Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the March Giveaway: Coming Soon 3/24


Will a 7-speed freewheel work with a single speed chain and crank?
#1
Hello guys

I have a folding bike with 7 speed freewheel in the back. My front crank needs changing. I have seen one but it will only run a single speed 1/8" chain. My question is can I run a single speed crank & chain with a 7-speed freewheel?

Thank you in advance for any help.
  Reply
#2
Not with a 1/8" inch chain. If the crank would take 3/32" it would be fine. But you'll probably have trouble running the wider chain on the freewheel. BTW, it shouldn't be hard to find a single crank that will take a 3/32.
  Reply
#3
Assuming that your folder has smallish wheels, I'd get this:
http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Alloy-Double-Crankset-Square/dp/B003CO2RTS/
and remove the inner ring, move the big ring to the inner position and put a chain guard on the outer position, like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/mr-ride-Driveline-chain-guard-53T-BCD-130mm-100g-Gray-/261481708008?pt=US_Chainrings_BMX_Sprockets&hash=item3ce18639e8
Nigel
  Reply
#4
Thanks for your help guys. I suspected a 1/8" chain wouldn't work on a 7-speed freewheel. I tried one on the freewheel and it looked very tight. Don't think it will shift down the cogs well.
  Reply
#5
(05-20-2014, 12:48 PM)ibie1983 Wrote:  Thanks for your help guys. I suspected a 1/8" chain wouldn't work on a 7-speed freewheel. I tried one on the freewheel and it looked very tight. Don't think it will shift down the cogs well.

It also may not go through the rear derailleur (RD). I have a Shimano 2200 8 speed RD on one of my bikes, and a 7 speed chain will not go thru it smoothly.
Nigel
  Reply
#6
(05-20-2014, 12:48 PM)ibie1983 Wrote:  Don't think it will shift down the cogs well.

Note that even in 3/32" inch chains, there are chains made for single speed and ones made for multi-speed bikes. Single speed chains don't flex side to side enough to shift well. If you have 7 speeds in the back, make sure to get a "7 speed" chain. Not a single speed and not an 8+ speed chain.
  Reply
#7
(05-20-2014, 02:54 PM)DaveM Wrote:  ....... If you have 7 speeds in the back, make sure to get a "7 speed" chain. Not a single speed and not an 8+ speed chain.

Actually you need a chain that matches the RD as well as not being too far off the cog spacing. My 2x7 SR requires an 8 speed chain because the Shimano 2200 8 speed RD rubs on 7 speed chains.
Nigel
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Santini fluted frame
Today 01:39 PM
Expensive bikes with crappy wheels
Today 10:15 AM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
Yesterday 11:43 PM
2007 Trek Pilot S.P.A. 5.2
Yesterday 07:06 PM
2010 Specialized Hardrock
03-26-2024 09:16 PM
1990 Specialized Rockhopper How to Fluff...
03-25-2024 07:05 PM
Thread busted on right pedal crank
03-24-2024 08:52 PM
Trek domane tyre
03-24-2024 05:48 PM
Modern rims crack at spoke holes
03-24-2024 05:32 PM
Cup & Cone — Simple & Durable or PITA & ...
03-24-2024 04:53 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Painkiller
21 posts
no avatar 2. Jesper
16 posts
no avatar 3. ReapThaWhirlwind
16 posts
no avatar 4. meamoantonio
15 posts
no avatar 5. GirishH
15 posts