Good info, guys, this is certainly consistent with what I remember. It is supposed to be able to take a 28T rear and probably will but it will be "happier" if a 26 or 24 T rear is used. Is that correct?

I also used to use a 42-52T front set up but I never found a really "slick" set up using 42-52 front chainrings. Given the above freewheel it should be able to handle a ten tooth differential in the front. Is that correct?

I did find gear ratio Nirvana in a 42-45 front X 13-15-17-21-26-32 rear (Suntour Ultra six speed). The thing is, this required the use of a touring-style deraileur (Shimano DEORE XT). The thing is, I want that Nuovo Record rear deraileur back on this bike.

I think I'll go with my 14-24T rear and 42-47 on the front. I have to sit down and work out a decent set of gear ratios but until then I want to ride this thing - and soon.