I moved to hilly Marin CA recently and my early 80s Specialized Allez, with a 42/52 up front (can't go any smaller) and little corncob in the back, was just not leaving the valley floor.

The guy at my bike shop said a freewheel with larger range (and long cage derailleur) was the simplest way to go. But, he said the options were limited to cheap Shimano MEGARANGE freewheels, or a pricier IRD freewheel. I went with the IRD 13-32. This bike has always ridden smooth, and I didn't want it to suffer.

Anyway, one month of commuting and the IRD is failing.

Can anyone suggest another freewheel with 30+ teeth? Are the Shimanos freewheels really poor quality?

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Angel Island