I'm also a big fan of low gears. Maybe it's just dumb luck, but I have four bikes currently running 32t freewheels all with stock short cage derailleurs. I've always heard that this set-up would not work, but after several hundred miles I've yet to see a problem as long as the shifting is done with just a small amount of finesse. Here's what has worked for me:
KOF Croll with Shimano 600 short cage shifting a 32t Shimano UG freewheel (6 speed)
On-topic Ron Cooper with early DA short cage shifting a 32t IRD freewheel (6 speed)
On-topic Colnago with Campy NR short cage shifting a 32t IRD freewheel (6 speed)
On topic Colnago with Campy SR short cage shifting a 28t or the same 32t freewheel above (6 speed)
I stumbled into this when I dropped off the Croll at my LBS with a new 32t freewheel and a new long cage derailleur. When I picked up the bike that evening the mechanic said that he didn't see the new derailleur and thought that he was only swapping the hub and freewheel. I explained to him that the short cage would not shift the larger gears and he put it in the stand and ran it up and down the range. I've ridden it just over three years and up to now do not see any unusual chain wear or other issues. The chain length might require some trial and error as you just can't wrap as much chain as a long cage would. YMMV, but a new chain and freewheel may get the job done.
Steve Gray
Las Vegas, Nevada USA
> Bob:
>
>
> I think it will be extremely tough to find a Regina 13-32
> But you can get a new freewheel by IRD:
> http://www.interlocracing.com/
>
>
> Then you need a Campagnolo Rally rear der., the original version ideally.
> These come up on eBay occasionally...
>
>
> Dale Brown
> cycles de ORO, Inc.
> 1410 Mill Street #100
> Greensboro, North Carolina 27408 USA
> 336-274-5959
> http://www.cyclesdeoro.com
> http://www.classicrendezvous.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob Schwartz <bob.schwartz14@gmail.com>
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Sent: Sat, Feb 12, 2011 6:41 pm
> Subject: [CR] Gearing Question
>
>
> Hello Fellow Enthusiasts,
>
> I have a '82 3 Rensho with NR components. The gearing is not low enough
> for
> my advanced age and the surrounding terrain. It has a 52/43 crank and a
> 14/24 Regina freewheel. I think if I can go to a 32t cog that should give
> me
> what I need. Does anyone know where I can find the appropriate derailleur
> and freewheel. I know a lot some would just buy another bike but
> unfortunately that is not in the cards. Thank you.
>
> Bob Schwartz
> Pittsburgh, PA