Originally Posted by
Captain Blight
The more I deal with them, the more I'm intrigued by the Helico. They're an important step in the development of the geared bicycle. It was a well-thought-out system that we'd probably still be using if it had been introduced 5 years earlier.
I agree. They are pretty cool. I stopped by my LBS & used their tool to loosen the lock ring. Once home, I figured the freewheel could easily be pulled off, but apparently 28 years of being on there made things not so easy. I finally was able to remove it by using both hands. The freewheel pawls were gummed up, but I freed them up by drizzling in some oil once I had removed it. I didn't see any way to open it up to clean it. I can see why these were sourced on touring bikes, because with a simple flat lightweight tool you could: remove the freewheel, tighten spokes, & open your beer.
It is a shame they didn't become more popular. Fortunately mine probably has less than 100 miles on it so I should be good to go for another decade or so.