Bicycle Mechanics - Can I use new chain with old freewheel?

I just bought a used 7 speed freewheel on ebay. I thought I read somewhere not to put a new chain on a bike with an old used freewheel....something about how they wear together.

Is this true?

My next question is should I replace the chain (that was wearing to my old 6 speed freewheel) with a new one when I do the freewheel swap?

All of the old freewheels I have used showed no signs of wear and work splendidly with a brand new chain. If your cog teeth show excessive wear then it should have been discarded anyway.

If you replace your chain often enough, your freewheel won't get worn to the point that it only works with the stretched chain you are replacing. Usually in real life, you'll find you need a new freewheel when you change your chain. Whoever is selling used drivetrain parts on ebay is a crook and you got took. If the used 7sp cogs work with a new chain, it has very little wear on it and maybe you weren't robbed. Your used chain and used 7sp cogs weren't used together and chances of working together are virtually nil.

........ Usually in real life, you'll find you need a new freewheel when you change your chain. Whoever is selling used drivetrain parts on ebay is a crook and you got took. Your used chain and used 7sp cogs weren't used together and chances of working together are virtually nil. just flat WRONG.

If you replace your chain often enough, your freewheel won't get worn to the point that it only works with the stretched chain you are replacing. Usually in real life, you'll find you need a new freewheel when you change your chain. Whoever is selling used drivetrain parts on ebay is a crook and you got took. If the used 7sp cogs work with a new chain, it has very little wear on it and maybe you weren't robbed. Your used chain and used 7sp cogs weren't used together and chances of working together are virtually nil.

If you go down to any thrift store and examine the freewheels on the 25 year old bikes for sale, you will be unable to detect a difference in wear between those components and brand new ones. Just because something is used, doesn't mean it's even close to worn out.

I'm also disheartened to find out that my thrift store bike's 25 year old freewheel will not work with the new chain I installed 6 months ago. I only wish I had learned this before putting 1500 flawless miles on it. Now what am I gonna do?

"If the used 7sp cogs work with a new chain, it has very little wear on it and maybe you weren't robbed"

I noticed Sydney left this part out when quoting me. If you think a used freewheel and a used chain from another bike will work together you are delusional or your bikes don't get USED much. If the chain and the freewheel both have less than 1500 miles then maybe...

Supercom, buy a new freewheel and a new chain.

I have 12 used freewheels for sale. $20 gets the lot!

why is it that freewheels last so much longer then cassettes. I've heard of people running 5 and 6 speed freewheels for tens of thousands of miles before they replace them. My 9 speed ultegra cassette is wearing after 3600, and first started skipping around 3000. I lube religiously, dont cross chain...I like to think that I'm good to my components. I think by this point though, I'd be better suited to get a whole new drivetrain in another thousand miles.

The mileage on those old freewheels maybe less than owners' estimates. Nine speed cogs are thinner than old 5sp cogs to make them fit between frame and wheel, being thinner they wear faster. 3000 miles sounds like a lot to me. How could you stand riding another 600 w skipping chain?

it only skips in this one gear, fourth from the bottom of the cassette.

If you think a used freewheel and a used chain from another bike will work together you are delusional or your bikes don't get USED much.


Well actually, I'm not.But I know how to maintain and measure a chain for wear so I don't have to go around guessing and speculating. I've actually got a used freewheel that was abused for many miles with a wore out chain by another rider,and it still works with a new one.Todays casettes are good for several chains if the chain is replaced at 1/16" wear, and old freewheels with wider unramped cogs are good for even more.

I have 12 used freewheels for sale. $20 gets the lot!If that's shipped to the lower 48,I'm good for it.

They are heavy, freight is on you. I'll include the used chains.

[QUOTE=qmsdc15Supercom, buy a new freewheel and a new chain.[/QUOTE]

Now why on earth would I do that? The freewheel has no sign of wear. The chain was brand new 1500 miles ago when I bought it from Nashbar. The chain never skips, shifts perfectly, and shows no indication of wear. The only reason I replaced the chain in the forst place is becuse it had a bit of rust on it and squeaked when it when it ran through the derailler.

Sorry, I thought you said your freewheel wasn't working with the new chain.

I ride a lot and when my chain starts skipping, I need to change cogs and chain. This happens about twice a year. I have tried to change the chain before it started skipping (at about 1/16" of stretch for 12 inch of chain) but it was too late, needed cogs.

Today I am replacing a chain that has 1/32" stretch which is probably too soon, but I want to err on the side of caution this time. If the new chain works, I might try for a little more next time.

I have a chain wear indicator that shows 4 degrees of wear; new, good, fair, replace. I'm replacing a chain that is "good". Next time will replace at "fair". I think when it gets to "replace", it's too late. Maybe because I use some cogs too much (usually 2nd or 3rd smallest will skip).

If this doesn't work, I may opt for one of those 25yr old thrift shop bikes w cast iron freewheel!