How to Run a Flip Flop Hub With Two Chainrings

A flip-flop hub is a type of hub found on the rear wheel of certain track and single speed bicycles. With this type of hub, a cyclist can install two different chain rings on the rear wheel of the bike, which can be switched by turning the wheel around backwards in the dropouts. This setup is ideal for using one bike for both single speed and fixed-gear riding. Learn how to run two chain rings on your flip-flop hub and get the most out of your bicycle no matter what the situation.

Things You'll Need

  • Flip-flop rear wheel
  • Fixed gear cog and lock ring
  • Lock ring wrench
  • Single speed cog
  • 15 mm wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Loosen the axle nuts on the rear wheel. Move the chain off of the rear chain ring and pull the wheel backwards out of the frame's dropouts.

    • 2

      Examine the threading on the hub. If there are two sets of threads on the outside of the hub, you may install a fixed gear cog and lock ring on the hub. If there is only one set of threads on the hub, you can only install a single speed freewheel.

    • 3

      Thread on the new chain ring by twisting it clockwise onto the hub. Make certain that this chain ring is within one to two teeth of the toothcount of the original or the chain won't be long enough.

    • 4

      Thread the lock ring onto the outer threads of the hub if you're installing a fixed gear cog; remember that the lock ring threads on counterclockwise against the cog. Tighten the lock ring with a lock ring wrench.

    • 5

      Slide the wheel back into the dropouts and wrap the chain around the cog. Tighten the axle nuts using a 15 mm wrench. When you want to use the other cog, simply remove the wheel and turn it around, then reinstall it.