Originally Posted by
Salamandrine
A Regina Oro chain and Oro freewheel were the gold standard (sorry) for years, so why not. I certainly very often had a ''gold' chain and freewheel. I think the idea was the brass plating made them run smoother. Maybe it did.
I think the
plating on the freewheel at least was
cad with
hexavalent chromate, not brass
Known to have a similar smoothing effect, at least on tightening fasteners. Except it's toxic. And causes cancer.
Won't find that nowadays! These days it's either zinc chromate or Ti nitride or real gold, to get the gold look.
Originally Posted by
satbuilder
Do you know which of the KMC gold chains are suitable for a 5 or 6 speed freewheel?
I don't think KMC make an 8-speed (generally recognized as compatible with 5 and 6 and 7 speeds) chain in gold. I'm pretty sure you could get away with an X9 even though it's for 9 speeds. I've used them on old freewheels with the 2mm wide cogs and 3.5mm between cogs, and they seem fine to me. But I bet the old Izumi mentioned above would probably work better. Those older chains with the larger side-plates seem to stay in a gear more positively, which contributes to the inimitable feel of those old drivetrains.
Originally Posted by
Wildwood
Regina Oro chain & freewheel prices???
$250+ on the 'bay.
I just sold a used Regina Oro freewheel for $50ish last year. It sold way too fast. I probably should have asked more, but was unsure about the condition.