jgcycle

I just got this bike and the rear der seemed droopy with no lower spring tension to snap it back. So I took it apartand see how the cage part screws on but once it gets to the good tension on the spring, it seems a little too hard, but maybe ok. When installed the cage only goes so far forward until it hits the upper part of the der. (See photo where it hits).

Anyway, check out the photos, one is wound up and the other shows where it hits. Need help.

Or suggestions for a new rear der but I have a Perfect 34 tooth cog. Bike is 72 Fuji Newest.

Thanks

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Homebrew01

Under real ridings conditions it probably won't hit, because at that "wind up" point, you will be on a larger cog, away from the derailleur mount.

jgcycle

Yes that is possible, but the old chain is 5 feet long and I can't reconnect it because its too short! And thats on the small cog. I'll try some more experimenting.

Andrew R Stewart 

You actually have a VGT der. The Vista stamping is a badge label, Vista was a low cost bike brand back in that day.


As you found out the cage pivot bolt has a number of slots in it's end which the spring can sit in. If the cage spring tension proves to be too tight then repeat the rebuild and move the spring end one notch more relaxed.


As to the cage/der contact- This can happen in small/small when a lot of chain length is needed for the gear spread (as in a 34T low cog). But as Gabe said, in real life this shouldn't be an issue if you follow good gear use technique and don't ride in the small/small combo.


BTW I have had 3 Finests over the years. Great riding bikes if a bit sluggish in the handling department. Are you sure this one is a 72? My 72 had YCF drop outs and a year or three later they used the SunTour drop outs that I see in the photo. (Or my memory and eyes are going bad).


Fuji Models to Thumbnails Here's a history, spec and serial look up site. Andy.

jgcycle

Yes, I can see how the contact won't happen in some lower gears, there is a another hole down there for the spring, tight though, the one I'm using even has a notch around it for easier placement. I'll give it a try.

It is a 72 Newest, hope to show it to you guys when done, no museum piece but not bad!

jgcycle

Got it working great. Moved the spring to the other hole, noticed the hangar was bent in a little, and made sure the stops were proper: the high is a little goofy (or me). Thanks Andrew S.!

There's just a little room for for the front der to not hit the cranks if stopped out too far, but is working great!