Replacement of Rear Cluster on OLD Road Bike
07-24-05, 10:11 PM
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Replacement of Rear Cluster on OLD Road Bike
Okay guys here is another one for you.
My husband has an old 70's "Freespirit" 10- speed road bike. We are currently weighing the cost of fixing this bike up vs buying new. He wants to replace the rear cluster with one that has a MEGA Gear for the hills that we have around here. I have looked on line and am seeing 8 & 9 speed cassetes only. Anybody know where to get a 5 or 6 speed cluster? This bike also needs a new rear derailleur (one on it is shot) and probably a front too. I am sure the shifters will need replacement if he goes to a "larger" cluster. I have looked at the Jensen website and some others that a can't remember, but it seems that these parts are going to be on the "spendy" side. Are there any places that have parts for a reasonable amount?
What all should be replaced on this bike to make it a good working bike? All parts are original to the bike.
He is not looking for speed, just a "get around" town & back up the hills bike, so there is no need for the latest & greatest. Opinion time - Should we try to fix this or just junk it and look for an inexpensive (Under 400.00) new bike?
My husband has an old 70's "Freespirit" 10- speed road bike. We are currently weighing the cost of fixing this bike up vs buying new. He wants to replace the rear cluster with one that has a MEGA Gear for the hills that we have around here. I have looked on line and am seeing 8 & 9 speed cassetes only. Anybody know where to get a 5 or 6 speed cluster? This bike also needs a new rear derailleur (one on it is shot) and probably a front too. I am sure the shifters will need replacement if he goes to a "larger" cluster. I have looked at the Jensen website and some others that a can't remember, but it seems that these parts are going to be on the "spendy" side. Are there any places that have parts for a reasonable amount?
What all should be replaced on this bike to make it a good working bike? All parts are original to the bike.
He is not looking for speed, just a "get around" town & back up the hills bike, so there is no need for the latest & greatest. Opinion time - Should we try to fix this or just junk it and look for an inexpensive (Under 400.00) new bike?
07-24-05, 10:14 PM
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07-25-05, 12:41 AM
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I'm curious why the derailleurs are "shot"? I have rarely seen a "shot" derailleur, especially old, low end ones. They are very simple and tend to last forever.
07-25-05, 02:51 AM
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You can replace a 5 speed freewheel with a 7speed one with no major modifications.
https://harriscyclery.net/site/showit...ory&Catalog=39
You may need a rear derailleur with a long cage. I find that any low-mid range shimano one works fine. Your existing shifter should work in friction mode with any mech/cog combination.
You will need a freewheel removal tool. Although people say turn the tool using a big wrench, it is much easier to mount the tool in a bench vice and turn the wheel.
https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/tools/freewheel.html
https://harriscyclery.net/site/showit...ory&Catalog=39
You may need a rear derailleur with a long cage. I find that any low-mid range shimano one works fine. Your existing shifter should work in friction mode with any mech/cog combination.
You will need a freewheel removal tool. Although people say turn the tool using a big wrench, it is much easier to mount the tool in a bench vice and turn the wheel.
https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/tools/freewheel.html
07-25-05, 06:21 AM
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Originally Posted by MichaelW
You can replace a 5 speed freewheel with a 7speed one with no major modifications.
https://harriscyclery.net/site/showit...ory&Catalog=39
You may need a rear derailleur with a long cage. I find that any low-mid range shimano one works fine. Your existing shifter should work in friction mode with any mech/cog combination.
https://harriscyclery.net/site/showit...ory&Catalog=39
You may need a rear derailleur with a long cage. I find that any low-mid range shimano one works fine. Your existing shifter should work in friction mode with any mech/cog combination.
07-25-05, 08:05 AM
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Well, everyone else told you how to fix up the old bike; I'm going to tell you to just junk it (actually, to give it to charity)
If I remember correctly, Freespirits were the Sears variety of Huffy/Murray low-end bikes; they were pretty dismal even when new. No matter how much you "upgrade" it you will still have a crappy old bike.
I have a Performance Bicycle (800-727-2433) mailer advertising 4 brand new "comfort" bikes (flat bars, upright seating position, friendly pedals) for under $400. One, a Fuji Crosstown LE, is on sale for $189! They all have index shifting, alloy wheels and warranties.
If you love your husband, it's time to go shopping; if he's really pissed you off recently, fix up the Freespirit...
If I remember correctly, Freespirits were the Sears variety of Huffy/Murray low-end bikes; they were pretty dismal even when new. No matter how much you "upgrade" it you will still have a crappy old bike.
I have a Performance Bicycle (800-727-2433) mailer advertising 4 brand new "comfort" bikes (flat bars, upright seating position, friendly pedals) for under $400. One, a Fuji Crosstown LE, is on sale for $189! They all have index shifting, alloy wheels and warranties.
If you love your husband, it's time to go shopping; if he's really pissed you off recently, fix up the Freespirit...
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07-25-05, 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by rmfnla
Well, everyone else told you how to fix up the old bike; I'm going to tell you to just junk it (actually, to give it to charity)
If you love your husband, it's time to go shopping; if he's really pissed you off recently, fix up the Freespirit...
If you love your husband, it's time to go shopping; if he's really pissed you off recently, fix up the Freespirit...
Well, he wanted another opinion and we took it to the LBS, not the one 2 miles away mind you, the one 15 miles away. They told him that it is not worth it. We put a deposit down on a Giant Cypress for him. The salesman was "real high pressure" (LOL) basically he told us to think about it over night. Then they marked all the Cypress' down 50.00 while we were thinking it over. We got it for 299.00 with a year's worth of service etc. I think that we got a good deal. So I guess I must not be too pissed at him.
Thanks for the advice!
