Freewheel threading isn't as safe as track threading with a reverse threaded lockring. If the threads don't strip (cheap hub or cog), you can't unscrew a fixed cog with a lockring, but with nothing but right hand thread a BB lockring may break loose. Many people on the fixed gear e-mail list advocate using standard freewheel threads, but it usually seems to be a cost saving measure and often involves locktite, not something you're considering with a new Phil hub.
I've got a double fixed hub on one bike, and single fixed on my other, and because I value bicycles too much, I refuse to put a single fixed cog on a freewheel threading. I prefer the versatility of a double fixed hub and have used freewheels on both fixers at one time or another, first to see how well the bike handled at high speed, but then just to keep up with geared road bike riders on a ride with big downhills. I don't believe I've ever seen a double freewheel hub for sale either, not to say that they don't exist. Responses on the fixed gear list (biased of course) tend to say that after experimentation, most people seem to prefer fixed to free and rarely use the freewheels. If you haven't fixed a bike yet, I heartily recommend it, a totally new and different experience. A better workout in a short time, good for developing spin and strength, climbing better for the same gear since the cranks carry your foot over the dead spot, all as long as you're not overgeared. Its nice to spin at a fast speed going down, but better to not kill your knees on the ups. Whoops, I'm getting carried away, but then I'm addicted!
I ride a lot of geared bikes, but it always surprises me just how much I've been using the fixed gears.
Dan Artley
Parkton, Maryland
>>> "Raoul Delmare" Raoul.L.Delmare@worldnet.att.net> 04/01/2004
2:42:38 PM >>
Thanks in advance .
The goal , to provide the maximum number of options for future
flexibility .
The bicycle is a fixed-gear road bicycle , with caliper brakes front
and rear .
Rear spacing is 120 mm .
The bicycle has "rear-facing-rear-fork-ends" .
This was typical road-racing bicycle technology , fixed-gear with
caliper brakes , beginning perhaps around the 1920's , 1930's ? ?
And of course , in the year 2004 , you may purchase a brand new
Rivendell Quickbeam outfitted like this .
The rear hub WILL be threaded on both sides .
I may want to ride fixed-gear sometimes , and at other times use
single-speed freewheel .
I want to use a Phil rear hub .
I could buy a "fixed-free" hub . But what if I wanted to use a
single-speed free-wheel on BOTH sides ? Or what if I wanted to
use a fixed-cog with a lock-ring on BOTH sides ?
I was thinking that if I bought a "fixed-fixed" hub , obviously I
could use fixed cogs with lock-rings on either side . AND , I could
just go ahead and use single-speed freewheels , on either side ,
anytime I wanted to . . .
But now ,
It has been suggested that if I bought a "free-free" hub , obviously
I could use single-speed freewheels on either side . AND , I could
just go ahead and use a fixed-cog with a bottom bracket lock-ring ,
on either side , anytime I wanted to . . .
So , What Is Best ??????
Advice ??????