Originally Posted by
Phil_gretz
Why didn't anyone question this? A nearly beaten old SunTour freewheel versus a new Sunrace? I'd take the SunTour for reliability any day. 8-speeds aren't necessarily an upgrade from 6-speeds, as it really depends on the front chainring combinations. A big jump up front usually matches with smaller range jumps in the rear. A triple up front with modest jumps matches well with a pretty narrow range rear.
I would think that the Shimano 7-speed MegaRange is the best recommendation from the bunch above.
Don't buy Sunrace freewheels. You can search for threads on experienced folks who tried to use those. I have attempted to use three over the last decade. All failed prematurely or had severe bearing grinding. They are a bottom-of-the-barrel freewheel, even DNP is better although heavier.
Thank you Phil, Yes my old trusty Suntour freewheel should last a long time, and that I have just tore it apart cleaned and greased. As I mentioned before, I was researching something, when I discovered that freewheels were still being made. I thought they were dead.
Any way, My LBS will give me a used Shimano Mega range to test. My front chainrings are SR 32/46T from way back. The smallest that may fit a 86 BCD is 30 or 28 , and I'm not about to look for one. Finding a pot of gold in my backyard is better.
So for this trip, that I'm to embark on, I'll stay with the Suntour and maybe keep the Shimano Mega for a back up. Anyway, can't test anything till snow and ice melt. Will keep you guys posted.