Idiot seeks advice on questions you've already answered
#1
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Idiot seeks advice on questions you've already answered
After many years of riding bicycles but not knowing much about bike mechanics, I'm trying to learn more about the subject. I bought a chain wear indicator and have discovered I need to replace the chain on my Voyageur 11.8. Since the freewheel is original to the bike, I assume it also needs to replaced. Here are some questions:
1). Any recommendations on replacement parts?
2). What makes one freewheel better than another?
3). If you're replacing a freewheel, do you also need to consider replacing the chain rings/crankset?
Thank you.
1). Any recommendations on replacement parts?
2). What makes one freewheel better than another?
3). If you're replacing a freewheel, do you also need to consider replacing the chain rings/crankset?
Thank you.
#2
Mechanic/Tourist
After many years of riding bicycles but not knowing much about bike mechanics, I'm trying to learn more about the subject. I bought a chain wear indicator and have discovered I need to replace the chain on my Voyageur 11.8. Since the freewheel is original to the bike, I assume it also needs to replaced. Here are some questions:
1). Any recommendations on replacement parts?
2). What makes one freewheel better than another?
3). If you're replacing a freewheel, do you also need to consider replacing the chain rings/crankset?
Thank you.
1). Any recommendations on replacement parts?
2). What makes one freewheel better than another?
3). If you're replacing a freewheel, do you also need to consider replacing the chain rings/crankset?
Thank you.
1. Any 5-6 speed freewheel of the ratios you need is probably fine, though you need to make sure you have enough room for a 6 speed between the hub and frame. Generally Shimano is the most available and best regarded, Sunrace is probably next, Falcon lowest in overall quality..
2. Mostly looks and weight, neither of which is critical if you are on a budget, so don't worry about it - get a name brand at the price you want to pay.
3. Not unless the chainwheel(s) are really pointy or have a shark's fin profile. Just ride and see how it goes.
Need to get a chain labeled 6-8 speeds.
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 10-22-14 at 01:46 PM.
#3
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I like Shimano freewheels and KMC chains.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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"buying a chain wear indicator when a ruler is more accurate and cheaper" Simply wrong. Sheldon's ruler trick way too vague.. if your running something above the 'junk class'.
"Any 5-6 speed freewheel of the ratios you need is probably fine". Begs the Q: which one is the OP riding now and are they satisfied with that gearing? 5's suck... the jump between 14-17 is too wide.. unless your dawdling along always.
"Any 5-6 speed freewheel of the ratios you need is probably fine". Begs the Q: which one is the OP riding now and are they satisfied with that gearing? 5's suck... the jump between 14-17 is too wide.. unless your dawdling along always.
#5
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Last edited by cny-bikeman; 10-23-14 at 08:55 AM.
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I am not alone in finding that most commercial chain wear indicators are woefully inaccurate. I have even tried them on several brand new chains, and they have registered significant wear. A quality 12" steel ruler aligned with the pins is a much more accurate way to gauge chain wear. Nothing vague about lining up your targets.
#7
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#8
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You're not an idiot, but perhaps unwise in jumping into buying tools. Unfortunately you've already wasted some cash buying a chain wear indicator when a ruler is more accurate and cheaper, but:
1. Any 5-6 speed freewheel of the ratios you need is probably fine, though you need to make sure you have enough room for a 6 speed between the hub and frame. Generally Shimano is the most available and best regarded, Sunrace is probably next, Falcon lowest in overall quality..
2. Mostly looks and weight, neither of which is critical if you are on a budget, so don't worry about it - get a name brand at the price you want to pay.
3. Not unless the chainwheel(s) are really pointy or have a shark's fin profile. Just ride and see how it goes.
Need to get a chain labeled 6-8 speeds.
1. Any 5-6 speed freewheel of the ratios you need is probably fine, though you need to make sure you have enough room for a 6 speed between the hub and frame. Generally Shimano is the most available and best regarded, Sunrace is probably next, Falcon lowest in overall quality..
2. Mostly looks and weight, neither of which is critical if you are on a budget, so don't worry about it - get a name brand at the price you want to pay.
3. Not unless the chainwheel(s) are really pointy or have a shark's fin profile. Just ride and see how it goes.
Need to get a chain labeled 6-8 speeds.
The Voyageur came with a six speed freewheel, and I'm trying to decide whether to go with that, or get a seven speed, or maybe a megarange six speed. Any thoughts?
#9
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I am not alone in finding that most commercial chain wear indicators are woefully inaccurate. I have even tried them on several brand new chains, and they have registered significant wear. A quality 12" steel ruler aligned with the pins is a much more accurate way to gauge chain wear. Nothing vague about lining up your targets.
#10
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"buying a chain wear indicator when a ruler is more accurate and cheaper" Simply wrong. Sheldon's ruler trick way too vague.. if your running something above the 'junk class'.
"Any 5-6 speed freewheel of the ratios you need is probably fine". Begs the Q: which one is the OP riding now and are they satisfied with that gearing? 5's suck... the jump between 14-17 is too wide.. unless your dawdling along always.
"Any 5-6 speed freewheel of the ratios you need is probably fine". Begs the Q: which one is the OP riding now and are they satisfied with that gearing? 5's suck... the jump between 14-17 is too wide.. unless your dawdling along always.
#11
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Figure out what gears you use (count tooth numbers) front makes rear rotate by a ratio of those tooth count numbers.
then you will have a better idea of how much the change will matter.
Basic math is not an opinion. but..
personally I like the sequence ... 20,24,28 34. better than the 24, 34_10t jump that is a mega range characteristic combination.
then you will have a better idea of how much the change will matter.
Basic math is not an opinion. but..
personally I like the sequence ... 20,24,28 34. better than the 24, 34_10t jump that is a mega range characteristic combination.
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-23-14 at 09:08 AM.
#12
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If I'm replacing a freewheel I will at least replace the chain as well, and ideally the chainrings as well this can add up quite quickly on a simple overhaul job but it can be quite worth it with how smooth the drivetrain can be become.
Megarange is great for hills, if your RD can handle the large cog.
#13
Mechanic/Tourist
Seven speed may not fit into your bike so that you have enough room between small cog and dropout.
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 10-23-14 at 09:13 AM.
#14
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Shimano parts tend to be the best bang for the buck, they work well, have a decent price point and are dependable usually (there's always duds in everything.)
If I'm replacing a freewheel I will at least replace the chain as well, and ideally the chainrings as well this can add up quite quickly on a simple overhaul job but it can be quite worth it with how smooth the drivetrain can be become.
Megarange is great for hills, if your RD can handle the large cog.
If I'm replacing a freewheel I will at least replace the chain as well, and ideally the chainrings as well this can add up quite quickly on a simple overhaul job but it can be quite worth it with how smooth the drivetrain can be become.
Megarange is great for hills, if your RD can handle the large cog.
#15
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There's a couple ways to go about it, one you can look up your specific models tech specs I think I recall that one maxing out at 28 teeth or so.. I could definitely be wrong as I don't run Altus. But the simpler method is to see if your RD is short, medium, or long cage. A long cage RD can handle just about any tooth count you can throw at it.
#16
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Chain Maintenance
A megarange will require a different derailleur, as it has to be capable of handling the larger rear cog and wrapping more chain. We can't tell you if you need a megarange - depends on terrain, load and fitness.
Seven speed may not fit into your bike so that you have enough room between small cog and dropout.
A megarange will require a different derailleur, as it has to be capable of handling the larger rear cog and wrapping more chain. We can't tell you if you need a megarange - depends on terrain, load and fitness.
Seven speed may not fit into your bike so that you have enough room between small cog and dropout.
#17
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Shimano freewheels just seem to be the best-made freewheels these days, and the prices are reasonable.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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#18
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As I noted above the megarange will require a different derailleur. Your derailleur's capacity is 28 teeth. VeloBase.com - Component: Shimano RD-AT12, ALTUS LT. There are ways to push capacity a little, but not by that much.
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Thanks to all for sharing your knowledge. I am now a little less of an idiot. With your continued help, I'll soon graduate to "well-intentioned doofus with a cone wrench"
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Just a DIYer here, but I find that Shimano style freewheel spline works best for install and more importantly removal. I don't know what brands (other than Shimano of course) use that standard.
scott s.
.
scott s.
.
#22
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Don't use the tool to install a freewheel. Just screw it on gently.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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