Can I remove a cassette from the rear wheel and replace it with a fixed gear?

Question

Can I remove a cassette from the rear wheel and replace it with a fixed gear?

Answer 1

There are several devices that replace the cassette with a single cog and spacers so that you can run single speed, but it's not easy to convert to fixed gear as you have the free hub that needs replacing.

As has been said, you can buy fixed hubs, but these tend to be spaced for 120 mm for fixed frames. You would have to fit a longer axle and spacers and stuff to fit a 130/135 O.L.D. frame

Answer 2

Here's the device you need:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/fixed...

From Harris Cycles.

It allows the use of a left hand thread lock ring, though if you do a cog up tight enough with a proper wrench it will never come off accidentally. Pro track riders (I was one) never use lock nuts to hold cogs on.

It's not a cheap device though. i have also heard of people getting spot welds put on their hubs to lock them up. apparently it works.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I've seen some sort of device that you can fit onto the hub after you remove the freehub body.

It sounds like a lot of hassle and a waste of a functional freehub. Might as well try and get a cheap track hub on eBay or something

Answer 4

If you want to go fixed gear, you'll need to replace the hub....either by buying a new wheel, or a hub that you can lace to your old rim.  You may also have to make changes to the front end of the drivetrain in order to set up proper chainline (and it's a good idea to replace your chainring bolts with steel ones if you don't already have those on there).  

Don't fiddle with the various modifications or work-arounds.....if you want fixed gear, you really do want to use a fixie hub with a left-hand threaded lockring.  The other methods (such as a freewheel hub and a bottom bracket lockring) aren't safe or dependable, especially if you're going to be learning the skid-braking technique.

Fixed hubs come in several configurations....make sure you match your new hub to the frame spacing.   If you need help selecting gearing, finding your chainline, or getting proper chain tension, just post up again.  

:o)

Answer 5

there are cassette removal tools. and there are cheap one speed conversion kits on ebay