Ive concluded the hub is English, although one French Atom FW threads on by hand to within a turn of all the way. The Simplex FW that came on it is definitely English. It appears there was some variation in the exact thread diameter of these hubs, and maybe the FW's as well. On this particular hub, a French FW is just slightly snug, but I found one French FW that evidently would go all the way on with no damage to the hub, while an English FW is maybe just the slightest bit loose.
Variation in actual thread dimensions is not unusual for French components. Lyotard pedals are notorious for variation in thread diameter to the extent that for them French and English are relative terms. And TA a couple of years ago produced pedals that came with a slip of paper in the box stating, in French, that the pedals could be used with either metric or ISO thread cranks.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
David Snyder <dddd@pacbell.net> wrote:
My 1980 Peugeot PKN10E has it's original British-threaded Normandy Competition hubs with a single groove that is about 1.2mm wide. I'm using a Shimano freewheel now, so it's definitely English.
David Snyder Auburn, CA
> I've asked this before, but can't seem to find the response in the
> archives. What is the code for Normandy Competition hub markings for FW
> thread? I thought one groove in the hub body between the FW thread and
> the hub flange meant English thread, no grooves French.
>
> Sutherlands gives this interpretation for the marking on other hubs, but
> is silent on Normandy.
>
> My usual method of confirming hub thread is to first try a known French
> thread FW on the hub. If it tightens up after only a couple of turns, the
> the hub is English. If it threads all the way on by hand, with no tools,
> then it is a French hub.
>
> But I have a Normandy Competition rear hub with one groove in the body.
> I tried a SunTour French FW, which is clearly marked with "metric" and the
> thread dimension. It goes on several turns, although it does tighten up
> before going on all the way. The hub thread is in good condition with
> minimal wear. I've never seen a French FW thead this far onto an English
> hub before. Could I be wrong about the markings? Or were SunTour French
> FW's a bit "looser" than other brands? The hub is off a 1973 Raleigh
> Competition, which is more reason to believe it is English thread.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
> Big Spring, TX