I wonder if the chain is part of the problem? Are you using a period Regina or perhaps Sedis? Perhaps a different chain requires more overshift with the Regina tooth shape to cause the larger cog tooth to pick up the chain. If the chainline is right, and the dish is right, and the dropout is not bent, and the cage is reasonably straight, I'd think the chain is not what Campy, Regina, and the framemaker expected.
I haven't seen a spacer/hub problem, but I could imagine an issue if the spacer surface does not match the hub surface that is intended to seat the freewheel. You'll generate quite a bit of pressure compressing that face, of course, as you ride.
Ken Freeman, Ann Arbor, MI
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of marcus.e.helman@gm.com Sent: Monday, June 27, 2005 3:17 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Freewheel spacers
I have been glad to read this thread because I have been having a similar problem to Garth. In my situation the parts are a Regina 5 speed and a Campagnolo Nuovo Record rear derailleur. When the chain is on the big-big combination the edge of the rear derailleur clips the spokes. It is easy to adjust the derailleur so that it clears the spokes, but then I can't get it into the small chainring-big cog combo. I have set it so that I can use the the small chainring-big cog, and I just don't shift into the big-big combo. It seems that a spacer would solve the problem. It may be a 126mm axle going into a 120mm frame, but how will respacing and redishing affect the relationship between the big cog and the spokes? I suppose that the spokes would be at a more acute angle, pulling away from the hub flange and freewheel, but is that really enough to make a difference?
I should also add that this is one of those Reginas that seem to move when the wheel is spinning. The body is tight on the hub, but the cogs are not always parallel to the rim. I hope that makes sense.
Can't one just use a bottom bracket lockring as a spacer? It fits on the hub. It's made of steel. It has notches for eventual removal.
Marcus Helman
Huntington Woods, MI