- 1). Remove the derailleurs, controls and cables from an older bicycle with horizontal rear dropouts. They must be horizontal, not vertical, in order to adjust final chain tension. Remove the rear wheel. It must have an older freewheel-equipped hub rather than a freehub. You can spot an old hub easily as it will be symmetrical and it will not have a bulge on the right side for a freehub mechanism.
- 2). Insert the freewheel removal tool into the freewheel. It may be necessary to remove some spacers. Turn the freewheel tool counterclockwise with a large wrench. This may take considerable effort. Use a bench vise as an alternative, setting the freewheel tool into it. Turn the wheel with both hands to remove the freewheel.
- 3). Lubricate the threads on the hub shoulder with a dab of grease. This prevents corrosion and makes removal easier the next time. Install the new track cog onto the threads. Be aware that they come in two thicknesses: 1/8 inch for track or coaster bike chains and 3/32 inch for road bike chains. Snug the cog in place with a cog wrench. It's a lever with a bit of chain to engage the teeth and another, longer piece of chain to wrap around the cog. Secure the cog with a bottom bracket retaining ring.
- 4). Install the wheel in the frame and center it in the dropouts. Wrap the chain around the chain rings and cog to determine its final length. Remove links as necessary by pushing out the center pin with the chain breaker. Push the pins far enough to free the inner part of the link, but do not push the pins entirely through the chain. They're impossible to reinstall if they come out.
- 5). Put the chain back together once its final length is determined. Simply reverse the link in the chain tool and use it to push the pin back into place. Usually, the link will be tight so set it on the wide anvil in the tool and give the pin a quarter turn to loosen it. Alternatively, take the chain in your hands and work it side to side, but be aware that if done too vigorously this motion can break the chain.
- 6). Remove the chain rings. Only one is needed on a fixed gear. Loosen the chain ring bolts and slide both rings off the crank arm. Take the opportunity to clean the crank arm and the holes for the chain ring bolts. Install one chain ring on the inner surface of the crank arm and secure it with shorter BMX chain ring bolts. Wrap the chain in place, center and tighten the rear wheel, and the bike should be ready to ride.
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