Re: [CR] Freewheel re-spacing

(Example: Framebuilders:Cecil Behringer)

From: "David Snyder" <dddd@pacbell.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <56655.77731.qm@web35608.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To: <56655.77731.qm@web35608.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:31:29 -0800
Subject: Re: [CR] Freewheel re-spacing


Actually, you really don't need 126mm to run 6-speeds and still have reasonable wheel dish.

Most 6-speed production bikes showed a curious lack of precision in that the outer face of the smallest cog was not close to the ~3.3mm minimum of space needed between cog and dropout. Result was that one could easily remove 2mm from both ends of the wheel's axle spacers (down to 122mm!) and still have all the clearance needed, especially once a modern, narrow chain is substituted (just don't use a 14t small cog, on certain frames that will have the chain hitting the end of the seatstay during the last shift). So, a modestly-dished wheel measuring 122mm (easily slid into any 120mm frame) should easily accomodate a 6-speed Shimano UG freewheel. All that is needed is a bit of fine-tuning to the axle (and any freewheel) spacers, all part of a reasonably well-built, purpose-built wheel. This isn't radical at all! Just look at the huge amount of wasted space that many 5-speed freewheel-equipped bikes left unused: enough to throw your chain to the axle!

David Snyder
Auburn, CA usa


----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas Adams


Subject: Re: [CR] Freewheel re-spacing

Dear Don and List:

Yeah, you can re-space a 120mm to 126mm, but is it morally right? Especially with really old frames, which never would have been available in 126mm rear spacing.