Single speed curious? The new Wheels Mfg SOLO-HG lineup is helping Shimano HG hub users get back to the basics with the simplicity and clean lines that a single speed offers. The brand is introducing the new SOLO-HG Conversion Kit, as well as SOLO-HG Cogs.
And, as you may have guessed, “HG” stands for Shimano’s Hyperglide freehub body, making the SOLO-HG kit compatible with Shimano HG only. While Wheels Mfg previously offered an HG conversion kit, it lacked the options and customization available with the SOLO series.
Will the SOLO-HG work for me?
As we stated, this Wheels Mfg conversion kit will work only on a rear hub with a Shimano HG freehub body. There are a couple of clues that will help determine whether you have a Shimano HG freehub or their equally popular Micro Spline freehub.
First, the type of bike and age might give some information. The newer Micro Spline has become the standard for modern mountain and gravel bikes with a 1×12-speed drivetrain. HG has been around longer and has long been the standard on many Shimano-equipped road bikes with 11-speed cassettes, although some 12-speed offerings crossover.
There is also a difference in the smallest cog that can be used on each freehub body. Shimano HG is limited to an 11-tooth cog, while Micro Spline allows for the use of a smaller, 10-tooth cog.
But not to worry! If this HG release sparked your interest in single-speed simplicity, but you find you have a Micro Spline freehub, Wheels Mfg released the SOLO-Spline conversion last year. And, for those of you with SRAM rather than Shimano, they also offer the SOLO-XD for the SRAM standard.
Wheels Mfg SOLO-HG Details
It is important to note that the SOLO-HG Conversion Kit and SOLO-HG Cogs are sold separately. The conversion kit includes eight spacers of varying sizes and one HG lockring spacer, all machined from 6061 aluminum.
SOLO-HG Single Speed Conversion Kit
- Machined 6061 aluminum
- Spacer stack includes: 10mm (x1), 5mm (x2), 2mm (x2), 1mm (x3), Lockring Spacer (x1)
- Includes HG cassette lockring
- Precision chainline setup
The SOLO-HG Cogs are manufactured from 7075 aluminum and are currently offered in 16T, 18T, and 20T, but Wheels Mfg says more options are on the way. They have a narrow/wide tooth profile and are compatible with 9-, 10-, 11-, and most 12-speed chains such as SRAM Eagle, KMC, and SRAM T-Type.
Interestingly, the SOLO-HG Cogs are not compatible with Shimano HG+ chains or Campy 13-speed chains.
SOLO-HG Cogs
- 7075 aluminum in 16T, 18T, and 20T
- Narrow to Wide tooth profile for better chain retention
- Broad cog base protects freehub bodies
- Compatible with 9, 10, 11, and most 12-speed chains (SRAM Eagle, KMC, SRAM Road & Transmission T-Type)
- Not compatible with Shimano HG+ 12-speed or Campy 13-speed chains
The conversion kit retails for $51.99, while the cogs are $46.99 each. Both the SOLO-HG Conversion Kit and SOLO-HG Cogs are offered in seven anodized colors — black, red, orange, blue, teal, purple, and green — allowing you to customize your conversion.
New CNC Chainrings
A Wheels Mfg drivetrain wouldn’t be complete without a chainring. Alongside the release of the SOLO-HG conversion kit, Wheels Mfg is introducing an all-new CNC chainring that promises to cut weight compared to other aftermarket chainrings.
- Machined, 7075 aluminum
- 30T & 32T options
- Shimano HG+ & SRAM T-Type compatible
- 3 bolt direct mount
- 3mm offset
- Black, red, orange, blue, teal, purple, and green color options
Wheels Mfg’s new chainrings retail for $69.99.
Dropout 666 — UDH SS
Lastly, to complete the clean look that a single speed provides, Wheels Mfg now provides the option to ditch an unused universal derailleur hanger altogether, replacing it with the Dropout 666.
- Clean looks and lighter weight
- Increased clearance
- UDH compatible
- Black, red, orange, blue, teal, purple, and green color options
- Price: $46.99
