Originally Posted by
70sSanO
I believe the first year MB-2 (1985) used a 6 speed freewheel and had 130mm dropouts.
I would opt for a 7 speed freewheel. Most current freewheels are disposable and cheaply made. They are also hyperglide so the shifting is smoother.
IRD makes expensive freewheels (6, 7, 8 speed). I have no experience with them, but I would opt for a 13-28 or 13-32 depending on terrain.
That said, fewer cogs can be an advantage if you can provide power at various cadences.
John
He said it's currently a 5-speed Suntour. He may be able to get a 6-speed to work, but a 7 or 8 speed probably aren't going to fit unless he's prepared to recenter the axle and redish the wheel. I've had success going from 5 to 6 speed on my Fuji, but that was only because there was enough room to accommodate the small cog being closer to the chainstay.