[CR]The Dreaded Helicomatic

(Example: Racing:Beryl Burton)

From: "Tromper" <growfmonster@comcast.net>
To: "Classicrendezvous@Bikelist. Org" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2008 09:45:32 -0700
Subject: [CR]The Dreaded Helicomatic

Howdy again folks,

I have actual acquired & am in process of drooling on my old Trek 720 - it has minimal miles on it, but it does have the dreaded Helicomatic. Actually I kinda like 'em but you mostly can't get parts for 'em. I have the old tool around somewhere... I checked out http://www.yellowjersey.org/helico.html which was great data, but I'm curious - are these as bad as folks say aka should I swap it to a cassette hub of some flavor,& save this wheel for special occasions or if I decide to donate the bike to a museum, or is it reasonably safe to ride (aka tour) on this?

Additionally if anyone knows which helicomatic was used on the 720 that would be real helpful.

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

Jon Tromp
Seattle, WA