Author Topic: FREEWHEEL ADVICE (Read 3599 times)

HARORIDER · « **on:** June 13, 2011, 08:42 PM »

we all know shimano but what other 16 tooth freewheels are actually good for riding on?

kuwahero · « **Reply #1 on:** June 13, 2011, 08:44 PM »

white industries - but they are pricey

Gnarlyscoots · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2011, 08:49 PM »

Suntour Chrome 16T but they are rare and a lttle pricey too

Nice though

HARORIDER · « **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2011, 08:58 PM »

Quote from: kuwahero on June 13, 2011, 08:44 PM

white industries - but they are pricey

tell me about it !! been looking

ron burgundy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2011, 09:10 PM »

Quote from: harorider on June 13, 2011, 08:58 PM

Quote from: kuwahero on June 13, 2011, 08:44 PM
white industries - but they are pricey

tell me about it !! been looking

They are fantastic, better than most modern cassett hubs. if they made them in 13 or 14 tooth I'd fling my Profile Mini cassett and fit a White Ind.

oldschoolace · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2011, 09:17 PM »

Quote from: Londonhellboy on June 13, 2011, 08:49 PM

Suntour Chrome 16T but they are rare and a lttle pricey too Nice though

+1
Love em

Mikku · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2014, 05:31 AM »

Thought I'd resurrect this thread as my question's much the same. I currently have an old Suntour 16t on my Laserlite but it feels and sounds as though it's had better days. I've read the restoration sticky but have neither the tool, patience nor probably the skills to refurb it myself, so am therefore on the lookout for a replacement. Another Suntour or Shimano was my first thought but I keep reading great things about White Industries freewheels. Since these are not era-correct, would it be sacrilege to run one on an '83 Kuwi (rider)??

nosepickben · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2014, 07:23 AM »

I have a sturmey archer on my most recent build. Unfortunately not made in the UK these days but it was just over a tenner and it feels solid enough. Full chrome too. I couldnt part with that sort of cash for a white industries. ACS freewheels are ok as well.

Jon The Bassist · « **Reply #8 on:** September 15, 2014, 08:19 AM »

If you're talking reasonably priced stuff then the Sturmey Archer one I had was very good - it was a very tight fit on the hub thread though.
ACS Crossfire are fairly decent as well - I've not tried the 'pro' version but the standard ones are pretty good for the money.

I break freewheels regularly so if anything lasts a few months with me it must be pretty strong and well made.

gib66 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 15, 2014, 08:21 AM »

the best freewheel i reckon on the market is a gt ratchet
get em off ebay usa

they are instant engagement i used on for about 12 months and still runs like new

dancetothedrummersbeat · « **Reply #10 on:** September 15, 2014, 08:45 AM »

Yes, Sturmey Archer are good, and chrome which has been said previously

Mikku · « **Reply #11 on:** September 15, 2014, 01:46 PM »

Have not heard about those, so will have a butcher's online. When I hear the name it just reminds me of the gears on non-bmx bikes from bitd!

nosepickben · « **Reply #12 on:** September 15, 2014, 02:38 PM »

Yep, I got one for sentiment more than anything, but it's surprisingly good.

nosepickben · « **Reply #13 on:** September 15, 2014, 02:54 PM »

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Sturmey-Archer-Chrome-Plated-Single-Speed-Freewheel-Cog-1-2-x-3-32-/111206055212?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&var=&hash=item19e465bd2c

Gnarlyscoots · « **Reply #14 on:** September 15, 2014, 03:25 PM »

After a few slipping Suntours and Shimanos and watching Nick eat dirt at MK when his gave out, being a regular rider of mine, I use white industry freewheels. Virtually maintenance free, they engage instantly, ride super smooth and lokk and sound the bollox.

There was a guy on US ebay knocking them out for $70 each a little while ago

MartyC · « **Reply #15 on:** September 15, 2014, 04:54 PM »

Try running 3 in 1 oil around the seam of the freewheel while spinning it backwards slowly, you would be surprised how much better it will run.

rodriguez · « **Reply #16 on:** September 15, 2014, 05:03 PM »

GS is right and if you are going to ride your bike all the time a White Industries would be a good investment.

I'd say you'd be fine on a new shimano or suntour.

I'd go for these, suntour made and really clicky if that's your bag.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NOS-Old-School-888-Suntour-Made-16T-Freewheel-Old-School-Vintage-BMX-/111422422293?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item19f14b3d15

bmxband1t77 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 15, 2014, 11:37 PM »

I got a new 16T chrome shimano cos that's wot I ran BITD. But it sounds a bit dry out the box so that 3in1 trick I will try out Deffo.
Are freewheels just not made well nowadays. I can't remember ever replacing one BITD?

Sent from my iThingy using Tapatalk

snoopy72 · « **Reply #18 on:** September 15, 2014, 11:39 PM »

Quote from: kuwahero on June 13, 2011, 08:44 PM

white industries - but they are pricey

Once you ride with one you won't want anything else

Mikku · « **Reply #19 on:** September 16, 2014, 05:42 AM »

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions!

Quote from: Gnarlyscoots™ on September 15, 2014, 03:25 PM

After a few slipping Suntours and Shimanos and watching Nick eat dirt at MK when his gave out, being a regular rider of mine, I use white industry freewheels. Virtually maintenance free, they engage instantly, ride super smooth and lokk and sound the bollox.

So no qualms about using them on old school exotica then? I'm already running Nitto and Knarler Knobby re-issues so I shouldn't really care (but I do!)?

snoopy72 · « **Reply #20 on:** September 16, 2014, 06:59 AM »

Quote from: Mikku on September 15, 2014, 05:31 AM

Thought I'd resurrect this thread as my question's much the same. I currently have an old Suntour 16t on my Laserlite but it feels and sounds as though it's had better days. I've read the restoration sticky but have neither the tool, patience nor probably the skills to refurb it myself, so am therefore on the lookout for a replacement. Another Suntour or Shimano was my first thought but I keep reading great things about White Industries freewheels. Since these are not era-correct, would it be sacrilege to run one on an '83 Kuwi (rider)??

I fitted one on my 1980 supergoose,
somethings have come a long way in 30 years, If you plan on showing it then i would fit old school but if your going to ride it then go for a white industries

OrgasmDonor · « **Reply #21 on:** September 16, 2014, 11:48 PM »

whites rock

having said that, I put a lot of faith in the Halfords ones, nice n quiet and I have never had a single problem or issue with them in over 10 years of riding n racing them.

shimmys n suntour are shite if ya gonna ride properly, IME

Gnarlyscoots · « **Reply #22 on:** September 17, 2014, 09:29 AM »

Quote from: Mikku on September 16, 2014, 05:42 AM

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions!

Quote from: Gnarlyscoots™ on September 15, 2014, 03:25 PM
After a few slipping Suntours and Shimanos and watching Nick eat dirt at MK when his gave out, being a regular rider of mine, I use white industry freewheels. Virtually maintenance free, they engage instantly, ride super smooth and lokk and sound the bollox.

So no qualms about using them on old school exotica then? I'm already running Nitto and Knarler Knobby re-issues so I shouldn't really care (but I do!)?

I was like that. Everything had to be era correct down to the freewheel and chain, every nut and bolt. It got to a stage of serious OD

But I have now trashed 3 chrome and black Suntours and a Shimano went all 'notchy' on me. I started using the WI on my Kastan and you have an immediate difference with the response time on it and it runs so smooth. I have nearly completed two builds that I will be riding and both have White Ind. freewheels on. I think as Snoop says, if you want to ride it hard, use a WI, if you are just going to show and store it, fit an old school.

Would you put a 30 year old chain on your rider? I think the same should go for freewheels too

Mikku · « **Reply #23 on:** September 21, 2014, 02:25 AM »

Well I'm running a new Izumi chain so I guess that's my answer!

Thanks for all the input guys - much appreciated, as always!

snoopy72 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 21, 2014, 04:31 PM »

I'm also running a standard black izumi, chrome ones are nice but a little too bling for my build

Author Topic: FREEWHEEL ADVICE (Read 3599 times)

rodriguez