bykebykebyke

just purchased peugeot le vagabond, i plan on using this bike for some long tours and would like to replace the helicomatic hub after reading all of the horror stories associated with it. the dilemma i'm encountering is this, do i replace the original 126mm spaced 6 speed hub with a quality hub for touring (if so what are some of my options regarding this), or do i spread the rear to accommodate 130 or even 135mm spacing. i understand that this could effect the chainline which could open up another issue, but i was considering installing a sealed bb anyway (i still have yet to determine if it is french threaded but imagine it could be, which could make that quite the task as well). also will the simplex sx 610 long cage rear derailleur and the sja 102 front work with these different combinations. lastly, i believe i read somewhere that the stronglight crank has french threaded pedals (14mm), is there a clipless option for this anywhere? any ideas would be great, thanks.

3v1lD4v3

I replaced a 6 speed freewheel rear with a 8+ cassette rear. Other than having to remember to spread the forks 2mm a side, I haven't had any problems. I run 9 speed friction shifted. STI/Indexed may have different results.

nwbikeman

Pedals should be English thread, pedals will be marked L and R if english. Shimano had road hubs in both 126 and 130mm that were both 7 and 8 speed as this was some what of a running change in hub specs. and frame specs. 135mm is mountain bike spacing and the frame might crack if spread that far at the chainstay bridge.

fuzz2050

If I were in your shoes (which I have been), I would replace the Helicomatic with with a 130mm shimano road hub. With just 2mm per side, you don't even need to cold set, you can simply pull the dropouts apart. You have nearly unlimited choices of gearing then.

If you want to replace the Stronglight (Which I wouldn't, it's a really cool looking crank), I'm pretty sure the bottom bracket should be English threaded. If it isn't, you can use the VO French sealed bottom bracket.

Otherwise, you can try and scrounge a smaller chainring for your 99, and it would make a pretty nifty touring set-up.

fietsbob

yea had is the operative term.

Toured for a long time on a 126 axle Phil Hub. hauling probably too much.

Freewheels and Friction bar end shifters.

bykebykebyke

most helpful, thanks