Originally Posted by
Fibber
It sounds like a Shimano FFS (front freewheel system). I've only seen these on some Schwinn models, but it is possible that Ross used it also. If you have the original rear wheel, you will probably see that the cluster is fixed (not a freewheel).
Only partly 'fixed'. The freewheel for these was designed to have enough friction so that the chain and chainrings would normally continue turning while coasting. But if something jammed the chain the freewheel would still have the normal ratchet action.