Originally Posted by
look171
So were my bikes from the early 80s. Not until the middle to late 80s where the frames were opened up a little for the popular and much needed 6 spd freewheels. During Merck's heyday, I would have to say no. You think they had 6 spd in 1976?
Well,....at least for Peugeots, I remember that by 1983, pretty much all their sport/touring and race bikes had six speed freewheels and IIRC, they all had the "12 Vitesses" decal on their drive side chainstays. Mid 80's is when 7 speeds/126mm was quickly becoming common.
Actually, in the later 80's, 8 speeds were starting to pop up and rear spacing was getting wider to 130mm....
Now, how much earlier did the pros get the latest drivetrain technology which they always do, is really the question, but I suspect the lag got shorter as the years went by....