Freewheels

[ClassicMercs]

Apologies for my ignorance on the technical side. How do thread on freewheels work ?

Got my old winter bike out this morning for the ride to work (-14c) and the found myself 'pedalling on the spot'

The freewheel and chain where replaced earlier this year - during the last snow. Shimano, but cheap end - and not many miles covered. Has something just frozen ?? Seemed a bit odd on Saturday morning when coming back from cutting 20ft Xmas trees, lacking movement / grip when pedalling.

Had to resort to getting out my newer Cycle to Work bike - rear brake not releasing - cold affecting cable movement I believe.
Then realised I had forgotten to put warm hat on with cycle helmet - damn silly thing - ears nearly fell off with added wind chill factor created by the action of forward movement.

[R500POP]

I've had this, was due (in my case) to some water in the freewheel that froze.

[Scoobydougie]

I was out in the snow last night and the same thing was happening to me (It was -5 though). It can be that because it is so cold the grease thickens up and stops the pawls in the freehub releasing (this has happened to me before by using too thick a grease)

[BOR]

Does a freewheel require occasional maintenance ? I've never openned one up, so don't know what if anything they need. Do you just replace the grease or what ?

[Parrot of Doom]

The pawls have frozen in place. To unfreeze them, just apply heat. Standing it next to a radiator for 20 minutes will do that.

Road bike freewheels don't usually require maintenance, but MTB freewheels benefit from it. Its usually as simple as washing any crud out, and packing it with grease.

[Saddle bum]

Freezing up used to be a common hazard when the old screw-on type freewheels were in vogue. Caused by using too much grease as opposed to thin oil. I've even had them seize up on a ride in freezing conditions. No chance of that these days, has to be 5deg or above for me to go out.

Modern cassette type freewheels should not be affected as very little lube is necessary to keep them going. The cheaper ones may let water in if the seals are knackered, hence the problem.

[shalmaneser]

Parrot of Doom said:

The pawls have frozen in place. To unfreeze them, just apply heat. Standing it next to a radiator for 20 minutes will do that.

Road bike freewheels don't usually require maintenance, but MTB freewheels benefit from it. Its usually as simple as washing any crud out, and packing it with grease.

I'd argue that both types need occasional maintainance, road bikes get a lot of salt spray on them, which can be worse than mud for bearings.

Either way don't 'pack' the pawls with grease, only a little smear is necessary, otherwise you tend to find the pawls stick (as you have)

One last thing though:

Find out whether you have a freehub or a screw on freewheel - they're very different and need to be taken apart in different ways.

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/categorie...

[R500POP]

I know on my hope rear the pawls needed just a very light, regular oiling. I use a Teflon loaded lubricant called Interflon Finlude, not sure if it readily available as I get it from work, but it is excellent. http://www.interflon.net/en/interflon-fin-lube-ep....

Edited by R500POP on Wednesday 8th December 07:19

[ClassicMercs]

Despite the 'thaw' - well, its not below zero any more - the damn thing was still not wanting to play. I have been using my 'old' Cyclescheme bike in recent days instead. I left the bike out in the sun - nothing.
So after 5 minutes of hair dryer use the bike is finally working. Just as folks had suggested thanks.

And I have just bought a replacement Cyclescheme bike - bargain 2010 model on offer to make way for the 2011 models now in stock. £500 for a Ridgeback Voyage. The new model is coming in at £800.
After tax etc it will only cost about £300.