Originally Posted by
Leisesturm
... The 14-28 7sp harkens back from the days of front doubles (I'm betting op bike is an older model) with a 10 tooth spacing and the 14 - 34 is from a couple decades later when front triples are common, and the total wrap needed means long cage rear derailleurs are now de rigueur. So, unless the plan to also upgrade the chain (as discussed) also includes plans to replace the RD (not discussed) I don't think the 14 - 34 can work.
I had not considered the possibility that OP's bike is a vintage model with a front derailleur, as many recent "leisure" bikes (e.g., Electra cruisers) also come equipped with a 7-speed freewheel. If more chain wrap is necessary (due to 2x), an RD upgrade is not that expensive?
Originally Posted by
Leisesturm
Was it mentioned that a new chain should be considered any time the freewheel is changed, even if the same overall tooth count remains the same?
I think so.