Bicycle Mechanics - Screw-on 7 speed clusters

I have an approx 10 y. o. Gemini Randonneur, with Suntour shifters and a 7 speed screw-on style cluster. Currently, I'm running a Shimano "mega-range" 14-34 cluster. However, the cluster spacings jump from 24 teeth to 34 teeth (ie, the spacings are 14:16:18:20:22:24:34).

What I am after is roughly a screw-on cluster with roughly the same range (ie, 13 or 14 teeth to 32 or 34 teeth) but more regular spacings between the cogs. Ideally, I would like something like a 13:15:17:20:24:28:34 cluster.

Shimano do not seem to have any more regularly spaced screw-on clusters (although they have plenty of well spaced 7 speed cassette-types, but that doesn't help me). My LBS has a Suntour 13-30 screw-on (13:15:17:20:23:26:30).

Does anyone know of any other screw-on clusters that are closer to what I'm after?

Thanks, Tom

So, I take it there's no indexing?

I was one of the last guys around here using screw-on clusters, and it got to a point that the only road
clusters available were Maillard. There might be some in larger ratios lying around.

There was another company doing cheap clusters which index to Shimano STI -- I have one in a 13 to 23 on onr of my cheap bikes. I can't remember the brand, but from what's on the lockring, I gather the company is Epoch or DNP.

Written on the cluster is:

EPOCH INDEX SPROCKETS BY-DNP 0009 LY-1007-KF

My old Trek (circa 1992) has a 7 speed 13-28 freewheel setup with Suntour Accushift (indexed) shifting. Suntour generally made good freewheels and you may find something (even NOS) on eBay that has ratios that you prefer; new (quality) freewheels are a thing of the past. If you don't have indexed shifting then getting Suntour isn't so important and you can use Shimano, etc. as long as it has the correct threads for your hub.

You may want to check with Sheldon Brown of Harris Cyclery. He/they seem to have new old parts. I also believe Sheldon will manufacture a custom freehub for you.

If you are using friction shifting, anything that fits your hub should work. If you are using SunTour indexing, the cluster would need spacing similar to a SunTour cluster.

Currently, Nashbar stocks its "house" seven speed freewheel in 13-24 and 13-32 for $20.

My LBS says he can replace any of the cogs on my old freewheels with new cogs (except the smallest cogs on some clusters). I put most of the wear on just two or three cogs, so replacing worn cogs is a good option for me.

You may want to check with Sheldon Brown of Harris Cyclery. He/they seem to have new old parts. I also believe Sheldon will manufacture a custom freehub for you. A freehub goes with a cassette,and Sheldon makes up custom cassettes using factory parts.

My LBS says he can replace any of the cogs on my old freewheels with new cogs (except the smallest cogs on some clusters). Don't try going to the bank with that till he actually does it.There may be a few shops around with a warehouse full of specific cogs for every freewheel ever made, but I doubt it.

Bike Parts USA has shimano HG freewheels (a few options) for $20 and under...

http://www.bikepartsusa.com/view.phtml?f_c=Freewheels%2FCassettes&f_c2=Freewheel

Try Ebay

Over the years, I have found lots of 7-speed freewheels on eBay.

SunRace freewheels are generally available at your LBS (QBP). If memory serves me correctly, they offer 13-28 or 13-32 with generally uniform jumps between cogs. My LBS has a source for Sachs freewheels (I don't know where--LBS is GOOD at finding old stuff). You should inquire at your favorite LBS.

Good luck!

Seven speed freewheels are readily available and are still made and speced on low end bikes.

I bought a Giant Halfway with Shimano tz-21 14-28. Good bike but awful gears. I was very lucky to get a Shimano MF HG-50 11-34 in a local bike shop now its great but the ideal would be Shimano mf Hyperglide 12-28. They exist but are too expensive and very hard to find. Why have Shimano stopped manufacture of 11-28/12 28 Freewheel clusters? Why do Giant make a 20inch wheel folder with a 14 tooth 7th gear Freewheel? If it was a cassette it would be simple, cheap to change with plenty of choice 11,12 or 13.
With the e-bike market there is a demand for Low Freewheel clusters. Do not buy a halfway if you cannot source a lower than 14 tooth gear 7 although the Sunrace 13-28 is available in UK

I bought a Giant Halfway with Shimano tz-21 14-28. Good bike but awful gears. I was very lucky to get a Shimano MF HG-50 11-34 in a local bike shop now its great but the ideal would be Shimano mf Hyperglide 12-28. They exist but are too expensive and very hard to find. Why have Shimano stopped manufacture of 11-28/12 28 Freewheel clusters? Why do Giant make a 20inch wheel folder with a 14 tooth 7th gear Freewheel? If it was a cassette it would be simple, cheap to change with plenty of choice 11,12 or 13.
With the e-bike market there is a demand for Low Freewheel clusters. Do not buy a halfway if you cannot source a lower than 14 tooth gear 7 although the Sunrace 13-28 is available in UK

You need to start a thread of your own instead of replying to a 7-year-old thread. Your posting touches on many points, confuses "freewheel" and "cassette", and is generally confusing. Could you start over with a new thread?

You may want to check with Sheldon Brown of Harris Cyclery. He/they seem to have new old parts. I also believe Sheldon will manufacture a custom freehub for you.
The first clue that I had been sucked into reading a Zombie Thread.

Agree with the suggestion to start a new thread.

Merry Sales Imports have the Brand IRD, and they have a series of freewheels
made for them..

need a dealer with that importer's account.. faceless internet probably has a seller ..

Merry Sales Imports have the Brand IRD, and they have a series of freewheels
made for them..

need a dealer with that importer's account.. faceless internet probably has a seller ..

Fer cryin' out loud, Bob, don't feed the zombies! And Happy Mother's Day!

http://www.strat-talk.com/forum/attachments/sidewinders-bar-grille/21258d1305119165-necro-thread_crap_wont_die_re_mega_zombie_forum-s300x371-97014-580.jpg

MoM is still dead, in my case, 14 years, she wont be un-cremated,
and walk around in the Zombie way..
the arrow of time just won't go backwards ,
though it does make interesting Sci-Fi when its written like it does.

But I will drink to her memory, I think I will start on that Now ! :beer:

The most popular company that currently manufactures freewheels (the technical term for what you're after) is IRD. They make one that is a 13 - 15 - 18 - 21 - 24 - 28 - 32. Few make or made an evenly spaced freewheel with that kind of range, so that's probably your best choice, unless you can find something old.

IRD had some quality issues a few years back, so you'll read some bad reports. From what I've read and experienced, their current products are good. I have a 13-28 7 speed and it's solid.

http://www.interlocracing.com/freewheels_steel.html
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/freewheels.html

Edit:

Wow! Feeding my brains to zombies. I saw the advertisement banner and thought it was the page footer and there were only two replies. Still, I stand by that, IRD are solid freewheels.