Converting a 6 speed to a 5??
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Converting a 6 speed to a 5??
I have an 80's Schwinn Letour that has a 6 speed freewheel,can a 5 speed fit and work w/o too much trouble?--JJ
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The 5-speed freewheel is a few millimeters narrower than the 6-speed. 7-speed freewheel is slightly wider than 6. So, going from a 6-speed freewheel to a 5-speed is no problem at all, provided you have the tool to remove the old 6-speed.
With modern cassette sprockets, 8, 9 and 10-speed cassettes are the same width and fit on the same size freehub body (at least with Shimano and Shimano-compatible models). Campy are the same width, I think, but work on slightly different freehub bodies for each speed.
With modern cassette sprockets, 8, 9 and 10-speed cassettes are the same width and fit on the same size freehub body (at least with Shimano and Shimano-compatible models). Campy are the same width, I think, but work on slightly different freehub bodies for each speed.
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"c" is not a unit that measures tire width
"c" is not a unit that measures tire width
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The 5-speed will be a bit narrower so you will probably have to adjust the rear derailleur's outer limit screw to avoid spilling the chain to the outside of the smallest cog.
Gotta ask, why the switch? It seems counterproductive.
Gotta ask, why the switch? It seems counterproductive.
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Originally Posted by MichaelW
It is a simple switch. I went the other way from 5 to 6 to 7.
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Originally Posted by bikemeister
Going to less speeds is easy - going up is tougher. It depends on your rear hub spacing. I've spread the rear triangle apart to squeeze more cogs in but I wouldn't recommend it. Besides, 6 speeds is sufficient for most situations, and I've seen lots of 6-speed freewheels on ebay (if your's is worn out).