Can you remove brakes off a freewheel to make it into fixed gear?

Tools Needed:

- Allen wrench

- Chain breaker

- Lockring wrench

- New lockring

Steps to Remove Brakes from a Freewheel and Make a Fixed Gear:

1. Remove the rear wheel:

- Use an Allen wrench to loosen and remove the rear axle nuts.

- Gently pull the wheel out from the frame taking note of the spacer location so you can put it back in the same order it came out.

2. Remove the freewheel:

- Use a chain breaker to remove the chain.

- Use a lockring wrench or adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the lockring from the freewheel body.

- Now, unscrew the freewheel body (often the largest and most ornate cog) from the hub by turning it counter-clockwise.

- You may need to apply some force to loosen it.

3. Remove the brake rotors or calipers:

- If your bike has disc brakes, loosen and remove the bolts holding the brake calipers or rotors in place and remove them.

- If your bike has rim brakes, then you will need to remove the brake pads and brake arms.

4. Install a fixed gear:

- Screw on the fixed gear onto the hub.

- Ensure that the fixed gear is tightened securely.

5. Replace the lockring:

- Place the lockring back on the freehub body and tighten it using the lockring wrench.

6. Reattach the chain:

- Reattach the chain around the fixed gear and the front chainring.

- Adjust the chain tension and secure it with a chain link or master link.

7. Reinstall the rear wheel:

- Slide the rear wheel back into the frame, ensuring the chain is properly seated on the chainring and cog and replace the axle nuts and spacers in the reverse order you removed them.

8. Test the fixed gear:

- Gently rotate the cranks with your hand to ensure the fixed gear is rotating smoothly.

- Take a short test ride to check that the fixed gear is functioning properly.

Remember, converting a freewheel to a fixed gear requires a good understanding of bicycle mechanics. If you're unsure or uncomfortable with any of these steps, it's best to seek professional help from a bike shop.