A couple of incidentially related questions reflecting my lurker/newbie status: - Are there sources for 5-speed threaded freewheels to fit older 120-mm spacing rear wheels (for my '64 Carlton Flyer), or must one try to find them used/NOS thru the listings, Ebay, etc.? My LBS says they could only find a cheapy 14-28, and I don't have hills that steep. I'm looking for 14-26 max, maybe less than 26. Are there different freewheel/hub threads to be aware of?
- Even though the '72 Campy Nuovo Record rear derailleur on that '64 Carlton Flyer should handle a 14-28 freewheel (per the archives), the chain length needed for this bike would be longer than the new chain I just bought (like 57 inches+) -- unless I just bag using the big/big combo which makes sense anyway. Am I somehow asking for trouble by setting it up that way and just remembering I can't use the big/big combo? It looks as though with a long enough chain, I could in theory run all ten gears on this 46/54 and 14-28 setup. If I find a 14-26 or smaller freewheel, most of this navel-gazing question just goes away!
- What chains can and cannot be used on '60's and early '70's era bikes with Campy chainrings and ye olde 5-sp freewheels? -- I'm confused by discussions and dire warnings about chain rigidity, tooth design, irreversible tooth wear, etc.
Thanks in advance, Reid (slow up the hills no matter what combo) Fisher San Martin, California