{"id":9698,"date":"2022-08-09T13:29:25","date_gmt":"2022-08-09T17:29:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/?p=9698"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:41:27","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:41:27","slug":"how-to-replace-a-bike-cog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/maintenance-and-repairs\/how-to-replace-a-bike-cog\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Replace Your Lockring & Cog: Removing Fixie Sprocket"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever needed to change a bike cog but didn’t know where to start? Unfortunately, this could be time-consuming, and locating the appropriate tools can be difficult. But how do you go about replacing a bicycle cog?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will teach you what a cog is, when you should replace it, and how to replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remove the bolts on the rear wheel. Take the chain off the rear wheel cog. Remove the bike’s rear wheel from the frame. And use a chain whip and a cog tool to replace the cog<\/strong>. A lot of force will be required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a cog?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A cog is a gear on the rear wheel that the chain attaches to. Fixed gear bikes only have one gear, this one gear, and thus one cog. For example, the Brooklyn Fixed Gear logo features a single orange cog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is a lockring?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Lockring is a thin locknut to prevent a threaded assembly from unscrewing. Lockrings are used in fixed-gear hubs to restrict the sprocket from unscrewing when the cyclist opposes pedal motion. Traditional bottom brackets use a lockring on the adjustable cup to keep the adjustment in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When should I change my cog?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should upgrade your cog if it’s damaged or worn down; looking at the teeth on the cogs to check whether they’re worn down is one way to identify if you need to update a new cog<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While only one speed is available on a fixed-gear bike, they are a great way to get around. You don’t have to buy a new bike if you prefer a different speed. Changing the size of the cog on the back wheel changes the rate of travel. So, you should also consider a new cog if you want to change the gearing on your fixie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The materials you’ll need to replace the bike cog.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below are some of the common tools you will need if you are replacing your fixed gear’s cog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Cog of appropriate size<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • A lockring<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 15mm socket wrench<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Lockring wrench<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Chain whip<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Need some help finding the right tools? Look no further. Below are three of the most popular Park tool to remove your cog and lockring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[azonpress template=”grid” asin=”B07Q89LXQD,B000YBEID0,B09TSV1DF9″]\n\n\n\n

    \"Man
    Image of a man riding a white fixed-gear or single-speed bike with a messenger bag. Source: adobe stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    How do you replace a bike cog?<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \n\n

    Here are some methods and recommendations to help you replace your bike cog<\/strong>. The result could be greasy fingers and soiled clothing. Wear protective gear like gloves and old clothes you don’t mind soiling. A bit of grease will also be present on the cog.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

      \n
    1. \n

      Remove the rear wheel bolts<\/h3>\n

      Using an adjustable wrench, remove the 9.5mm bolts attached to the back wheel. On either side of the wheel is where you’ll find the bolt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    2. \n

      Loosen the chain tension screw (if applicable)<\/h3>\n

      Loosen the chain tension screw that measures 4mm by 50.8mm using a hex key. Each of the sides of the wheel has a screw attached to it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    3. \n

      Remove the wheel<\/h3>\n

      Take the chain from the cog that is on the back wheel. Next, take the rear wheel off the bike and remove it from the frame.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    4. \n

      Remove the lockring<\/h3>\n

      Utilizing a lockring wrench, take off the lockring that is located on the back tire. Turning the wrench in the clockwise direction will loosen the lockring.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    5. \n

      Loosen the cog<\/h3>\n

      You will need an adjustable pair of pliers and a chain whip to loosen the cog. Whip the chain through the cog-like a whip. When you pull the chain whip handle up, the cog will rotate in the opposite direction clockwise. To dislodge the cog will need a significant amount of effort.<\/p>\n

      Position the chain whip accurately on the cog before attempting to remove it. At first, you’ll need to apply some serious force to the cog to loosen it. Your hand could be sliced on the cog or fall to the floor if the tool slips out of your hand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    6. \n

      Replace the cog<\/h3>\n

      The remaining portion of the cog can be removed with your hand. Put in a new gear in its place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

      Tools:<\/strong>

      • Cog of appropriate size<\/li>
      • Lockring<\/li>
      • 15mm Socket Wrench<\/li>
      • Lockring wrench<\/li>
      • Chain whip<\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If you want even more tips, watch this video called “How To Change A Track Bike Or Fixie Sprocket”<\/em> from The Global Cycling Network YouTube Channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n