Cycling UK Forum

Hi,

Any idea what size freewheel i could put on one of these?

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?show=2852&z=3625


cheers
martin

If by size yoy mean the number of sprockets, the hub itself will take any standard freewheel. The sprocket count is governed by the axle length and the longer version on offer 130 OLN will take any standard freewheel on the market.

Be aware that the longer the axle, the greater the unsupported bit between the RH bearings and the RH dropout and so the increased likelihood of eventual breakage.

Hi

Many thanks for that. I'm refurb'ing an old french frame so it needs to be as narrow as possible...


Many thanks
Martin

In that case, the first thing to consider is the width of your rear dropout.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_n-o.html#old

(OLD and OLN mean the same thing.)

If it's a very old frame it may only be 120mm ie the original 5 speed. With the right skills and equipment, the 126mm axle could be shortened to fit. OTOH, it would be possible to widen the fram to 126mm which would have the advantage that a 6 speed freewhel - the most readily available size these days, would fit.

There's loads of info on the forum about "cold setting."

All sorts is possible in this area (as those of us who have kept freewheel bikes on the road over the years will testify) but it can be a bottomless pit for £££ if you have to source bits and pieces and even more so, if you have to pay somebody to do it.

More info. here...http://www.cyclebasket.com/m9b0s412p2680/ZENITH_Large_Flange_Classic_126mm_QR_Rear_Hub_
It says they are 126mm OLN, it even gives the centre to spoke flange distances, which would be my concern with a hub that always seems to be pictured looking like the L. flange is too close to the dropout....if it is very close to the dropout, it worsens the effect of wheel dish on the spoke tension.
Edit...I would happily "spring" a 120mm steel frame to take 126mm hub if you don't fancy cold setting.

Hi

Yes the frame is 120mm...first thing ill try is just springing the frame and seeing if the 126 just goes in (there does seem to be plenty of give)...second thing is narrowing hub...then cold setting (gulp)...been researching the cold setting this morning i'd be happy to give it a go: the frame didnt cost the earth.


cheers
m.

mgronow wrote:Hi

Many thanks for that. I'm refurb'ing an old french frame so it needs to be as narrow as possible...


Many thanks
Martin

I think you need to check the BB threading, French used to be right hand thread both sides.....and did they use a non-standard stem diameter too?

Thanks Colin. Happily the frame came with bb, headset and stem. All appear to be in good order.


Regards
Martin

mgronow wrote:Thanks Colin. Happily the frame came with bb, headset and stem. All appear to be in good order.


Regards
Martin

Stop me if I'm being fussy , but does that mean you will be looking for a chainset that fits the length BB it came with, or maybe a BB spindle to fit both the BB and some chainset or other, and you are happy with the length of the stem without riding the bike?

OK, I'm fussy......

531colin wrote:Stop me if I'm being fussy , but does that mean you will be looking for a chainset that fits the length BB it came with, or maybe a BB spindle to fit both the BB and some chainset or other, and you are happy with the length of the stem without riding the bike?

OK, I'm fussy......

My ususal tactic is to buy a load of bits more or less at random and then hope all the kind posters on this forum will help me sort out the ensuing mess ...i dont even know what the taper on the BB is... But this bikes going to be far too nice to actually go riding on so at least it doesnt matter whether it fits or not


merci a tout le monde
m.

The Spa ad is offering these hubs in 126 and 130.

Speaking as the former owner of a fairly aged Peugeot (5 spd) I'd agree about different threads / standards. I can't see how the threading affects the wheels.