Rear Derailer replacement
 

OK, I've searched through and can't find the answer I need although I can't imaging the question hasn't been asked, probably just bad searching.

I have to replace the rear derailer on my 1982 Schwinn World Sport. The original was a suntour honor. Disraeli Gears lists it as 57 mm center to center max cog 30 total cap 28 top normal logic. Gearing is 40/52 chainrings 14/28 freewheel (5spd).

My question is how much of that stuff is important. Looks like pretty standard gearing. Does that mean pretty much any rear derailer will work or do I need to worry about staying close to the original specs?

See several "nice" used rear derailers on ebay but have no clue as to weather they'll fit cause I can't find the specs on the newer but still not current models. Also got seveal responces locally on a craigslist WTB but once again don't know enough about selection. Found plenty of stuff that I think I could replace it myself if I knew what to get.

Pretty much any Suntour GT model will work and be an upgrade to the Honour which is a solid unit but a trifle noisy.

Would suggest a VX GT as my top choice and you can probably find an AR GT for very little $ and will notice a significant performance upgrade.

Very nearly anything made in the last 30 years will work fine with your setup. The only caveat is that the derailleur will need to mount to an adaptor claw to work on your frame. If yours is bent, you can get them at any older, established bike shop. Here's what to look for:
http://harriscyclery.net/product/var...r-claw-963.htm

http://harriscyclery.net/merchant/37...daptorclaw.gif

Thanks, that was the conclusion I had come to but it seemed too simple. Yes I will probably need the hanger, although I may just straighten mine if I can't find one local.

Hey, it's a bicycle. This ain't rocket surgery.

Thanks for the help. Got a craigslist responce (several actually but one right up the street) to a request for one. It's from a MTB but it seems to work fine plus it's shimano and listed at a little lighter than the old one. Unfortunately realized the chain was a little torqued and the wheel very slightly out of true as well but I think I bent the chain back enough and I'll work on the wheel.