BobbyG

I'm not the greatest bicycle mechanic, but I managed to replace the broken Neos compact rapid rise derailleur on my 7-Speed Dahon Boardwalk with a conventional Shimano unit. I had fitted a wider spread of rear gears and the Neos couldn't handle it...especially the small 11-tooth cog.

First I ordered a Litepro derailleur hanger/adapter from Ali Express, just $13. I had originally ordered a similar part for $30 from Tern thinking it would be better quality since they stamp their name on it, but they cancelled the order a few days later due to insufficient stock.

Next I installed the adapter and drove the bike to the co-op so one of the mechanics could see the gears and help me pick out a capable derailleur which ended up being a used Shimano 8515 for $5. I also picked up a new shifter cable and longer cable housing and a new chain All in all about $36.

I screwed on the new derailleur and connected the new cable and sheath. Then I installed the new chain and sized it which was a first for me. I had replaced chains many times, but was always able to use the old chain to match for size. The Park Tools Youtube video series is very helpful. I referred to it again to adjust the derailleur settings, which I had done before a couple of times on this and other bikes.

And son-of-a-gun it works!

I have a 7-speed indexed Shimano thumb-shifter that I use on the right side of the bull-bars i Installed, except now it shifts in the opposite direction. With the original rapid-riser style Neos derailleur 1st gear was with the lever pointing towards me, with 7th pointing forward. Now first is forward and seventh points back towards me. I mis-shifted quite a few times on the first ride yesterday, but I'm sure my brain will adjust. I have 5 bikes with four different shifter types (brifters, downtube, bar-end and thumbies) and I seem to keep them straight for the most part. (I also used to have rapid-fire on my MTB before converting it to drop bars).

Total cost for the project was just under $50.

Here's some pics, including my combination bicycle work station/out-door grill.

Happy riding/grilling!

kayakkielbasa

hi BobbyG, You replied in my thread describing a 7speed Bickerton rear freewheel/cassette upgrade.
You never mentioned (If I'm not mistaken) if it was freewheel or cassette in Your case. 11-38 sounds more like a cassette..

tds101 

7 speed is freewheel, not cassette...

kayakkielbasa

not so obvious as You might think.
Read this thread. https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-b...l#post23156348

tds101 

If you're still confused about it, ask in the CycleChat forums...

Duragrouch

OP: I did the same two years ago in order to fit a double crank. I didn't know I could find a derailleur hanger, but I just used a Shimano Tourney TX 6/7 speed derailleur with integral claw-mount that goes under the axle nut, mid (GS) cage length, works great, $13 new. Vast improvement in shifting, and bonus of the gripshift now working in the correct direction. Just labeled wrong now, no problem. 11-30 cassette, I left a little more chainlength than I needed to, in case I upgrade to 11-34:

BobbyG

The rear wheel on my Boardwalk is not the original wheel. The original wheel used a gear cassette. The replacement wheel uses a freewheel and that's what I bought. Sorry for any confusion.