| Accessories | Bicycles | Parts | Specials | Tools |
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622 mm700C - 28/29 inch |
630 mm(27 inch) |
590 mm(26 x 1-3/8) |
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"Fixed Gear" means a one-speed bike where the pedals move whenever the bike moves. You can't coast on a fixed gear, but it has real advantages. For lots more information about fixed gears, click here. We generally use the term "singlespeed" to refer to a one-speed bike with a freewheel, that is a bike that can coast without the pedals moving. For lots more information about singlespeed "coasties" click here. The wheels shown on this page have three different types of hubs:
- Singlespeed Freewheel hubs have a simple 1.37 x 24 tpi threading. You would screw a singlespeed freewheel onto the hub. The singlespeed freewheel is built into a sprocket, so you need to choose what size sprocket when you buy the freewheel. Freewheels are not included with the wheels, you need to buy them separately. Click here for singlespeed freewheels.
- Fixed Gear hubs have a double thread. There is a normal 1.37 x 24 tpi thread next to the spokes, and then it steps down to a smaller thread that will accept a separate lockring. The lockring is left-hand (reverse) threaded to keep the sprocket from unscrewing itself when you apply backward force to the pedals. Sprockets are not included with the wheels, you need to buy them separately. Click here for fixed gear sprockets.
Some of the hubs include the lockring, some don't. Click here for fixed gear lockrings.
Since both singlespeed and fixed gear hubs use the same 1.37 x 24 tpi threading, any fixed gear hub can also be used with a singlespeed freewheel.
- Flip-Flop hubs have freewheel thread on one side, fixed-gear threading on the other side. You can install a fixed sprocket on one side, and a freewheel on the other, or you can install two freewheels of different sizes, turning your singlespeed into a sort of two-speed.
The most common way to set up a flip-flop hub is with a fixed gear on one side, and a slightly larger freewheel on the other side (usually a 1 or 2 tooth difference.
The idea is to use the fixed gear most of the time, but to have the freewheel in reserve for longer rides, when you might be all tuckered out and still far from home. The lower freeweheel gear will make the climbs easier, and the fact that it is a freewheel will let you coast down the hills without spinning your brains out due to the lower gearing.
Spacing
The "spacing" refers to the space between the fork ends. Different frames have different spacing in back, anywhere from 110 mm to 135 mm or more. The width of the hub (usually measured from the outer faces of the locknuts) needs to match the frame spacing.Most of the hubs we sell can be modified to fit wider spacings by adding spacer washers between the cones and locknuts. It is also possible in many cases to adjust the spacing of the frame itself. See my Frame Spacing Article for details.
In general, mountain bikes will have 135 mm spacing, "road bikes 120 to 130, depending on their age, and track bikes 110 to 120 depending on their age. If in doubt, you should measure:
The spacing of a hub is measured from the outside faces of the cone locknuts, where they come into contact with the frame's fork ends. (Most cartridge-bearing type hubs don't have locknuts, so the spacing is measured from the equivalent shoulder surface of the axle ends.) The spacing dimension is commonly referred to as the "O.L.D." (Over-Lock-nut Distance)
This frame has a spacing of 125 mm
Chainline
The chainline is the horizontal distance from the centerline of the frame to the centerline of the chain. One of the major advantages of singlespeed and fixed gear bikes, as opposed to bikes with derailer gearing, is that the chainline is straight. This makes for a more efficient drive train (less friction, better power transmission.)To ensure good chainline, you need to make the front chainline (distance from frame center to the center of the chainring teeth) match the rear chainline (hub center to the center of the sprocket.) Generally you would want to get this within a millimeter or maybe two of the same front and rear.
For details, see my article on Chainline.
If you're using a "road" or "track" type frame, you are best off with a typical "track" chainline of about 42 mm. Most of the "track" hubs we feature will give a chainline in that vicinity.
If you're using a "mountain" type frame, however, 42 mm chainline usually won't work, because most mountain bikes have wider chain stays, so you generally can't fit a reasonable sized chainring that close in. For that reason, singlespeed "mountain" bikes usually use a 52 mm chainline, or in some cases, 47 mm.
In addition to custom wheels, we offer stock wheels, machine-built by our supplier:Wheel Sets (Front and Rear):
Black Formula/Mavic CXP22 wheel set
WE915
Excellent value high-performance wheel set.
- Black Formula/Origin8 high flange fixed/free hubs
- Black Mavic CXP22 Semi-æro rims
- Black DT stainless steel spokes.
- 120 mm spacing, but long axles that can be built up to 126 or 130 by adding spacers.
The Sun CR-18 is a sturdy double-wall rim with eyelets, 22.5 mm wide (18.5 mm interior width.)
This wheel features the super-smooth Origin8 sealed cartridge bearing hub.
This wheel features the super-smooth Origin8/Formula sealed cartridge bearing front track hub.
Are you ready to convert your old Raleigh 3 Speed into a fixie or singlespeed?This wheel features the versatile Origin8/Formula double-fixed hub that will accept a single freewheel or track cog on either side.
Sealed cartridge bearings. Silver rim and hub.
This wheel will only fit forks with standard 100mm width. Front wheel to match WE361 above. Generic alloy, small flanged hub with 5/16" axle. Loose ball bearing, cup and cone type.
We've had requests for a 700C coaster brake wheel. Here it is!
- Sun CR18 satin silver alloy rim - an industry workhorse!
- Genuine Shimano coaster (foot operated) brake hub
- 18 tooth sprocket included
- 36 stainless steel spokes
Got an old 27" wheeled bike? Singlespeed curious?Try this 27" singlespeed real wheel w/coaster brake on the cheap.
- Sun CR18 polished silver rim
- Genuine Shimano coaster (foot operated) brake hub
- 18 tooth sprocket included
- 36 stainless steel spokes
ALso, don't forget the Freewheels and sprockets. We can help you decide what gear combinations to start with. Call or e-mail us!
Custom Wheelbuilding
Wheels hand-built by Harris CycleryWe build custom wheels, with care and attention to detail. Standard charges: |
We will re-use your old hubs if you wish, but will not use used spokes nor rims.If you bring in existing wheels to be rebuilt, add $10 per wheel for cutting the old spokes, cleaning and prepping your hub.
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