How to Convert a Beach Cruiser to a Freewheel

Beach cruiser bicycles typically are equipped with coaster brakes. Coaster brakes stop a bicycle when the rider applies back pressure to the crank shaft by reversing the direction of the crank arms and pedals. Coaster brakes do not allow a rider to adjust the position of the cranks and pedals by spinning the crank shaft backward. Positioning only is an option if the rider pedals forward. This limitation is remedied by converting from coaster brakes to freewheel.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrench set
  • Cone wrench
  • Pipe wrench
  • Washers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the rear wheel from the bicycle. First, unscrew the nuts on each side of the axle bolt, then push the wheel forward on the frame toward the fork and handlebars to loosen the chain. Pull the chain off the front sprocket, then the rear and slide the rear wheel off the frame.

    • 2

      Unscrew the lock-nut on the axle of the sprocket side with a wrench. Pull the dust cover off the axle. Unscrew the cone screw with a cone wrench. Pull the small ball retainer from the driver, and unscrew the driver from the axle. A large ball retainer is inside the driver. Leave it in place.

    • 3

      Remove the axle assembly from the side opposite the sprocket. Simply pull it out of the hub shell. The brake pads should fall from the axle; if they do not, pull them off. They are two crescent-shaped metal pieces. Unthread the clutch cone from the axle with a pipe wrench.

    • 4

      Slide the washers over the axle. The washers must have the same interior dimension as the diameter of the axle and the same exterior dimensions as the hub shell. Put the required amount of washers on the axle to fill the distance between the clutch cone and the dog of the axle assembly. Replace the clutch cone and reassemble the hub.