New wheelsets with older freewheels

[dd74]

Hi all,

I wanted to know if newer wheel sets can work with older freewheels, particularly those old Regina, Campy and Maillard six-speed freewheels.

If not, where's a good place to source out a nice pair of older wheels for a 126mm frame? I've been out of the vintage wheelset world for a long time and really can't remember what wheels were used with older steel frames.

Thanks for the help.

[slowpoke]

Why not have the rear dropouts respaced to 130mm? Did that with my Univega Specialissima and am now friction-shifting on an 8-speed freehub/cassette.

However, if you want to stick with 126mm and aren't opposed to used wheelsets, maybe try hitting up the C&V section on BikeForums, or the iBOB Google Group. Velo-Orange also sells a rear wheel that'll suit your needs, but I'd be hesitant to buy that given all your other options.

[tugrul]

Plenty of options

Grand Cru freewheel rear wheel, 126mm, 700c (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/grand-cru-freewheel-rear-wheel-126mm-700c.html)

Weinmann 700c LP18 Rims/ Sealed Freewheel Hubs QR Wheelset 36 Spoke (http://harriscyclery.net/product/weinmann-700c-lp18-rims-sealed-freewheel-hubs-qr-wheelset-36-spoke-3321.htm)

or 27"

Weinmann 27" LP18 /Quando Sealed Hub QR Wheelset Freewheel (http://harriscyclery.net/product/weinmann-27-lp18-quando-sealed-hub-qr-wheelset-freewheel-2606.htm)

etc

[zmudshark]

If you don't mind tubulars, I have three pair that I need to clear out. Two have like new tires already glued.

One set Campy Record, one set Suntour Sprint and 1.5 sets of Dura Ace 7400:

https://picasaweb.google.com/117289174440516737292/Tubulars

PM me for details if interested.

[palincss]

I wanted to know if newer wheel sets can work with older freewheels, particularly those old Regina, Campy and Maillard six-speed freewheels.


How many newer wheel sets are built on hubs made to fit freewheels rather than cassettes?

[dd74]

How many newer wheel sets are built on hubs made to fit freewheels rather than cassettes?

I don't know. That's why I asked my question.

[bigflax925]

Phil Wood still makes freewheel hubs.

[dd74]

If you don't mind tubulars, I have three pair that I need to clear out. Two have like new tires already glued.

One set Campy Record, one set Suntour Sprint and 1.5 sets of Dura Ace 7400:

https://picasaweb.google.com/117289174440516737292/Tubulars

PM me for details if interested.
PM'd you.

[Hindmost]

I am not sure if my example applies to your situation, so: I run a 130mm wheel in a 126mm frame without any fuss. I use an 8 speed cassette with old friction shifters and derailers. There is improved shifting with the cassette over the old freewheels plus the bearings are better. Others may have experience with 9 or 10 speed.

[Ralph]

The last time I ran friction shifting....it was 8 speed with 5 MM center to center cogs. With bar ends.

One thing I think really helps friction shfting is to use one of the reverse action Shimano XTR or XT rear derailleurs.

[oliver1850]

Harris might have some built 126 freewheel wheels.

[dd74]

I am not sure if my example applies to your situation, so: I run a 130mm wheel in a 126mm frame without any fuss. I use an 8 speed cassette with old friction shifters and derailers. There is improved shifting with the cassette over the old freewheels plus the bearings are better. Others may have experience with 9 or 10 speed.
I've done that before with a 9-spd cassette and Campy friction shifters. It worked -- sometimes. Other times, the chain jumped out of gear, particularly when sprinting.

I think such a set up is good for just tooling around and easy riding. But anything aggressive, and a rider is better off with something like Shimano DT index shifters.

[Kontact]

I've done that before with a 9-spd cassette and Campy friction shifters. It worked -- sometimes. Other times, the chain jumped out of gear, particularly when sprinting.

I think such a set up is good for just tooling around and easy riding. But anything aggressive, and a rider is better off with something like Shimano DT index shifters.
The bike jumped out of gear because of friction in the bb cable guide and not enough friction on the shifter. Index levers just have a lot of friction against the cable so it resists this happening.

"Modern" hubs are freehubs, not threaded for freewheels. There are so many freewheel hubs and freewheel wheelsets in the world that we aren't likely to run out anytime soon.

If you want to use a cassette rear wheel with wider cog spacing, put a 7 speed cassette on it with a 4.5mm spacer. And Campy 8 speed cassettes had the same spacing as 7 speed.

[csm]

I've got at least 1 set of campy record hubs laced to tubulars. 32 hole 126mm spacing.
no idea why I've held onto them this long... if that is something you are interested in let me know...
I probably have freewheels around too.

[oldpotatoe]

Hi all,

I wanted to know if newer wheel sets can work with older freewheels, particularly those old Regina, Campy and Maillard six-speed freewheels.

If not, where's a good place to source out a nice pair of older wheels for a 126mm frame? I've been out of the vintage wheelset world for a long time and really can't remember what wheels were used with older steel frames.

Thanks for the help.

Can't work with older freewheels but there are workarounds to use a new wheelset with older, 5/6/7 speed type shifting systems, whether friction or indexed.

There are freewheel hubs from velocity

http://www.velocityusa.com

Altho 130 and if you wish to keep your frame at 126, they can be spaced to 126..as can some newer, cassette type hubs.

[rccardr]

Have you considered purchasing a nice set of used or NOS freewheel hubs either here, on C&V/ BF or eBag and then having them laced to modern rims? Seems to me that would be the best of both worlds- a 120 or 126 hubset (lots of nice Suntour Superbe ones out there it seems) with new DB spokes and a rim with the cross section and style you feel best matches your ride.

[bigman]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sun-M13-Silver-Sealed-bearing-Hubs-Wheelset-700-c-/380165717341?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5883a47d5d

[LouDeeter]

I wouldn't stress about it. Putting a 130mm rear wheel in a 126mm space isn't likely to cause problems. We're only talking about the width of a match on each side. I know there is supposed to be additional stress on the stays, but I've done it for years with no problem. Of course, you could have a stash of freewheels, which means you do need to get a threaded hub, so you might as well go with 126. If you insist on a 126 set of wheels, you won't have a problem finding a set. I have several myself in clinchers, with Campagnolo hubs and perhaps one with Shimano hubs.

[EricEstlund]

Paul Jono (http://www.paulcomp.com/jonohub.html)

http://www.paulcomp.com/images/jonohubmain.png

[oldpotatoe]

Paul Jono (http://www.paulcomp.com/jonohub.html)

http://www.paulcomp.com/images/jonohubmain.png

I donno, those bearings don't look like more than about 84% filled.....