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Converting a threaded Freewheel to a Single Speed

In this post, I’m documenting how to convert a threaded freewheel to a single speed — using what you already have — without any specialized tools or boutique products. Or maybe just one boutique part — a spacer.

Tools are essential, and if you don’t have what’s listed below, it’s best not to start this project. I also take no responsibility for any loss or damage you might cause by following the steps in this article.

People often say you need a new wheel, or that you can reuse your hub but re-dish the wheel, and that you’ll also need a different freewheel. Blah, blah. I just want to prove it can be done without any of that. If you’ve got an old generic 5+speed with horizontal dropouts—or even vertical ones (just add a chain tensioner)—you can build a simple drivetrain, here and now. 1x1.

Let’s do it. Tools out!

Tools & Bits You’ll Need

Chain whip (to hold the cogs in place)

Strap (like Surly’s Whip Lash®, Junk Strap®, or anything tough enough® to lock around the cogs)

Mallet or hammer

Old screwdriver or steel rod (to use as leverage on the lockring)

Chain breaker tool (to size and fit the new chain length)

Custom spacer (you can use any pipe of the right diameter cut to length, grind down the teeth of old cogs, or get a made-to-order custom spacer on http://9chol2.etsy.com/)

Optional but recommended: anti-seize grease for the threads and a beer.

What We’re Going to Do

Here’s the short version of the mission:

Remove the rear wheel.

Lock the freewheel using a chain whip and strap.

Knock the lockring free with a rod and mallet. Anticlockwise.

Remove the cogs.

Install your chosen cog with spacers to line things up.

Check chainline — aim for straight!

Apply anti-seize and tighten everything back down.

Re-fit the wheel, cut the chain to length, and ride off.

If you want gear advice: go for something around 2:1 ratio or a touch lower, see the Sheldon Brown (link), for a good balance between climbing and speed.

And here’s the long version of the mission:

Step 1: Remove the Wheel

Wheel off, done.

Step 2: Secure the Freewheel

Wrap your strap around the cogs, hook up the chain whip, and lock it all so the freewheel won’t spin.

Step 3: Free the Lockring

Take your steel rod or screwdriver, place it in the lockring slot (or the smallest cog if lockring is missing), and give it a sharp whack with the mallet. A few strikes usually does it — the ring loosens and spins free.

Source: ProjecTrebs (1)

Step 4: Strip the Cogs

Slide the cogs off the body. Save the cogs.

Source: author

Step 5: Install Spacer + Cog

Clean the cog and use it with spacers to center it on the freewheel body. In most cases, it should sit where the smallest cog was originally. See step 7 —you don’t want skips or a dropped chain.

Sources: author, Redentube (2)

Step 6: Lock It Down & Re-Install

Smear some anti-seize on the threads before locking the cog and spacers in place. Refit the wheel into the frame, making sure the axle is secure.

Source: author

Step 7: Set the Chain

Use the chain breaker to shorten the chain to the right length. You want it taut, but not too tight — a little play is normal. Connect it back up, double-check alignment, and that’s it.

Source: mi-kanzan (3)

Step 8: Ride

Congratulations — you’ve just converted a threaded freewheel bike to a simple single speed. Less to fiddle with, less to break, and heaps of fun.

Notes, References & Sources

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