Freewheels
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 61
Bikes: 1974 Falcon Olympic ,1982 Trek 710(both all Reynolds 531), 1974 Raleigh Sports, the'Keep Portland Weird'Montgomery Ward Open Road 10sp with basement sourced modern parts, 1989 TREK 400, 1980s Nishiki mixte, 1981 VINER Special Professional,Rockhopper
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Liked 11 Times
in
4 Posts
Freewheels
I’m looking for feedback on IRD freewheels. Their 7 speed is advertised as fitting a 126 spacing. The chain rubbed the seat stay on the 13T on my 1982 TREK 710 frame . Luckily my LBS was willing to accept a return. Before I order their 6 speed, does anyone have feedback on IRD’s build quality and longevity?
Thanks
PS my recently built Record/ Mavic MA40 wheelset is begging for a quality freewheel.
Thanks
PS my recently built Record/ Mavic MA40 wheelset is begging for a quality freewheel.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 269
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 51 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 35 Times
in
15 Posts
I have a 6 speed on my trek 720. so far it's been a great freewheel...shifts very nice. I heard the early ones had issues, however, the later ones are good. I'd recommend it
#3
Senior Member
The 7 speed will fit a 126 spread, but you'd probably have to respace the axle and tweak the dish on the wheel.
__________________
My bikes: '81 Trek 957, '83 Trek 720, '85 Trek 500, '85 Trek 770,'81 Merckx, '85 Centurion Cinelli, '85 Raleigh Portage, '92 RB-2, '09 Bianchi
My bikes: '81 Trek 957, '83 Trek 720, '85 Trek 500, '85 Trek 770,
#4
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,538
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1226 Post(s)
Liked 928 Times
in
608 Posts
Its not that unusual for seven speed freewheel to rub on a six speed bike. Seven speed freewheel is slightly wider. Add a thin spacer on both sides of the axle and you should be fine.
Total width of a 6 speed freewheel is slightly under 30mm (29.5), while a 7 speed is 32 to 33mm.
Total width of a 6 speed freewheel is slightly under 30mm (29.5), while a 7 speed is 32 to 33mm.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 9,405
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 748 Post(s)
Liked 1,569 Times
in
575 Posts
The IRD freewheels are very nice seem to shift and run smooth with good life span there about as good as your going to get in a new freewheel. As for the spacing issues on 126 6spped wheel you will as said need to re-space and dish the wheel slightly for an ideal 7 speed setup usually taking 1mm from the none drive side and adding 2mm to the drive side will give you enough room without having to rebuild the wheel or mess with the frame.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,233
Mentioned: 649 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4717 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,020 Times
in
1,864 Posts
Both 6 and 7 speed freewheels are intended for frames with 126mm dropout spacing. However, despite the fact 7 speed freewheels have narrower cog to cog spacing, their overall width is slightly wider. This can cause small cog/chain interference issues with the drive side stays on some frames. Better grade frames and those specifically designed for 7 cogs have a relief cut into the inside of the drive side stays that increase clearance to the small cog.
Most cyclists get around this issue by adding a washer or two under the hub's drive side locknut and re-centring the axle.
IRD are good freewheels but they are expensive and, IMO not much better than a Shimano, which is far better value. IMO, the only advantage to IRD is that they offer a greater selection of ratios but even their selection isn't very good.
Most cyclists get around this issue by adding a washer or two under the hub's drive side locknut and re-centring the axle.
IRD are good freewheels but they are expensive and, IMO not much better than a Shimano, which is far better value. IMO, the only advantage to IRD is that they offer a greater selection of ratios but even their selection isn't very good.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wiggles_dad
Classic & Vintage
18
06-16-14 08:56 AM
avhed
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
7
04-10-14 09:00 PM