Re: [CR] Freewheel spacers

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Ideale)

In-Reply-To: <062820051326.17920.42C1501F000CE2C8000046002200763704CE0D909F09@comcast.net>
References: <062820051326.17920.42C1501F000CE2C8000046002200763704CE0D909F09@comcast.n et>
Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 07:47:36 -0700
To: gpvb1@comcast.net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Jan Heine" <heine93@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [CR] Freewheel spacers


>Good point! I have seem that phenomenon also. Additionally, some
>bike-boom era Regina bodies have such bad "runout" (or "wobble")
>when they rotate the they can be essentially unusable. Make sure you
>have a good one....
>Greg Parker
>Ann Arbor, Michigan
>(P.S.): Never use the big-big or small-small combination, please!!!

While it is true that a bike with all-matched components should not need freewheel spacers (or bottom bracket spacers - they are the same thing), it amazes me that an item that was so ubiquitous just a few years ago seems to have disappeared from the face of the earth. Or does anybody have some? If so, please contact me off-list

Freewheel spacers are useful when matching Dura-Ace freewheels to Maxi-Car hubs and similar sacriligeous, but extremely successful combinations. And there is no harm in moving the freewheel 0.5 mm or even 1 mm outward to give a little extra clearance for a worn derailleur against the spokes if there is enough space on the other side. (Of course, don't stack freewheel spacers ad infinitum, as this will leave too few freewheel threads on the hubs to engage the freewheel properly!)

As for the big-big combo - there is no reason why it should not work or be used on a well-designed bike. Especially one from the CR timeline: With a 5- or 6-speed rear (or 4- or 3-speed!), and usually relatively long chainstays (excepting some British bikes!), chainline isn't an issue. You do run into problems if you are using huge freewheel cogs for which the rear derailleur wasn't designed, or if you need more chain wrap capacity than your derailleur offers.

I use the big-big (usually a 48-22 or 46-22) on most of my general-use bikes! I save the small (32 or 30 tooth) ring for the really steep hills. If you have only 8 or 10 gears, every one should be useable!

(BTW, I haven't converted my bikes to modern "compact" cranks. These machines came equipped with these gears.)

So, back to my original reason for posting: Anybody got any freewheel spacers to spare? Anybody need any? A machine shop could turn out a bunch in no time... Maybe we should place a joint order.

Jan Heine, Seattle
Editor/Publisher
Vintage Bicycle Quarterly
c/o Il Vecchio Bicycles
140 Lakeside Ave, Ste. C
Seattle WA 98122
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com