Chain selection advice/ Sun Tour New Winner Ultra freewheel
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 39
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Chain selection advice/ Sun Tour New Winner Ultra freewheel
Here’s a question for the vintage-bike experts –
I am in the process of upgrading an old vintage bicycle, and am hoping some of you may be able to offer advice on chain selection.I am using a vintage frame with old style 120 mm spacing (and I don’t want to alter the frame to fit something larger). I’ve just ordered a vintage Sun Tour New Winner freewheel, with “ultra” spacing between cogs.
According to the info I've found online, this freewheel fits into the standard 120 mm space. But because it uses slightly narrower space between gears, you’re able to get six cogs on the gear cluster, rather than the standard five. This particular freewheel seems to have quite a following – I gather it was highly regarded in the late '70s and early '80s. But none of the webpages tell me the best chain to use.
Back when these were new, I assume there really wasn't much choice -- a chain was a chain. But in the ensuing years we've seen narrower and narrower chains hit the market as rear gear clusters add enormous numbers of gears. Since the spacing between gears on this particular freewheel is slightly narrower than standard, I’m thinking a slightly narrower chain might be a good idea. Some posters on this forum in the past have mentioned that they have gotten good results with chains designed for Shimano 7-speed systems.
But I gather that there may be a tradeoff. It sounds like a narrower chain increases the chance you might drop the chain between gears when shifting the front derailleur.
So let me just say that I am using a standard Campagnolo Nuovo Record triple crank in the front. Also, I'm using an all-friction setup (with a Nuovo Record derailleur on the front, a first-generation Campy Rally derailleur on the back, and Sun Tour bar-end shifters). Any recommendations on the chain type to use? And are some chains designed better than others?
Erik Smith
Olympia, WA
I am in the process of upgrading an old vintage bicycle, and am hoping some of you may be able to offer advice on chain selection.I am using a vintage frame with old style 120 mm spacing (and I don’t want to alter the frame to fit something larger). I’ve just ordered a vintage Sun Tour New Winner freewheel, with “ultra” spacing between cogs.
According to the info I've found online, this freewheel fits into the standard 120 mm space. But because it uses slightly narrower space between gears, you’re able to get six cogs on the gear cluster, rather than the standard five. This particular freewheel seems to have quite a following – I gather it was highly regarded in the late '70s and early '80s. But none of the webpages tell me the best chain to use.
Back when these were new, I assume there really wasn't much choice -- a chain was a chain. But in the ensuing years we've seen narrower and narrower chains hit the market as rear gear clusters add enormous numbers of gears. Since the spacing between gears on this particular freewheel is slightly narrower than standard, I’m thinking a slightly narrower chain might be a good idea. Some posters on this forum in the past have mentioned that they have gotten good results with chains designed for Shimano 7-speed systems.
But I gather that there may be a tradeoff. It sounds like a narrower chain increases the chance you might drop the chain between gears when shifting the front derailleur.
So let me just say that I am using a standard Campagnolo Nuovo Record triple crank in the front. Also, I'm using an all-friction setup (with a Nuovo Record derailleur on the front, a first-generation Campy Rally derailleur on the back, and Sun Tour bar-end shifters). Any recommendations on the chain type to use? And are some chains designed better than others?
Erik Smith
Olympia, WA
Last edited by Olympianrider; 07-20-18 at 07:36 PM.
Likes For Olympianrider:
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 875
Bikes: custom Cyclery North (Chicago), Schwinn Circuit
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 350 Post(s)
Liked 203 Times
in
118 Posts
I had an ultra 6 freewheel on my bike in the eighties. The chain that worked best during that time period was Sedisport.
#3
Senior Member
I use Sram chains. Not sure of the model but it works on 5,6,7 speed freewheels. $20 at my local bike shop.
Likes For big chainring:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Western MI
Posts: 2,770
Mentioned: 45 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 656 Post(s)
Liked 469 Times
in
302 Posts
I have some real world experience that might help you.
I used a modern-day KMC 8.93 8-speed chain with a 6 speed Ultra freewheel,13-24 cogs, Shimano 600 Arabesque derailleurs and Dura Ace 7400 8-speed crankset with 53/39 rings. Worked perfect. No chain rub, no derailleur locks, nothing. Just smooth shifting.
Recently swapped to a Velo Orange 48/34 compact crankset and 14-28 cogs on the same Ultra freewheel. Still no apparent chain issues but the derailleur does occasionally lock up when I slam it into biggest cog while on the biggest chainring. I suspect it may be a chain length issue (I did add a few links), a needed derailleur adjustment or a derailleur capacity limitation. I don’t think it’s the 8 speed chain contributing to this but I haven’t ruled it out. Still very ridable so I haven’t spent much time diagnosing the root cause.
I used a modern-day KMC 8.93 8-speed chain with a 6 speed Ultra freewheel,13-24 cogs, Shimano 600 Arabesque derailleurs and Dura Ace 7400 8-speed crankset with 53/39 rings. Worked perfect. No chain rub, no derailleur locks, nothing. Just smooth shifting.
Recently swapped to a Velo Orange 48/34 compact crankset and 14-28 cogs on the same Ultra freewheel. Still no apparent chain issues but the derailleur does occasionally lock up when I slam it into biggest cog while on the biggest chainring. I suspect it may be a chain length issue (I did add a few links), a needed derailleur adjustment or a derailleur capacity limitation. I don’t think it’s the 8 speed chain contributing to this but I haven’t ruled it out. Still very ridable so I haven’t spent much time diagnosing the root cause.
Last edited by plonz; 07-20-18 at 09:07 PM.
#6
Disraeli Gears
I had a New Winner Ultra 7-speed freewheel on one bike that worked fine for several years with a Sedisport chain; this was before masterlinks. I switched to an SRAM PC80, and while it worked fine, there was a slight "hitch" I could feel intermittently in the middle-most gears. The freewheel wasn't anywhere near worn. This bothered me enough that I replaced the FW with a Suntour 6 speed; problem solved. The SRAM chains are highly regarded; just reporting my personal experience. I thought about trying a Wipperman, but they're more expensive. Still have the Ultra freewheel, and may try it again on another bike sometime. Sedisport chains are not that easy to find nowadays, and anyway I like the convenience of a master link.
#7
Senior Member
I remember buying a couple of the Suntour ultra 6 speed freewheels back when. In order to get them to work properly, a new chain was in order. I don't know if the new chains (Sedisport being the popular one, and the brand that we bought) were any narrower than the previious 5 and 6 speed chains, but the rivets were different and didn't extend past the side plate making the space they needed a bit less. Also, the Sedisport chains were more flexible side-to-side than earlier chains wqhich gave better shifting.
As for sprocket spacing, ultra 6 is the same spacing as 7 speed and the same as Campagnolo 8 speed. Shimano 8 speed is a tad narrower, but not much of a tad. Any 7 speed or 8 speed chain should work with an Ultra 6 speed though the tooth design of the old sprockets was not as shift-friendly as the newer.
In my experience, a 7/8 speed chain will work fine on the front sprockets. I have a bike with 9 speed Campagnolo (and a 9 speed chain, of course) that has a NR/SR chainset that was originally used with 5/6 speed spacing and it works fine with the narrower 9 speed chain. Several bikes around here that originally had standard 6 speed (126 mm spacing) and now have 7 speed and use the 7/8 speed KMC chains and have no problem with the front sprockets.
As for sprocket spacing, ultra 6 is the same spacing as 7 speed and the same as Campagnolo 8 speed. Shimano 8 speed is a tad narrower, but not much of a tad. Any 7 speed or 8 speed chain should work with an Ultra 6 speed though the tooth design of the old sprockets was not as shift-friendly as the newer.
In my experience, a 7/8 speed chain will work fine on the front sprockets. I have a bike with 9 speed Campagnolo (and a 9 speed chain, of course) that has a NR/SR chainset that was originally used with 5/6 speed spacing and it works fine with the narrower 9 speed chain. Several bikes around here that originally had standard 6 speed (126 mm spacing) and now have 7 speed and use the 7/8 speed KMC chains and have no problem with the front sprockets.
#8
Freewheel Medic
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,885
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1453 Post(s)
Liked 2,196 Times
in
963 Posts
I've found that 8 or 9 speed SRAM or KMC chains work very nicely on ultra spaced freewheels. Just as a point of information, Regina and Atom also sold compact spaced 6 speed freewheels as well. However, the Suntour models seem to be significantly more prolific here in the US.
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#9
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,648
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2608 Post(s)
Liked 1,703 Times
in
937 Posts
I've found that 8 or 9 speed SRAM or KMC chains work very nicely on ultra spaced freewheels. Just as a point of information, Regina and Atom also sold compact spaced 6 speed freewheels as well. However, the Suntour models seem to be significantly more prolific here in the US.
I've had good luck with SRAM 8 speed chains.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#10
Senior Member
BITD you had to use a 'narrow' chain with the ultra freewheels. Either a Suntour ultra chain, or a sedisport chain. The latter was more common. IIRC they were cheaper and worked well. These days standard width 5/6 speed chains are long extinct, so really any modern 5/6/7/8 speed chain should be fine. I guess you could say that the modern SRAM 8 speed chains are the closest modern descendants of the old sedisports.
This difference between early narrow and standard chains is not often discussed, and it's worth pointing out for those that weren't there. These were both nominally 3/32" chains but the outer width was different. Sedisports were about 7.3mm wide at the rivets, 6.8 at the plates. I don't have an Oro or similar 'standard' chain to check, but I think those were more like 7.6 or something. If anyone has one to check, that would be cool.
This difference between early narrow and standard chains is not often discussed, and it's worth pointing out for those that weren't there. These were both nominally 3/32" chains but the outer width was different. Sedisports were about 7.3mm wide at the rivets, 6.8 at the plates. I don't have an Oro or similar 'standard' chain to check, but I think those were more like 7.6 or something. If anyone has one to check, that would be cool.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 2,249
Bikes: 1964 Legnano Roma Olympiade, 1973 Raleigh Super Course, 1978 Raleigh Super Course, 1978 Peugeot PR10, 2002 Specialized Allez, 2007 Specialized Roubaix, 2013 Culprit Croz Blade
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 741 Post(s)
Liked 818 Times
in
421 Posts
I like the KMC 7-8 speed chain on my Raleigh. It works great with a 6 speed Megarange and Sugino AT triple. I have gotten hung in "no mans land" between big and middle chain rings a few times. I suspect this due mostly to operator error. When I bought the KMC I bought another one for my Legnano that has the original chain from new, 54 years ago. I've measured it over the years, and it's always in spec. I still haven't installed the KMC on it. The Legnano chain looks like something off a motorcycle compared to the KMC, but still works with a 6 speed freewheel, originally a 5 speed. Today, on the Raleigh, I got surprused by a red light, while on the big front ring, 3 or 4 down in back. I pushed the front gear lever all the way to the small ring by mistake. It made a good gear for a restart, without having to finesse the middle ring shift.
#12
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,799
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1393 Post(s)
Liked 1,329 Times
in
837 Posts
I have standardized on SRAM 8-speed chains for all of my bikes (standard 5, ultra-6, standard 6, 8-speed freehub) .
__________________
"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
"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
#13
Senior Member
I like KMC 8.93 chains so much that I buy several when I find them at a good price. They work great on old 5 & 6 speed set ups.
#14
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 39
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Thanks, all, for your help and advice! I knew this was the right place for a question like this.
Sounds like the consensus is clear -- the modern 7-speed chain-width is the right one to use in this application. Also, a chain in which the rivets are flush with the side-plate. (I can see how protruding rivets might be a problem when the gears are scrunched close-together.)
With this knowledge in hand, I went to eBay and within three minutes I found a chain with these characteristics: KMC X8.93 21 / 24-Speed 1/2" X 3/32" Road / MTB Bicycle Chain 116L fits 3x7 3x8.
Thanks to all who pointed out the KMC chain will suit!
The cost was $10.45. Problem solved? Heck if I know, but I'm sure I'm getting there. I wonder if there might be other features that offer performance improvements. But this certainly is the place to start.
I want to say how much I appreciate hearing real-world examples, in which people have confronted the same issues and solved them. I knew I couldn't be the only one with a question like this. That's one of the beauties of this forum.
Erik Smith
Olympia, WA
Sounds like the consensus is clear -- the modern 7-speed chain-width is the right one to use in this application. Also, a chain in which the rivets are flush with the side-plate. (I can see how protruding rivets might be a problem when the gears are scrunched close-together.)
With this knowledge in hand, I went to eBay and within three minutes I found a chain with these characteristics: KMC X8.93 21 / 24-Speed 1/2" X 3/32" Road / MTB Bicycle Chain 116L fits 3x7 3x8.
Thanks to all who pointed out the KMC chain will suit!
The cost was $10.45. Problem solved? Heck if I know, but I'm sure I'm getting there. I wonder if there might be other features that offer performance improvements. But this certainly is the place to start.
I want to say how much I appreciate hearing real-world examples, in which people have confronted the same issues and solved them. I knew I couldn't be the only one with a question like this. That's one of the beauties of this forum.
Erik Smith
Olympia, WA
Last edited by Olympianrider; 07-21-18 at 03:10 PM.
#15
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 9,194
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
Mentioned: 132 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1565 Post(s)
Liked 1,296 Times
in
866 Posts
I'm surprised that no one has recommended Shimano chain.
Having measured the external width of all of the major brands of chain, both at the pins and at the sideplate bulges, I saw that among the 9s chains, Shimano's was the very best in this regard, thus giving the most positive ("early") shifting performance. This applied to shifts across the freewheel, and especially in front between chainrings.
Suntour Ultra-spaced freewheels and similar Accu-7 Alpha freewheels had narrower spacing between their largest cogs, making 9s chain a good choice, and especially good when Suntour's Accushift levers were used.
In my opinion, the performance weaknesses of Suntour's 7s Accushift would have been hardly noticeable if the best 9s chains had been available at that time.
Unfortunately for Suntour and Campy, they were not at the forefront of chain development and so had to rely on the assortment of chains produced by others, which gave variable (often poor) results.
A 9s Shimano chain can for example "magically" eliminate many problems of subtle cog-spacing discrepancy when using early narrow-spaced indexing systems with modern freewheels, and can sharply reduce the time needed to complete a shift up to a larger chainring.
Having measured the external width of all of the major brands of chain, both at the pins and at the sideplate bulges, I saw that among the 9s chains, Shimano's was the very best in this regard, thus giving the most positive ("early") shifting performance. This applied to shifts across the freewheel, and especially in front between chainrings.
Suntour Ultra-spaced freewheels and similar Accu-7 Alpha freewheels had narrower spacing between their largest cogs, making 9s chain a good choice, and especially good when Suntour's Accushift levers were used.
In my opinion, the performance weaknesses of Suntour's 7s Accushift would have been hardly noticeable if the best 9s chains had been available at that time.
Unfortunately for Suntour and Campy, they were not at the forefront of chain development and so had to rely on the assortment of chains produced by others, which gave variable (often poor) results.
A 9s Shimano chain can for example "magically" eliminate many problems of subtle cog-spacing discrepancy when using early narrow-spaced indexing systems with modern freewheels, and can sharply reduce the time needed to complete a shift up to a larger chainring.
#16
52psi
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 4,015
Bikes: Schwinn Volare ('78); Raleigh Competition GS ('79)
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 802 Times
in
391 Posts
+1 to dddd's statements above.
Shimano 9-spd works flawlessly in an Ultra-6. In my experience 6-7-8-spd, depending on brand, rub the next larger cog and/or make a lot of noise; performance is less than ideal.
Shimano 9-spd works flawlessly in an Ultra-6. In my experience 6-7-8-spd, depending on brand, rub the next larger cog and/or make a lot of noise; performance is less than ideal.
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
#17
Junior Member
Actually, there was an suntour ultra 6 specific chain - For New Winner I think
I have an original 1983 Cannondale that came with the special chain - dunno what brand, model - Every other link is expanded in the side plates. I've been using the Sram 8xx series on that bike for many many miles and they seem fine. Using the Connex links as well. The sram might be a little narrow for the sugino apex chainrings and I'm seeing a little wear on the sides of the rings, but, seem to be fully functioning. I just cheeked in with this thread to see if other info has been added to that. I started using the sram based on comments here...
Here’s a question for the vintage-bike experts –
I am in the process of upgrading an old vintage bicycle, and am hoping some of you may be able to offer advice on chain selection.I am using a vintage frame with old style 120 mm spacing (and I don’t want to alter the frame to fit something larger). I’ve just ordered a vintage Sun Tour New Winner freewheel, with “ultra” spacing between cogs.
According to the info I've found online, this freewheel fits into the standard 120 mm space. But because it uses slightly narrower space between gears, you’re able to get six cogs on the gear cluster, rather than the standard five. This particular freewheel seems to have quite a following – I gather it was highly regarded in the late '70s and early '80s. But none of the webpages tell me the best chain to use.
Back when these were new, I assume there really wasn't much choice -- a chain was a chain. But in the ensuing years we've seen narrower and narrower chains hit the market as rear gear clusters add enormous numbers of gears. Since the spacing between gears on this particular freewheel is slightly narrower than standard, I’m thinking a slightly narrower chain might be a good idea. Some posters on this forum in the past have mentioned that they have gotten good results with chains designed for Shimano 7-speed systems.
But I gather that there may be a tradeoff. It sounds like a narrower chain increases the chance you might drop the chain between gears when shifting the front derailleur.
So let me just say that I am using a standard Campagnolo Nuovo Record triple crank in the front. Also, I'm using an all-friction setup (with a Nuovo Record derailleur on the front, a first-generation Campy Rally derailleur on the back, and Sun Tour bar-end shifters). Any recommendations on the chain type to use? And are some chains designed better than others?
Erik Smith
Olympia, WA
I am in the process of upgrading an old vintage bicycle, and am hoping some of you may be able to offer advice on chain selection.I am using a vintage frame with old style 120 mm spacing (and I don’t want to alter the frame to fit something larger). I’ve just ordered a vintage Sun Tour New Winner freewheel, with “ultra” spacing between cogs.
According to the info I've found online, this freewheel fits into the standard 120 mm space. But because it uses slightly narrower space between gears, you’re able to get six cogs on the gear cluster, rather than the standard five. This particular freewheel seems to have quite a following – I gather it was highly regarded in the late '70s and early '80s. But none of the webpages tell me the best chain to use.
Back when these were new, I assume there really wasn't much choice -- a chain was a chain. But in the ensuing years we've seen narrower and narrower chains hit the market as rear gear clusters add enormous numbers of gears. Since the spacing between gears on this particular freewheel is slightly narrower than standard, I’m thinking a slightly narrower chain might be a good idea. Some posters on this forum in the past have mentioned that they have gotten good results with chains designed for Shimano 7-speed systems.
But I gather that there may be a tradeoff. It sounds like a narrower chain increases the chance you might drop the chain between gears when shifting the front derailleur.
So let me just say that I am using a standard Campagnolo Nuovo Record triple crank in the front. Also, I'm using an all-friction setup (with a Nuovo Record derailleur on the front, a first-generation Campy Rally derailleur on the back, and Sun Tour bar-end shifters). Any recommendations on the chain type to use? And are some chains designed better than others?
Erik Smith
Olympia, WA
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,831 Times
in
1,997 Posts
I'm surprised that no one has recommended Shimano chain.
Having measured the external width of all of the major brands of chain, both at the pins and at the sideplate bulges, I saw that among the 9s chains, Shimano's was the very best in this regard, thus giving the most positive ("early") shifting performance. This applied to shifts across the freewheel, and especially in front between chainrings.
Suntour Ultra-spaced freewheels and similar Accu-7 Alpha freewheels had narrower spacing between their largest cogs, making 9s chain a good choice, and especially good when Suntour's Accushift levers were used.
In my opinion, the performance weaknesses of Suntour's 7s Accushift would have been hardly noticeable if the best 9s chains had been available at that time.
Unfortunately for Suntour and Campy, they were not at the forefront of chain development and so had to rely on the assortment of chains produced by others, which gave variable (often poor) results.
A 9s Shimano chain can for example "magically" eliminate many problems of subtle cog-spacing discrepancy when using early narrow-spaced indexing systems with modern freewheels, and can sharply reduce the time needed to complete a shift up to a larger chainring.
Having measured the external width of all of the major brands of chain, both at the pins and at the sideplate bulges, I saw that among the 9s chains, Shimano's was the very best in this regard, thus giving the most positive ("early") shifting performance. This applied to shifts across the freewheel, and especially in front between chainrings.
Suntour Ultra-spaced freewheels and similar Accu-7 Alpha freewheels had narrower spacing between their largest cogs, making 9s chain a good choice, and especially good when Suntour's Accushift levers were used.
In my opinion, the performance weaknesses of Suntour's 7s Accushift would have been hardly noticeable if the best 9s chains had been available at that time.
Unfortunately for Suntour and Campy, they were not at the forefront of chain development and so had to rely on the assortment of chains produced by others, which gave variable (often poor) results.
A 9s Shimano chain can for example "magically" eliminate many problems of subtle cog-spacing discrepancy when using early narrow-spaced indexing systems with modern freewheels, and can sharply reduce the time needed to complete a shift up to a larger chainring.
Shimano, the company that is recalling 750K crank sets world wide.
#20
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 488
Bikes: Pinarello Gavia TSX; Bianchi Intenso
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 167 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 92 Times
in
62 Posts
Back in the day I believe Suntour sourced DID chains for their drivetrains. Don’t know if they are even still in business.
#21
Senior Member
I have an Ultra-6 chain for use with my Ultra-6 freewheels.
The real issue must be, what can be found in the marketplace that will work well?
I'm also concerned about having a chain for my standard spacing 5 speed freewheels. I'm currently using a Regina Oro but they do not last forever.
The real issue must be, what can be found in the marketplace that will work well?
I'm also concerned about having a chain for my standard spacing 5 speed freewheels. I'm currently using a Regina Oro but they do not last forever.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,467
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 753 Times
in
410 Posts
I'm currently using a KMC X9 SL 9-speed chain with a 7 speed suntour winner pro freewheel. Works great. Though I think I'll try a 9 speed shimano chain after this one wears out, dddd knows more about suntour accushift than just about anyone here.
#23
Junior Member
I'm using the same on 6 and 7 speed ultra spaced winner pros.
#24
Wheelman
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Putney, London UK
Posts: 845
Bikes: 1982 Holdsworth Avanti (531), 1961 Holdsworth Cyclone
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 298 Post(s)
Liked 676 Times
in
341 Posts
Using KMC X8-93 here on Sunrace 7 speed 13-28 freewheel and SunTour New Winner Ultra 6 13-28.
Both working fine, but set the H and L screw properly.
Both working fine, but set the H and L screw properly.
#25
Training Wheels
I have an Ultra-6 chain for use with my Ultra-6 freewheels.
The real issue must be, what can be found in the marketplace that will work well?
I'm also concerned about having a chain for my standard spacing 5 speed freewheels. I'm currently using a Regina Oro but they do not last forever.
The real issue must be, what can be found in the marketplace that will work well?
I'm also concerned about having a chain for my standard spacing 5 speed freewheels. I'm currently using a Regina Oro but they do not last forever.