Originally Posted by
T-Mar
Agreed, we can't make a blanket statement without knowing more about the shifting system, as Athena was redesigned from 7 speed Syncro to dedicated 8 speed in the early 1990s. If it has Syncro levers, we'll need to know the freewheel and/or lever insert. Only if the levers are dedicated 8 speed, do we know they they will work with 7 speed SIS compatible freewheels. There are also three possible derailleurs, all with different capacities, that will affect the freewheel gearing options.
I think the most likely insert will be 7s for use with the Regina America 7s freewheel. As I said, the 7s Sunrace or Shimano freewheels index quite closely enough if narrower 9s chain is used.
But it is a good idea to note the color of the indexing ring when greasing the shift lever. The insert should be blue, so will be sufficiently compatible with Shimano or Sunrace 7s freewheels, among others.