Bicycle Mechanics - Spacer for Freewheel

Hi!!! Moving slowly along. Went with a used Suntour 14-28 Freewheel (5 Speed) so I won't have to redish the wheel. Seems the largest gear is very close to the spokes. What can I get to add as a spacer to keep the freewheel away from the spokes?

Q: How do I attach the wheel to the bike frame? Doesn't look like there's much room at the end of each side of the hub to have a frame/nut attach to the hub axle. Don't know all the terms!! Do the ends on each side of the hub unscrew? (real newbie question)!!!!

Photos:
http://www.liquidfusion.net/Peugeot/ST1.JPG
http://www.liquidfusion.net/Peugeot/ST2.JPG
http://www.liquidfusion.net/Peugeot/ST3.JPG
http://www.liquidfusion.net/Peugeot/ST4.JPG

http://www.liquidfusion.net/Peugeot/ST_SVL3.JPG
http://www.liquidfusion.net/Peugeot/ST_SVL5.JPG
http://www.liquidfusion.net/Peugeot/ST_SVL6.JPG
http://www.liquidfusion.net/Peugeot/ST_SVL9.JPG

126mm Campagnolo Wheel (Omega Strada Hardox w/ Campagnolo hub.
I like the quality of Suntour: 5 speed Freewheel ~ $16.00 (Ebay)

Coated threads w/ 3-in-one oil. What do you recommend?

This doesn't remotely appear to be a problem - the large cog seems plenty far away from the spokes. I don't think you need a spacer. Why do you think it is a problem? Is your frame's derailler hanger bent so the derailler runs into the spokes when the chain is in the largest cog?

not sure what your doing but, you have a quick release axle . So no nut on there and dont unscrew the hub nuts unless your hub needs adjusted . Looks fine from what i can see, just need a skewer and as long as teh spacing is right for your frame .bmf

not sure what your doing but, you have a quick release axle . So no nut on there and dont unscrew the hub nuts unless your hub needs adjusted . Looks fine from what i can see, just need a skewer and as long as teh spacing is right for your frame .bmf

Wow!!!!!! A new exciting world!!!!!!!! I feel like I'm getting into the heart of very cool bike gear.
A skewer!!!!!!! Not just for the heart, but for the bike!!!!!!!!

This doesn't remotely appear to be a problem - the large cog seems plenty far away from the spokes. I don't think you need a spacer. Why do you think it is a problem? Is your frame's derailler hanger bent so the derailler runs into the spokes when the chain is in the largest cog?

From past experience with rear wheel/derailleur, I could't get the largest gear engaged. Was concerned about ruining / breaking spoke.

Are all quick release skewers the same? What do you have?

the replies

From past experience with rear wheel/derailleur, I could't get the largest gear engaged. Was concerned about ruining / breaking spoke.

There are a few potential issues I can think of.
1) The limit screws on your rear derailleur are not adjusted properly.
2) There is too much slack in the cable.
3) the derailleur cage is bent
4) you are attempting to use a short cage derailleur that cannot accommodate your largest cog - it looks like a 28-30 tooth cog.

You said you oiled the threads on the hub? You should use grease, not oil. You should take the freewheel off, clean the oil of the threads, and apply a layer of thick grease.

There are a few potential issues I can think of.
1) The limit screws on your rear derailleur are not adjusted properly.
2) There is too much slack in the cable.
3) the derailleur cage is bent
4) you are attempting to use a short cage derailleur that cannot accommodate your largest cog - it looks like a 28-30 tooth cog.
5) You are trying to shift to the largest cog while in the big ring. Called "cross-chaining"!

ahh yes... there's another.

Not familiar with wheels w/quick releases. Didn't know what a "Skewer" was (for bikes). Now I do. Thanks.

My concern for damaging spokes is valid from my past experience with a wheel containing rusting spokes and a bent hub. It's much better to fire away here / get good answers than to have to report back that I ruined a great wheel. It doesn't seem like there's much room for error on the part of the derailleur. Most likely there's enough room, but my inexperience was yelling in my head there's not enough clearance between the largest sproket and the spokes!!!

Freewheel grease: Thanks for mentioning you use grease. What kind besides thick? An auto-mechanic mentioned Graphite / Molly grease. Buy that at an autoparts store. Is that good?

There are a few potential issues I can think of.
1) The limit screws on your rear derailleur are not adjusted properly.
2) There is too much slack in the cable.
3) the derailleur cage is bent
4) you are attempting to use a short cage derailleur that cannot accommodate your largest cog - it looks like a 28-30 tooth cog.
5) You are trying to shift to the largest cog while in the big ring. Called "cross-chaining"!

Good stuff to know. When I get the tire and put it on the wheel , I'll be able to tell #4. Will be adding new friction shifting cables / cable housing as well: front / rear derailleurs.

You will need to acquire quick release skewers that are an appropriate length for your particular hub, in this case 120mm hub spacing with a 5 sp freewheel? Your LBS should have some around, or look on ebay, etc. With quick release setups, the axle does not have to stick out the other side of the frame dropout to work, in fact if it does stick out too much, it won't work!

I also read, and see from your photos, that you have a 126mm OLD wheelset with a 5 speed freewheel. With that hub you could go to a 6 speed standard spaced freewheel, and people pretty much give those away, or a 7 speed Ultra spaced, a little more $.

The next more fun question is:

Are those unseen Omega Strada Hardox rims clincher or :crash: tubular?

Are all quick release skewers the same?

There are some minor differences in the skewer diameters in different make hubs. I just measured some in my box, and found my older Shimanos @ 5.05mm, Campys from 4.9 to 5.0mm. The only real odd one was a modern American Classic @ 4.8mm, so it appears that you will be able to use any older style skewer - the length is the issue.