DNP Epoch 5 speed freewheel
 

I figured I would ask here first as I imagine the bulk of 5 speed freewheel knowledge base is in this forum.

I was looking for an inexpensive new 5 speed freewheel for my super course with a 26 tooth or smaller low gear so I can use my nuovo record rd. This one at 14-24 was really the only one I could find. I read the reviews on amazon for the 7 speed freewheel version and they were positive but after purchasing it I saw the sole online review for the 5 speed version saying the freewheel body was too wide for 120mm spacing. Maybe this person had dished the wheel improperly or axle spacers were wrong. I don't know.

Regardless, does anyone have experience with this freewheel? Seems like every new 5 speed freewheel is 14-28 or 14-32.

I just got one of those as well. Spacing of the cogs seems a little odd, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24 or something? And the cogs are very thin. But for the price... worth a go. I'll keep an eye on the dishing when I build up the wheel; need spokes first.

For less than $9 with shipping I really couldn't go wrong. I would have liked the additional 2 teeth on the largest cog, however...especially in Vancouver.

well its too late for you now, youve already bought the thing. just waite and see. that said, ive never heard of a 5 speed with 6 speed spacing. only the other way around.

if it doesnt work out, buy a vintage suntour off ebay. much better quality. i think the one i bought was called a Suntour Winner and it works great.

I bought a 7 spd DNP Epoch.
I think 11-28 was as small as it would go.

The freewheel body is somewhat larger than other competing freewheels, and thus it really only works with larger sprockets for the low gears. So, no tight gearing is available, and it didn't look like I could merge cogs with other freewheel bodies.

The back spacing on the freewheel body was also wider on that freewheel than other brands. That caused it to sit further out from the hub than other 7 spd freewheels. So, a little tinkering with the spacers to get it spaced properly.

Anyway, other than thos two observations more than issues, it has worked well for me so far, although I haven't put a lot of miles on it. I think I did also buy an 8 spd for my Cargo bike which was similar.

I don't have the 5 spd version, but I assume it uses the same freewheel body.

I had the 7 spd version mounted on a hub spaced to 126mm, shifting with old Campy friction levers and Ultegra derailleur.

All you had to do was ask, man... I just happen to have an extra 5-speed freewheel in excellent shape with a 26-tooth big cog, and I'm sure I'm not the only one around here who'd send you one on the cheap.

Take him up on the offer! I use either 13-26 or 14-26 6-speed freewheels on all four of my road bikes, but I find 26T freewheels or loose cogs very scarce on eBay, LooseScrews, etc.