rear wheel UNLESS you were planning on putting a freewheel on it at some point in the future.