I think Daves question is a good one. Thought I have seen French threaded Suntour freewheels I have never seen a Shimano. I know Suntour equipment showed up on many European bikes (Motobecane, Gitane and Raleigh) in mixed Euro/Japanese groups .Shimano seemed to prefer whole group sets.(though Bridgestone seems to be the single mfr who had mixed Suntour/Shimano groups) I recall both brands were controlled by a single trading company (Yagami?) Has anyone seen a French threaded Shimano Freewheel?
BOB FREITAS
not looking forward to another smoky day in MILL
VALLEY ,CA USA