Mark's Blog

In the past, I also bought a freewheel removal tool and I also was never successful in removing a freewheel. I think it makes sense to pay a bike shop to do it. It's propably quick and easy for them plus you can probably do damage at home with inexperience and cheap tools.

When I tried to remove the freewheel, I had not broken a spoke but wanted to switch gearing. In fact, I have never broken a spoke on a bicycle. I am curious as to why you and other riders report breaking spokes fairly often. I remember when you were home and riding your bike to summer school and after breaking some spokes on your bicycle one day, you borrowed mine to ride to school the next day and broke a spoke on my bicycle. You may ride somewhat faster than I do but then I weigh more than you which should mostly offset that difference. Do you hit things in the road -- potholes, railroad tracks, 2X4's, etc. -- at full speed?

I did end up taking the wheel in today to have the freewheel changed at a local sports shop. Couldn't remove the thing, and was afraid to start hammering at the wrench without really knowing what was going on underneath.

It looks like some newer wheels let you slot the freewheel onto a the hub post, then hold it in place with a lock ring. Not sure if that's easier to handle than threaded hubs. The directions linked to in my earlier post suggest you have to apply plenty of force to pop the lock ring off. Maybe a longer handle would do it.

As for broken spokes, the potholes may be a problem. Haven't hit any 2x4s or warthogs or anything (not at full speed anyway). The route national between Barraux and Montbonnot has some bad patches, especially down the sides of the road, and we have two pair of railroad tracks in Pontcharra. I always lift myself up in an attempt to equalize the pressure when rolling over something rough, but don't slow down to walking speed for each bump in the road.