Freewheels
10-29-18, 11:57 PM
#1
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Freewheels
I’m looking for feedback on IRD freewheels. Their 7 speed is advertised as fitting a 126 spacing. The chain rubbed the seat stay on the 13T on my 1982 TREK 710 frame . Luckily my LBS was willing to accept a return. Before I order their 6 speed, does anyone have feedback on IRD’s build quality and longevity?
Thanks
PS my recently built Record/ Mavic MA40 wheelset is begging for a quality freewheel.
Thanks
PS my recently built Record/ Mavic MA40 wheelset is begging for a quality freewheel.
10-30-18, 05:24 AM
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I have a 6 speed on my trek 720. so far it's been a great freewheel...shifts very nice. I heard the early ones had issues, however, the later ones are good. I'd recommend it
10-30-18, 05:25 AM
#3
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The 7 speed will fit a 126 spread, but you'd probably have to respace the axle and tweak the dish on the wheel.
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10-30-18, 06:17 AM
#4
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Its not that unusual for seven speed freewheel to rub on a six speed bike. Seven speed freewheel is slightly wider. Add a thin spacer on both sides of the axle and you should be fine.
Total width of a 6 speed freewheel is slightly under 30mm (29.5), while a 7 speed is 32 to 33mm.
Total width of a 6 speed freewheel is slightly under 30mm (29.5), while a 7 speed is 32 to 33mm.
10-30-18, 09:34 AM
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The IRD freewheels are very nice seem to shift and run smooth with good life span there about as good as your going to get in a new freewheel. As for the spacing issues on 126 6spped wheel you will as said need to re-space and dish the wheel slightly for an ideal 7 speed setup usually taking 1mm from the none drive side and adding 2mm to the drive side will give you enough room without having to rebuild the wheel or mess with the frame.
10-30-18, 10:49 AM
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Both 6 and 7 speed freewheels are intended for frames with 126mm dropout spacing. However, despite the fact 7 speed freewheels have narrower cog to cog spacing, their overall width is slightly wider. This can cause small cog/chain interference issues with the drive side stays on some frames. Better grade frames and those specifically designed for 7 cogs have a relief cut into the inside of the drive side stays that increase clearance to the small cog.
Most cyclists get around this issue by adding a washer or two under the hub's drive side locknut and re-centring the axle.
IRD are good freewheels but they are expensive and, IMO not much better than a Shimano, which is far better value. IMO, the only advantage to IRD is that they offer a greater selection of ratios but even their selection isn't very good.
Most cyclists get around this issue by adding a washer or two under the hub's drive side locknut and re-centring the axle.
IRD are good freewheels but they are expensive and, IMO not much better than a Shimano, which is far better value. IMO, the only advantage to IRD is that they offer a greater selection of ratios but even their selection isn't very good.
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