Classic & Vintage - Superbe Pro RD question

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I bought a SP RD and BB from my LBS recently. NIB and a total of 60 $ and I let lust have the better of me. Now what do I want to do with them. Will the RD index with 8 speed DA ? It was made in 89, what were it originally meant for, 6,7 or 8 ? Can I use the BB (english 109mm) for anything else than Suntour cranks?

Ah, lust. Gets more things done than gravity, I'll bet. The RD will index and will work over 8 speeds. The bottom bracket will work with most square taper cranks, although some, like stronglight, will be a real grade B fit. A 109 will work with a DA setup in that same vintage. Narrow offset cranks were a few years' later. They are probably worth more on dBay.

The RD is probably worth at least $60 on Ebay by itself, don't know about the BB. You got a great deal! Am I wrong or didn't Suntour spacing differ from Shimano in that not all the gears were the same distance apart? Could be important detail if he wants to index the derailler as he would have to find an Accushift freewheel or cassette.

There are spacer kits that allow you to work-around that noncompatabilty thing. I have used one to make a Campy Chorus RD work with an otherwise Shimmy drivetrain. Not sure if there's a Suntour kit or not, but check with Biketoolsetc. or Loose Screws Small Parts (that's where I got mine, around $18 a set).

AFAIK, there is no off-the-shelf work around for the different spacing of Suntour and Shimano from that period. I don't remember if there is a difference in cable pull but I suspect so. Have fun with lots of thin spacers and a feeler gauge.