Bicycle Mechanics - Replace Suntrour AP freewheel with something else?

Can anyone help with replacing a Suntour 7 speed freewheel 13-28 with something that will work with Suntour X-press shifters? I thought once I got the appropriate Park tool to remove the Suntour freewheel, just getting it off would be the hard part! But finding replacement components is more of a challenge! I'd like to go with a Shimano or similar componentry.

Any help welcomed!
Dukes909

Check out http://www.yellowjersey.org/accu.html -- according to the ever-helpful Andrew Muzi, "Unlike Campagnolo EXA or Shimano HG systems, Suntour Accushift cog spacing is wider between the high gears and narrower at the low end. Other systems are evenly spaced. For that simple reason one normally cannot mix Suntour and non-Suntour equipment and still attain proper index shifting."

Andrew does list replacement NOS 7 sp suntour clusters (not cheap), and you should e-mail him if you have questions. I have found him to be prompt, friendly and patient with what some might consider trivial questions.

Shimano does still make good 7sp freewheel clusters which you can get from most QBP vendors (many LBS's, and many online vendors as well), but you'll either need to switch to friction shifting, or get Shimano compatible shifters.

is it broke? If no, don't fix it.

A newer 7speed freewheel will work IF the spacing between the cogs is the same. (I'm not sure if it is.) Ramps might add some uncertainty to the equation, but not much, IMO.

But anyway, Suntour made some of the best freewheels ever. New freewheels are generally of inferior quality. If you want to upgrade, you may be looking at a whole new drivetrain, including wheel (for cassette) and shifters.

is it broke? If no, don't fix it.

A newer 7speed freewheel will work IF the spacing between the cogs is the same. (I'm not sure if it is.) Ramps might add some uncertainty to the equation, but not much, IMO.

But anyway, Suntour made some of the best freewheels ever. New freewheels are generally of inferior quality. If you want to upgrade, you may be looking at a whole new drivetrain, including wheel (for cassette) and shifters.

Here's a picture of the freewheel. I'm a newbie to this so I ain't 100% sure it needs replacing, but it looks like it does to me. Notice the reverse "hook" on the smallest ring, and the bevelled left edge on the 2nd ring. I can't shift down to the 2nd ring; it just skips over it down to the smallest ring.

You tell me - does it need replacing?

Cheers!
Dukes909

That looks fine to me. Serious wear is pretty unmistakeable. That looks like mostly cosmetic damage to me. And on a freewheel, who cares about cosmetics?

Looks fine to me. Sounds like your derailers might need a bit of adjustment though.

if the chain measures ok and it doesn't skip, don't bother with it. the bevels are to facilitate shifting. sounds like your derailleur adjustment is off. although those express shifters tend to be, mmm, not so hot in my book.

AFAIK, Shimano only makes 14x28 and 11x32 cog configurations in 7-speed freewheels so your choices are pretty limited there. You will need Shimano shifters although 7-speed Shimano downtube shifters should be relatively cheap if not readily available.

Sun Tour, at least the original Sun Tour, is out of business so the only source for "real" Sun Tour Accushift freewheels will be to luck into them on e-bay or the bottom drawer of an old LBS. Happy hunting.

I agree, the real problem seems to be with your shifters and/or derailleur.

The QBP says different on shimano 7 cog options.Sunrace has some other shimano compatible choices,and there is ebay.

The QBP says different on shimano 7 cog options.Sunrace has some other shimano compatible choices,and there is ebay.

I know about Sun Race but what does QBP say Shimano makes in 7-speed? The two I noted are the only ones I've seen mentioned.

^^^....11x28 13x34