Re: [CR]The Dreaded Helicomatic

(Example: Books:Ron Kitching)

Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2008 17:00:00 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Eric Meddaugh" <eric.m@rocketmail.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]The Dreaded Helicomatic
To: Tromper <growfmonster@comcast.net>, "Classicrendezvous@Bikelist. Org" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>

Jon,

I've only ever had one Helico and it was fine - never had a problem with it BUT I did manage to kill the Maillard freewheel that came with it. On a 1982 Peugeot the pawls stopped making that "ticking" sound after about 17 years and just stopped working completely after 20 years. This on a bike I only used regularly once a week on 20 - 40 mile rides...

Eric Meddaugh (just finished a "Paradise Loop" ride north of) San Carlos, CA usa ---

----- Original Message ----
From: Tromper
To: "Classicrendezvous@Bikelist. Org"
Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2008 9:45:32 AM
Subject: [CR]The Dreaded Helicomatic

Howdy again folks,

I have actual acquired & am in process of drooling on my old Trek 720 - it has minimal miles on it, but it does have the dreaded Helicomatic. Actually I kinda like 'em but you mostly can't get parts for 'em. I have the old tool around somewhere... I checked out http://www.yellowjersey.org/helico.html which was great data, but I'm curious - are these as bad as folks say aka should I swap it to a cassette hub of some flavor,& save this wheel for special occasions or if I decide to donate the bike to a museum, or is it reasonably safe to ride (aka tour) on this?

Additionally if anyone knows which helicomatic was used on the 720 that would be real helpful.

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

Jon Tromp
Seattle, WA