6-speed freewheel suggestions
#26
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#27
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To help from breaking off the tabs on the FW puller (tool) always use the nut on the axle or the QR to hold the tool in place and one the freewheel break free then back off the nut or QR ,then remove the freewheel .
#28
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i just built a wheel for my 1986 bianchi strada in order to change from a 6 speed freewheel to 7 speed freehub. i your case you could lace in a 126mm 7 speed freehub to your current rim. your dropouts look like a 126 will fit.
#29
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Well I found out your Super Galaxy is a Dawes touring bike. If you can fit a 7 speed freewheel in there instead of a 6 speed you will have more of a selection and get hyperglide. As mentioned above you need to measure the overall dimension between the locknuts on the hub or the distance between the dropouts on the frame.
As also mentioned Shimano Dura Ace and 600 are my first choices in a 6 speed uniglide freewheel. The same for 7 speed and I would add a Sachs Aris that indexes fine with Shimano. You can go with more range (32t/34t) if you swap out the rear derailleur to one with a longer cage. It doesn't have to be a 6 speed derailleur to work with a 6 speed freewheel. I don't know if an 8 or 9 speed with narrow pulleys will have enough room between the cage side plates for a wider 6 speed chain, but indexing should not be a problem. I run 7 speed chains with 9 speed derailleurs with no issues. I'm sure someone can provide better info on whether a 6 speed chain will run through an 8/9 speed derailleur.
John
As also mentioned Shimano Dura Ace and 600 are my first choices in a 6 speed uniglide freewheel. The same for 7 speed and I would add a Sachs Aris that indexes fine with Shimano. You can go with more range (32t/34t) if you swap out the rear derailleur to one with a longer cage. It doesn't have to be a 6 speed derailleur to work with a 6 speed freewheel. I don't know if an 8 or 9 speed with narrow pulleys will have enough room between the cage side plates for a wider 6 speed chain, but indexing should not be a problem. I run 7 speed chains with 9 speed derailleurs with no issues. I'm sure someone can provide better info on whether a 6 speed chain will run through an 8/9 speed derailleur.
John
I have no problems with my 6 speed freewheel on this Trek with a 6 speed chain and a modern derailleur.
#30
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Hey, that's my line!
#31
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I did this but didnt shear the tool, I sheard the freewheel notches. Because I had used antiseize on the threads, I was still able to get 4 notch freewheel off by usung two notch tool engaged in the remaining undamaged notches.
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Been there, done that, sheared the notches anyways. Had to basically destroy the freewheel to get it off.
#33
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Good to know this. My wife has an SA hub on her Dutch-style town bike, but I think it's 7 speed.
#34
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Thanks. This is really interesting, because I think the rear spokes also need some attention, maybe some replacements. They're a little bit creaky at times. Do you have any specific 7-sp freehub favorites to recommend? Or ones to avoid?
#35
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There are even 9 speed freewheels (Bionx used them) and their rates of axle breakage were obscene, now they have moved to a cassette hub.
A new Shimano 6 speed freewheel is probably the best bang for the buck, and they don't cost much.
#36
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Mechanically, I have found that Suntour freewheels are among the best and custom build these for my own applications... the shifting is not quite as good as Shimano but I can live with that.
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i went with a shimano hg-50 14-32. my reason for changing to the cassette type hub was to add a grandfather cog, not many offerings in the freewheel arena. i also had 126mm hub in stock, they are somewhat elusive to find at a friendly price.
#38
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Yes, I've seen pretty limited range in most freewheels for sale these days. A great big granny cog would be good, though just getting up to 28t and smoother rolling might keep me happy for a while, for flattish touring.
#39
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Also, this looks like the right tool for my current freewheel--can anyone confirm, from experience?
#40
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Yeah, the shift between the 24T and 34T cogs on those MegaRange freewheels isn't always the quickest. If you find that the 28T still isn't low enough, see if you can put a smaller granny ring on that triple.
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I've been away, but am now looking to buy the replacement freewheel, based on everyone's input. I can order either the 6-speed or 7-speed version of the Shimano TZ-20, so I wanted to ask whether anyone knows how much these are likely to differ in width. The 105 derailleur I installed was from a 7-speed drivetrain, so that should work, but I'm wondering whether the dropout width might be a problem if I go with the 7-speed one. I'm happy to change the chain if needed, and I'm sure I can pick up a 7-speed indexed shifter to replace the current 6-speed one, for a little more flexibility.
Thanks for all the detailed tips--they've been a big help already.
Thanks for all the detailed tips--they've been a big help already.
#42
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I've been away, but am now looking to buy the replacement freewheel, based on everyone's input. I can order either the 6-speed or 7-speed version of the Shimano TZ-20, so I wanted to ask whether anyone knows how much these are likely to differ in width. The 105 derailleur I installed was from a 7-speed drivetrain, so that should work, but I'm wondering whether the dropout width might be a problem if I go with the 7-speed one. I'm happy to change the chain if needed, and I'm sure I can pick up a 7-speed indexed shifter to replace the current 6-speed one, for a little more flexibility.
Thanks for all the detailed tips--they've been a big help already.
Thanks for all the detailed tips--they've been a big help already.
#44
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This is useful to know, thank you. A 6-speed would be the simplest solution, in any case.
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+1, On my 1986 Tempo I upgraded from the 14-26 or 14-28 to a Shimano 600 6-speed freewheel... it's been a while since I did that but I believe it's a 13-33. Paid $50 for the freewheel. Worth every penny.
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Did you happen to notice that this thread is 4 years old? It is long past time where you could help the OP. These threads need to have an expiry date
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