'73 ItalVega SR 5-speed to 6-speed conversion
02-18-21, 09:16 AM
#1
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'73 ItalVega SR 5-speed to 6-speed conversion
Greetings!
I'm wanting to convert the existing Maillard freewheel on my '73 Super Record (5-speed: 14,16, 19, 22, 26) to a 6-speed (13-26.) Here are my questions:
1) Can this be done with a used Regina Extra 6-speed? Or do I need to look for an Ultra freewheel?
2) Was the original freewheel on ItalVega bikes a 6-speed or 5-speed Regina? I have an old trade advertisement but it doesn't say how many gears it has. Just curious.
Added some pics merely for reference. Thanks for any advice!
I'm wanting to convert the existing Maillard freewheel on my '73 Super Record (5-speed: 14,16, 19, 22, 26) to a 6-speed (13-26.) Here are my questions:
1) Can this be done with a used Regina Extra 6-speed? Or do I need to look for an Ultra freewheel?
2) Was the original freewheel on ItalVega bikes a 6-speed or 5-speed Regina? I have an old trade advertisement but it doesn't say how many gears it has. Just curious.
Added some pics merely for reference. Thanks for any advice!
02-18-21, 09:56 AM
#2
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I'd guess your bike is probably 120mm spacing, set for 5 speed. The 6 ultra would fit but your chain may be wide.
You need to measure your spacing first. If you are at 126mm you may be alright to swap no adjustments other than some derailleur.
You need to measure your spacing first. If you are at 126mm you may be alright to swap no adjustments other than some derailleur.
02-18-21, 10:07 AM
#3
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I'd expect a five speed freewheel to have been OEM on an Italvega of this era, though 6 speed was available at the time. To verify, remove the rear wheel and measure the distance between the inside faces of the rear dropouts, to see if it's closer to 120mm (5 speed) or 126mm (6 speed).
A SunTour Ultra-6 is a simple replacement of the existing freewheel, regardless of the rear dropout spacing., though you'll probably need a narrower chain. A 6 speed Regina would ideally require the rear triangle to be cold set to 126mm, if it is currently 120mm. While it sounds intimidating, it's not beyond the capability of an average home mechanic. You would also want to realign the dropouts to prevent inducing a bending stress on the axle, which increases the probability of a bent axle.
A SunTour Ultra-6 is a simple replacement of the existing freewheel, regardless of the rear dropout spacing., though you'll probably need a narrower chain. A 6 speed Regina would ideally require the rear triangle to be cold set to 126mm, if it is currently 120mm. While it sounds intimidating, it's not beyond the capability of an average home mechanic. You would also want to realign the dropouts to prevent inducing a bending stress on the axle, which increases the probability of a bent axle.
02-18-21, 10:37 AM
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That's a beautiful bike. A suntour ultra 6 will do the job but those freewheels can be expensive. The prices for these on eBay are a bit nutty. I'd put up a WTB in the C&V for sale forum and see what you can find. This will be the easiest solution.
Spreading the frame is very doable but it is more work than simply replacing a freewheel (and perhaps a chain). If you decide to spread the frame to 126, you will also need to redish the wheel plus track down a longer axle and some spacers. If you go this route, you can use a 7 speed freewheel and run 2 x 7 gearing.
Spreading the frame is very doable but it is more work than simply replacing a freewheel (and perhaps a chain). If you decide to spread the frame to 126, you will also need to redish the wheel plus track down a longer axle and some spacers. If you go this route, you can use a 7 speed freewheel and run 2 x 7 gearing.
Last edited by bikemig; 02-18-21 at 10:40 AM.
02-18-21, 12:36 PM
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I have converted most of my older road bikes from 5 to 6 cogs, because I find I need at least 11 (no large-large cross-chaining allowed) unique ratios to provide me the range I need without too large a ratio step size.
The UO-8 measures 123 OLD and works great with a 13-26 Shimano ultra freewheel and an "8-speed" Sedis chain.
The UO-8 measures 123 OLD and works great with a 13-26 Shimano ultra freewheel and an "8-speed" Sedis chain.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
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02-18-21, 12:47 PM
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...apart from the excellent and comprehensive advice already given here, I would add that you might want to consider your objectives for doing this.
For my own use, the gear range increase from a 14-26 to a 13-26 would not be worth the effort to accomplish the change, and I would rarely, if ever, use that 13 cog.
But everyone has different needs. If your objective is simply to get a bigger top gear, it's usually easier to just swap out your large chainring for something with an extra tooth or two. The only downside to using an Ultra 6 freewheel, and a narrower chain, is that (IME) it is a little touchier to to shift into a gear....but it's certainly something you can adapt to.
...apart from the excellent and comprehensive advice already given here, I would add that you might want to consider your objectives for doing this.
For my own use, the gear range increase from a 14-26 to a 13-26 would not be worth the effort to accomplish the change, and I would rarely, if ever, use that 13 cog.
But everyone has different needs. If your objective is simply to get a bigger top gear, it's usually easier to just swap out your large chainring for something with an extra tooth or two. The only downside to using an Ultra 6 freewheel, and a narrower chain, is that (IME) it is a little touchier to to shift into a gear....but it's certainly something you can adapt to.
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02-18-21, 12:57 PM
#7
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120 MM width
Thanks, everyone. Great info.
The width is 120mm. I may look for a sun tour ultra. Or I may stay as is.
Not interested in redishing the wheel or trying to make it wider. I was really hoping for a 13-tooth gear as I "run out" of gears going downhill.
JL
The width is 120mm. I may look for a sun tour ultra. Or I may stay as is.
Not interested in redishing the wheel or trying to make it wider. I was really hoping for a 13-tooth gear as I "run out" of gears going downhill.
JL
02-18-21, 01:15 PM
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@RogueJay - Is that a 52 up front? Maybe a 53? You shouldn't be to bad with 52/14.
BITD I converted to an Ultra 6 with chain on my Motobecane Le Champion. Well worth the change.
I try really hard to run at 90 rpm for a cadence. Rarely do I get to the top gear on my 8 or 10 speed. It would have to be a really long hill to get me to that gearing. I take it to where I begin to feel uncomfortable and then coast. I am the kind of rider that likes to crank all the time.
BITD I converted to an Ultra 6 with chain on my Motobecane Le Champion. Well worth the change.
I try really hard to run at 90 rpm for a cadence. Rarely do I get to the top gear on my 8 or 10 speed. It would have to be a really long hill to get me to that gearing. I take it to where I begin to feel uncomfortable and then coast. I am the kind of rider that likes to crank all the time.
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Last edited by SJX426; 02-18-21 at 01:47 PM.
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02-18-21, 01:35 PM
#9
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Yeah, the bigger chainring may be an option.
Yes, I too would rarely use the 13, but on certain downhills (with certain riders I'm with) I'm out of gears and spinning like a madman to catch up. Appreciate the tips.
Yes, I too would rarely use the 13, but on certain downhills (with certain riders I'm with) I'm out of gears and spinning like a madman to catch up. Appreciate the tips.
02-18-21, 01:37 PM
#10
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@RogueJay - Is that a 53 up front? Maybe a 53? You shouldn't be to bad with 52/14.
BITD I converted to an Ultra 6 with chain on my Motobecane Le Champion. Well worth the change.
I try really hard to run at 90 rpm for a cadence. Rarely do I get to the top gear on my 8 or 10 speed. It would have to be a really long hill to get me to that gearing. I take it to where I begin to feel uncomfortable and then coast. I am the kind of rider that likes to crank all the time.
BITD I converted to an Ultra 6 with chain on my Motobecane Le Champion. Well worth the change.
I try really hard to run at 90 rpm for a cadence. Rarely do I get to the top gear on my 8 or 10 speed. It would have to be a really long hill to get me to that gearing. I take it to where I begin to feel uncomfortable and then coast. I am the kind of rider that likes to crank all the time.
