I'm with Bill here, as I go to some lengths (BB and rear axle spacing) in achieving full use of the freewheel while in the big ring, for the reasons he mentions.
I noticed that smoother, narrower, i.e. more-modern chains help greatly with such issues. Even allowing full use of the freewheel without trimming the front changer! I use 9-speed chain (or 8-speed chain) whenever possible (i.e. when I'm not using Stronglight or SR Apex chainsets, nor French or Italian freewheels). The overall performance then exceeds what was possible back in the day! ...Plus, Shimano's newer chains last a very long time, even remaining quiet despite relative lack of lubrication while tolerating cross-chaining seemingly w/o adding any friction.
David Snyder Auburn, CA usa
Bill Talbot wrote:
> The way I have always set up a wide range double is to have the large ring
> chainline cheated over as close to where a single ring would be. This
> allows you to utilise the entire freewheel without needed a front shift.
> This is great for real world rolling terrain when used with a freewheel
> geared accordinglly. The inner ring becomes a "granny" of a sort. Not
> intended in this application to use the whole cluster. This works great
> for real world rolling terrain and you still have the low gears when
> needed. My Witcomb USA is set up with a Stronglight 99, 46-28 on a Phil
> Wood BB with a 13-26 six speed freewheel.