Thanks to all who offered a beer opener. I got lucky with Yellow Jersey.

Maybe you're right about not going cross country with the Helicomatic. But I'm thinking that I can change out my current cog configuration of 13/14/17/20/24/28 to something more like 15/18/22/26/28/32 or even a 34 on the big cog. I'm working on finding a 22/32/42 crank configuration to handle the Rockies and Ozarks. (Don't really know what I'm talking about here but the intent is to be able to grind up mountains.)

Anyway, where else am I going to be able to custom a 6-cog hub like that?

Once I get into the hub (remover's coming), I expect to overhaul it with new bearings and some Phil Wood grease, hopefully the races aren't too pitted or the cones too worn. If karma shines, maybe I can find a spare axle and cones for the road, and off we go.

With all those precautions, you think it's still not a good idea?

My only concern is that my rear rim is a 36 hole eyeletted Matrix Safari with 25 years on it. I'm a little worried about metal fatigue, although it looks practically new. I'd like to upgrade to a Wolbur Super Champion Model 58 with 40 or even 48 holes, and of course a Phil Wood hub would be great with some Wheelsmith 14/16 doublebutted spokes, but till that comes along...

It's Helicomatic Time!
Happy Is As Happy Does.
kate