From: <raleypc@netscape.net>
Subject: [CR]Vintage Suntour Front DR Questions
> When building up my latest project, a '76 Jack Taylor, I discovered that
> my plan to use an NR front derailleur was not going to work with the
> 52/44/28 crankset as the cage is just not long enough. I had used it with
> a 52/47/36 in the past but maybe that is the limit (unless you go to a
> smaller big ring). Since I planned on using Suntour Barcons and Suntour
> freewheel I was thinking that I might as well use period Suntour
> derailleurs as well. I have 3 or 4 V-GT and V-GT Luxe rear derailleurs
> and they do shift nicely but other than that I really don't have much
> experience with vintage Japanese components. What would be a good
> Suntour front derailleur to look for to match the V-GT rear, perhaps a
> "7", a "Compe-V", or "SL"? Further questions:
>
> 1. Did all Suntour front dr's of the era ('75 to '80) use the funky pull
> for low scheme?
>
> 2. Did they all have adequate throw for a triple crankset?
>
> 3. Are the cages longer than the NR to allow the 28T chainring to be used
> without chain drag?
>
> Thanks!
> Paul Raley
> Leonardtown MD
I have an 80's Schwinn Traveler that's set up for half step + granny. 26-44-48 x 14-28 five (5) speed freewheel. I'm using a Cyclone GT in back and a Suntour Compe up front with Suntour barcons.
I never tried it with a bigger ring and the 26, it'd be close but it might work. The half step is a joy with the barcons. It handles the 26-44 shift nicely. This derailleur's been tweaked a bit, a little bending at forward end of cage, and I think a washer or two with spacer to widen cage at rear. On my bikes I only use the reverse acting Suntour front derailleurs with barcons. So it seems normal to me!
Pete Geurds
Douglassville, Pa