Modification on freewheel gears

[frenchie09]

Hi there, I am new on this wonderful and helpful bicycle site. I was wondering if it would be possible to change my original freewheel gear set ? I currently have a 21 speeds with 7 gears of course, and my concern is with the smaller gear (14 tooth) I would like to change this one for a 11 tooth instead.
is it possible ? all suggestions, tips are welcome.<br />
sorry for my english, ( french canadian !!! )

[binzer]

Hello frenchie, I searched high and low for an 11 tooth freewheel and these are the closest I came...
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175150_-1_200300_200276_200429
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/freewheels.html#7
If anyone else has found any 7 speed freewheels with a 12 or 11 tooth top gear I hope they post it too.

[frenchie09]

Thank you Binder, for your reply. after posting last night, I clicked on a freewheel offers, directly on this site, and found one, but.... don't remember the company !!!<br />
Anyway, I know it's something "possible". But now I need to know what type of gears systeme I have (don't know yet) , in order to buy the right one.
Do you think it's a dum idea, or if this kind of modification is done regulary ?
thanks again

[binzer]

I don't think it's I dumb idea at all frenchie, I'm looking to do the same thing. I've already changed my crankset from a 22/32/42 to a 28/38/48 which has helped to raise my top speed some, but I'm still on the look-out for the elusive 11 tooth top gear freewheel.

[frenchie09]

Well, then I will look over here to buy the right type of freewheel, and will go ahead with this modification. I will keep you posted.
thanks again

[DaveM]

To determine which "type" you need, you just need to know the brand of the shifter. If it's shimano, you need a shimano compatible freewheel, etc.
You also need to make sure whether you have a freewheel or cassette as they are not interchangeable. This link will help you figure out which one: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/free-k7.html
But this is a very standard change you are making. You can also change the front chainrings to get higher gearing, but the rear is usually easier and cheaper.
I'd recommend getting a new chain when you change the freewheel unless it's pretty new still. You sometime get problems mixing old/new chains/freewheels.