Originally Posted by
OldRoadman
Hi... Need your opinions! I'm re-building a Lotus Classique (Winter Project) and in an effort to improve its climbing ability for my 55+ frame, I'm replacing the double crank to a compact triple with a new freewheel cluster. In the real world, am I going to notice a difference if I go with a NOS Suntour 6 speed vs. a Shimano Hyperglide? The Suntour is readily found with a 30 or 32 large sprocket. Hyperglides are cheap while the Suntours might be a bit over-priced.
I remember years ago using a Suntour 5 speed cluster with a 80's era Shimano Tourney and never found the shifting to be an issue. I would like to end up with something like a 46/36/26 Triple and a max. cluster gear of 30 or 32T. I just hope the Cyclone MKII I bought for this application can handle it! I would like to keep it somewhat period correct.
Bill
Suntour made excellent freewheels and the alpine models with the 30-34 tooth low gear are awesome... they don't shift quite as smoothly an Hg with it's special shaped teeth but they are so very nice.
I just salvaged a 34 tooth 6 speed from a wrecked wheel.
A Cylone Mk2 GT can handle 30 teeth without flinching and am sure 32 won't cause it any trouble either.