Zap Hassellhoff

Hey all,

I'm messing around with the 6 speed drive train on my 1987 Schwinn Tempo. I'd like to swap out the stock MF-Z012 series freewheel for something a little more trick. I'd like the community's input on the aesthetic v. performance between going with a Shimano 600 MF-6208 or the ramped SunRace M20.

I love the classy, blocky look of the 600. And I dig on the clucky solid index shifting of the early SIS groups. However, the Sunrace M20 reminds me of the slick nickel plated and drilled SRAM units. I'm guessing the shifting is a smooth as any modern group. But it's not as rad at the 600. But I'm a cheapo and the SunRace costs less than a used 600. But the 600 has a cool black face plate that says it was made in Japan. But...

Or, I just keep the existing Z freewheel and move onto endless saddle research.

This internal debate has occupied way too much metal space over the last 2 weeks. I'm writing this at work. I know everyone here can empathize. I feel safe here.

dddd

I think you meant "aesthetic" when you wrote "atheistic".

Why not step up to 7-speed shifters while you're at it?

I would make the choice of ratios the top priority. Sunrace has 7sp 13-25t and 13-28t, and there was a 13-30t offered in the past, but had a 6-tooth jump up to the 30t.

I also dig the look of the Sunrace all-chromed freewheels, very good for price-point fare!

Sorry for going off the topic with 7-speed, but I'm not even sure if any modern 6-speed freewheels with 13t top cog can still be had.

As always, friction or index shifting will improve with narrower chain, up to 9-speed chain with any Uniglide, Suntour or modern 5 or 6-speed freewheels.

The Golden Boy 

I'll end your saddle search- Brooks Cambium.

I will also suggest that you think before thinking of IRD- I had one that the spacing was really off... for as expensive as those things are, they should be magical.

As far as indexing 6 speed freewheels, I've had good luck with the modern 6sp freewheel- I just don't like the gaudy Shimano branding on them.

79pmooney

Freewheels! I never kept them clean except as a racer (edit: and then just on my racing wheels). So the color was always black, to go with my chains. Looks? Looks therefore were only a function of the cogs, number and sizes. To me, the classic "look" was the 13-19 5 speed or 13-21 6 speed because I spent so many miles on that first one. (Probably 50,000 miles, half racing and the rest using a 53-42-28 triple.)

But if you have to have just two rings in front for that "look", that great looking FW will make you pay every time you go uphill (unless you are a stubborn out-of-the-saddle climbing fanatic).

Oh, I raced SunTour FWs, so I guess my opinion doesn't count since we all knew you had to ride Regina.

Ben

Zap Hassellhoff

Good catch on the grammar. Fixed.

I don't normally take a period correct approach to my bikes and generally swap parts chasing "better" performance. For some reason this Tempo is different. it's fully stock other than the saddle. I've thought about upgrading to 7 speed but I'm cool with the idea of keeping the bike as a 6 speed with the original 105 1050 group, at least for now. I think my biggest hang up with the 7 speed swap is that it really opens up the debate of moving over to a cassette system and the possibility of 8/9/10 speed systems. Which typically starts an endless spiral into eBay/craigslist madness. The 6-speed approach sets up some pretty strict constraints. I like that.

Sounds like you're in the SunRace camp with a 7 speed upgrade. Noted.

Zap Hassellhoff

I know. I've been trying to justify this saddle for the last year. Again, I'm such a cheapo. I need to come off and buy it. My birthday is coming up in January. My wife knows.

The Golden Boy 

I know EXACTLY where you're at on this. When you finally do get this- after about 2 days you'll be kicking yourself for not getting one sooner- the cost to comfort ratio is THAT good.

Zap Hassellhoff

Groan. My wallet is feeling lighter already. Also, the IRD is not really a consideration. Seems like their early units were a QC nightmare. I'm not sure where they are at these days.

The Golden Boy 

[I'm all cool with 6 speed. Even though my secret custom build plans are just in the "daydream" stages- I'm actually considering making a current "custom" frame and going with 6 speed. I think if I get involved with 7-8-9-10-11 speed... it will result into your proverbial endless spiral. Ick.

The Golden Boy 

I got my FW over the summer- it was suck.

ThermionicScott 

That's disappointing -- I'd read that very early IRD's had trouble, but that they'd fixed those issues. Was yours old stock?

The "Classica" line promises to be even better, but I haven't tried them. The 13-14-15-17-19-21-24T would be right up my alley, too.

The Golden Boy 

It very well could have been.

You may remember this thread:

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...ain-noise.html