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


Freewheel hub wiggling in place + Chain tension?
#1
I purchased a used single speed and for some reason the pedals seem to move while the wheels are going even in the free wheel mode. (They only rotate forward slowly while wheels are spinning, I can easily hold them in place with no resistance and they will not spin backwards). Additionally I bought a new chain as I believe this is an old model and likely needs a chain replacement but I'm not sure if I should try to size my new chain to the current one. I have heard about the 1/2 inch movement but after attempting to tighten the chain it feels like the chain is still loose.

Video of pedals moving with wheel + chain wiggle: https://imgur.com/a/bkJnC2M

I also noticed that the freewheel hub itself appears to wiggle in place while the wheels are moving, is this a problem? How would I go about fixing this?

Video of free hub spinning: https://imgur.com/a/9jWsoxX


Thank you!
  Reply
#2
The reason your cranks are moving is that the pawls inside the freewheel are sticking, not allowing the freewheel to rotate freely.

The movement in the freewheel is just some lateral play that is found in inexpensive freewheels. Better freewheels like the ones from Shimano don't wobble as much.
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
6,589
03-02-2021, 09:18 AM
Last Post: Luk
 
4,205
06-06-2020, 03:20 AM
Last Post: jonsio
 
6,610
03-12-2020, 07:25 PM
Last Post: bibimbap
 
15,769
09-25-2019, 05:53 PM
Last Post: Painkiller
 
14,269
09-29-2017, 03:02 PM
Last Post: sodej
 
9,956
08-10-2014, 01:17 PM
Last Post: cny-man
 
15,853
08-07-2014, 12:36 AM
Last Post: 1FJEF

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Should eBikers have to get an eBike lice...
10-22-2026 07:15 PM
How Bad Are E-bikes By You?
10-22-2026 07:11 PM
Our new review format – we'd like your f...
10-22-2026 06:59 AM
Which one should I pick?
10-21-2026 08:09 PM
Chain skips under heavy load when pedall...
10-21-2026 07:32 PM
New rider
10-21-2026 07:07 PM
Are 26" really dying out?
10-18-2026 07:38 PM
Using ChatGPT for training
10-18-2026 07:32 PM
2026 Garmin Edge 1050 - warranty
10-18-2026 09:34 AM
Catastrophic bicycle failures
10-16-2026 01:36 AM

[-]
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. Flowrider
28 posts
no avatar 2. GirishH
23 posts
no avatar 3. Jesper
14 posts
no avatar 4. Sidewinder
12 posts
no avatar 5. SPINMAN
11 posts