Question on new Shimano MegaRange freewheel
12-16-23, 07:35 PM
#1
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Question on new Shimano MegaRange freewheel
Hello All . I just ordered within last couple days a new Shimano MegaRange MF-TZ30-6 14/34 6 speed freewheel to replace my old Suntour Alpha 13/30. Unfortunately I didn't consider what type chain might be required. Hyperglide or something else? This is going on my '88 Schwinn Impact. I've read on a few posts Shimano "thread on" 6 speed style freewheels do work and perform/shift well as a replacement. as the cog spacing is either the same or quite close. Can anyone confirm or correct me on this info? My existing chain is a bit worn so all else will need to be replaced. Derailleur is Alpha 3040 W/Suntour index thumb shifters. Seriously appreciate the help.
Last edited by jzr756; 12-16-23 at 07:46 PM.
12-16-23, 08:54 PM
#2
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Not sure but all Mega billboard range FW's have worked fine with all regular chains for me.
The main thing for me is to buzz the Mega Range off the fugly black cog on the bench grinder wire wheel, I usually buzz the whole cog to get the lettering and all the black off as well.
These are a good option function wise but I don't understand why they can't just make a normal wide range one like the original SunTour's.
The main thing for me is to buzz the Mega Range off the fugly black cog on the bench grinder wire wheel, I usually buzz the whole cog to get the lettering and all the black off as well.
These are a good option function wise but I don't understand why they can't just make a normal wide range one like the original SunTour's.
12-16-23, 08:56 PM
#3
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Spacing between the cogs might be a problem. You are going to have to take delivery and compare. The flag of concern was index.
12-16-23, 11:10 PM
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I use regular Shimano 6 speed freewheels with regular Accushift- works great! It might be different with Suntour's Alpha Accushift... I haven't had any.
EDIT:
I've used the Shimano 6/7/8 chain and SRAM PC 850 and 870 chains
EDIT:
I've used the Shimano 6/7/8 chain and SRAM PC 850 and 870 chains
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Last edited by The Golden Boy; 12-17-23 at 12:18 PM.
12-17-23, 10:32 AM
#5
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Not sure but all Mega billboard range FW's have worked fine with all regular chains for me.
The main thing for me is to buzz the Mega Range off the fugly black cog on the bench grinder wire wheel, I usually buzz the whole cog to get the lettering and all the black off as well.
These are a good option function wise but I don't understand why they can't just make a normal wide range one like the original SunTour's.
The main thing for me is to buzz the Mega Range off the fugly black cog on the bench grinder wire wheel, I usually buzz the whole cog to get the lettering and all the black off as well.
These are a good option function wise but I don't understand why they can't just make a normal wide range one like the original SunTour's.
12-17-23, 11:11 AM
#6
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Suggest a SRAM PC-850 / 853 which will work well on anything 6-9 speed
and has a quick link !
/markp
and has a quick link !
/markp
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12-17-23, 01:09 PM
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FWIW, The Sunrace 7sp MFM-300 FW is offered in 14/16/18/21/24/28/34. It's all black so would need work to make it silver, but at least it's a normal progression.
12-17-23, 02:00 PM
#8
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I don't understand why they can't just make a normal wide range one like the original SunTour's. [/QUOTE]
I totally agree ! Seems like a pretty abrupt drop going from 24T - 34. I lost out on a Suntour 14/34 Ebay find. much nicer steps.
[/QUOTE]I totally agree ! Seems like a pretty abrupt drop going from 24T - 34. I lost out on a Suntour 14/34 Ebay find. much nicer steps.
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12-17-23, 02:05 PM
#9
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12-17-23, 05:27 PM
#10
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Back in 1974, when my wife and I were carless starving grad students, I built her Peugeot with 52-42 / 16-18-21-24-32, so I guess I was ahead of the "megarange" trend. It shifted well with my old SunTour VGT in back and a Shimano Titlist in front.
Her sister recently gave me a Carlton that had been equipped with one of the original early 1970s SunTour 5-speed 14-18-22-27-34 freewheels I think you are referring to. If you need some cogs or an entire freewheel, I may be able to help, because I plan to go 2x6 or 2x7 when I rebuild the Carlton.
In defense of Megarange, I cant simultaneously get a wide range with reasonably small progrssion steps with only 5 cogs. Having 6 or 7 in back is a major game-changer.
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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
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
12-17-23, 07:24 PM
#11
Senior Member
6 speed freewheel cog spacing is so wide you can use practically any chain you want. I just bought 5 sets of new 6-7-8 speed chains on AliExpress including shipping for less than $45. I only buy chains that have quick links. I've got not patience for old timey drive link chains.
12-18-23, 08:08 PM
#12
Full Member
Another "in defense"
I went MegaRange in a 6-s to 7-speed conversion. The 14-24 6 speeds are the same, so for as much of the ride as I can pretend I'm strong, dancing on the pedals , I've got the nice close spacing.
Aaaannnnnd......BAILOUT gear.
Aaaannnnnd......BAILOUT gear.
