Maillard Helicomatic
05-13-20, 12:32 PM
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Maillard Helicomatic
Good evening folks
My Mercier has what looks like a 5 speed Helicomatic, I'm looking for a larger granny but most seem to be 6/7 speed. Will a 7 speed fit on the 5 speed hub and do I need a new lock ring to make it all work?
My Mercier has what looks like a 5 speed Helicomatic, I'm looking for a larger granny but most seem to be 6/7 speed. Will a 7 speed fit on the 5 speed hub and do I need a new lock ring to make it all work?
05-13-20, 12:38 PM
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Doubt it.
6- and 7-speeds are usually interchangeable for bikes with 126mm rear spacing and hubs to match. Bikes with 5-speed rears are usually spaced at 120mm with similar hubs.
In order to move from 5- to 6- or 7-speed, you may need to cold set the frame, and source a longer axle, axle spacers, and possibly a longer skewer.
This may be a good time to move away from the Helicomatic entirely.
6- and 7-speeds are usually interchangeable for bikes with 126mm rear spacing and hubs to match. Bikes with 5-speed rears are usually spaced at 120mm with similar hubs.
In order to move from 5- to 6- or 7-speed, you may need to cold set the frame, and source a longer axle, axle spacers, and possibly a longer skewer.
This may be a good time to move away from the Helicomatic entirely.
05-13-20, 01:07 PM
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The larger sprockets from a 6 speed Helicomatic will fit on a 5 speed Helicomatic body. The smallest sprocket threads off (use two chainwhips) and the remaining sprockets are splined with spacers and slip off the body. Therefore if you find a 6 speed with the tooth counts you want, they can be interchanged.
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05-13-20, 08:13 PM
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Was there ever a 7-speed Helicomatic?
05-13-20, 08:47 PM
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The photos are gone, but according to the Helicomatic Museum, yes.
https://www.borgercompagnie.com/heli...galleries.html
Also in the words of the Helicomatic Museum:
"I would suggest to all but the most fanatic about originality to stay away from Helicomatic or replace any Helicomatic hub with a model for which it is easier to source spare parts."
https://www.borgercompagnie.com/heli...galleries.html
Also in the words of the Helicomatic Museum:
"I would suggest to all but the most fanatic about originality to stay away from Helicomatic or replace any Helicomatic hub with a model for which it is easier to source spare parts."
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05-13-20, 08:53 PM
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I didn't know that Maillard made a 5 speed cassette for the Helicomatic hub. I thought they were only 6 and 7 speeds.
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05-14-20, 07:14 AM
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Here’s a silly question- I know the hubs have different quality levels- (400/500/600/700)- Do the freewheel/cassette thingys have different levels as well? Was there a “Maillard 700 Team Issue” Helicomatic freewheel cassette thingy- and how did it differ from, say, a 500 level unit?
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05-14-20, 10:23 AM
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I believe there was a "700" version of the Helicomatic as I think I've seen Heli hubs with the 700 decals on it.
I know that there were later/improved versions of the hubs with contact seals on them to keep the bearings "happy", but not sure if there was an upgrade of races and bearing quality and size to improve reliability.
I was surprised about to hear about the 5 speed cassette as if I remember correctly, the Helicomatic was introduced in the early 80's when most bikes already moved on to have 6 speed hubs.
I know that there were later/improved versions of the hubs with contact seals on them to keep the bearings "happy", but not sure if there was an upgrade of races and bearing quality and size to improve reliability.
I was surprised about to hear about the 5 speed cassette as if I remember correctly, the Helicomatic was introduced in the early 80's when most bikes already moved on to have 6 speed hubs.
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05-14-20, 11:44 AM
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I have a very good condition 13-21 6V 700 series cassette from a 1984 Trek 610. I am interested in selling.
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05-14-20, 05:31 PM
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The Helicomatics I've had have all been from Trek tourers- hence the 5 speeds in conjunction with the 'half step and a granny.'
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