I commuted several years on a '71 Mercier with a 42T x 16T freewheel. The gear seemed perfect for relatively flat riding. I even used this bike for the Saturday club ride a few times, when my 14 speed road bike was in the shop, and kept up just fine. For the ride to work, I loved the simplicity, not even thinking about having to shift, or worry about mechanical difficulties. Just shortened the chain, and the alignment seemed to be fine without redishing. no shifting, no mechs, no problem and lighter weight. Just should of found an upright hanclebar for it, like the moushstash bar.
__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Find a job, post your resume. http://careers.yahoo.com