Originally Posted by
Jagracer48
Hi, I have a Motobecane which has Columbus tubes and I was told it's 1979. I plan to ride the Eroica later this year and need to change the gearing so I can cycle up the hills.
The Freewheel is tiny and says: MAILLARD M34.7x100 on the top and 04 FRENCH79 on the bottom.
I don't know anything about older bikes so am not sure if 04FRENCH79 means week 4 1979.
Can I assume all I need to find is a decent M34.7x100 28 x 13 Freewheel?
I don't think you can assume that if it says "French" on the bottom. try threading on an English BB lockring - if the threading is French the lockring will be very loose. If you have access to a left BB cup you can thread the freewheel onto it - a French freewheel will not go on very far.