I just picked up a used pair of Velomax Tempest wheels for my 20+ year old Davidson. I was only looking for a front wheel, but I got the pair for a good price. I also wasn't expecting the rear to fit the dropouts, as the bike is old, with a six cog freewheel on it. I thought the spacing had changed since then.

But anyway, the wheel does fit the dropouts, but now I need a cogset that will be compatible with the old Campy NR freewheel, and a second bike with a Campy SR, which I would also like to use. These are the old, non-indexed type of derailleurs, with friction down-tube shifters. I'm not looking for 10 speeds or anything fancy, just something that might work. Are the new freehubs compatible with both Campy and Shimano, or is it one or the other? Are the new cogs still usable with the old stuff, maybe with a new chain?

I also found out that the stems on the tubes need to be longer, but I guess you already knew that. That I can handle myself.

As far as I'm aware (correct me if i'm wrong), but any cluster should work fine if you're using friction shifting. As long as you use the right type of chain and set the derailer up properly, you should have not problems using any set of cogs you can find, as long as they fit on your hub.

If you have a freewheel hub, just get yourself a new freewheel, anything from 5 to 8 speeds are available, but I'd guess you probably have a 126mm OLN frame, which is normally 6 or 7 speeds.

If it's a cassette hub it's slightly more complicated. First you have to know what type of cogset it's designed for (ie Shimano HG, UG, IG, Campy or SRAM), then find a set that suits you. For a complete lesson on the ins and outs of cassettes, read this: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/k7.html.

Thanks for the info. The link cleared up a few things. I also now know, from the seller, that it is a shimano 8/9 speed compatible, fairly recent so it should take the latest stuff. So basically the compatibility issues only apply to the various indexing schemes, but friction shifters don't have such problems.

Since a 9 speed cassette is relatively inexpensive, I'll give it a try. Even if it doesn't shift like Dura-Ace, it'll be OK. New shifters/derailleur/levers sound tempting but I keep reminding myself I DON'T want to spend a fortune upgrading this bike. I just want a new CF or AL/CF frame/bike. I figured wheels would be safe, as they are easily ported, and these were a good deal. It'll cost almost as much for the new tires and long stem tubes as the wheels cost.

Spacing has changed. Road went from 120mm (5-speed) to 126mm (6/7-speed) to 130mm (8/9/10 speed). But maybe your Davidson rear hub is a mountain bike hub or a road hub re-spaced to 130mm. Early mountain bike spacing was 130mm (6-speed) and went up to 135mm for 7/8/9-speed.

Someone from the other Brooklyn.

The Davidson is probably 126, but 4 mm is not very much difference. And its a steel frame so it has some give. But it did fit without stretching, so I think I'm good.

The rear is definitely NOT mountain bike. I bought this when Gary Fisher was still riding tricycles.\ :) I'm the original owner, it was custom built for me.

I've ordered a 9sp cassette, a 9sp chain, a Shimano splined tool, and a good tire GP3000 for it. It didn't even cost that much. I probably should have gotten new pulleys as mine are still original. I can get those local.

I rode the front wheel tonight and was amazed at the difference. Makes me think I don't really need a new bike. Steel is real.