Re: [CR]Could a 14 speed SOM be integrated with vintage lightweight freewheel clusters?

(Example: Framebuilding:Technology)

In-Reply-To: <20050522183021.72086.qmail@web52510.mail.yahoo.com>
References: <20050522183021.72086.qmail@web52510.mail.yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 23 May 2005 11:54:26 -0400
To: Don Wilson <dcwilson3@yahoo.com>, Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
From: "Sheldon Brown" <CaptBike@sheldonbrown.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Could a 14 speed SOM be integrated with vintage lightweight freewheel clusters?


Don Wilson queried:
>First, what is the correct formula for figuring the
>total number of gear choices one would have with a 14
>speed SOM with a 5 speed free wheel and a three ring
>crank?

Multiply. 14 X 5 X 3 = 210

Not sure what you mean by "SOM" but I'm guessing you're speaking of the off-topic Rohloff Speedhub. See: http://harriscyclery.com/rohloff
>Second, could one integrate an old free wheel cluster
>and derailleur with a 14 speed SOM (I've seen old free
>wheel clusters integrated with old Sturmey Archer
>three speed hubs and a Huret Allvit derailleur in the
>past)?

I've put 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 sprocket setups on Sturmey-Archer hubs.

See: http://sheldonbrown.org/otb.html it won't work on the Rohloff because the axle is not long enough to clear the extra sprockets. The Rohloff axle is a very special part, not readily duplicated in a different length.
>
>Third (and flagrantly off list), could any of the
>modern 10 speed clusters be integrated with the 14
>speed SOM?

No. Folks who seriously compete for the "most gears" title use a second multispeed hub as a jackshaft, usually mounted just below/behind the seat cluster.

Don't forget the Schlumpf two-speed bottom bracket while you're at it!

Sheldon "Nothing Exceeds Like Excess" Brown Newtonville, Massachusetts +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | To summarize: It is a well-known fact that those people who must | | want to rule people are, ipso facto, those least suited to do it. | | To summarize the summary: Anyone who is capable of getting | | themselves made President should on no account be | | allowed to do the job. | | To summarize the summary of the summary: | | People are a problem. -- Douglas Adams | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ --
    Harris Cyclery, West Newton, Massachusetts
       Phone 617-244-9772 FAX 617-244-1041
            http://harriscyclery.com
       Hard-to-find parts shipped Worldwide
            http://captainbike.com
    Useful articles about bicycles and cycling
            http://sheldonbrown.com