So all of my previous bikes had/have fixed, 3-speed or 4-speed. This is my first venture with these new-fangled 5-speeds. When I bought these two, I was just looking at the big cog, I wanted a 24. Now that I am putting them on the on the wheel, I notice the difference between the two.

I assume the one on the right is older. The small cog on the right is flush, on the left, it is an outie. On the back, the big cog on the left is flush, the one on the right is an outie. There are less threads on the right one. When mounted, the one on the left has more clearance from the spokes. I will be using the one on the left for this build.

Can anyone tell me what's going on? I have seen the one on the left in the Regina catalog. What's with the one on the right?

Were they (the cogs) overscrewed on?? Just kidding. I have no clue. Maybe earlier hubs had more protrusion before the threads from the spoke dish thingy (flange)?

Different models, different designs. Long ago, I worked in a bike shop (Toga Bike Shop in NYC) that liked Regina freewheels for their versatility. We had to stock various size cogs for various different positions. The big cogs were screwed on from the back with reverse threads. It's cool until you consider that stock freewheels offer just about any combo a person would want.

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on the older Regina multi-speed blocks there were two body patterns

recall the firm offering 6V at least as far back as the late fifties

if one wished to build a 6V it was necessary to employ the body termed the "Scalare"

will pipe down now and wait for someone who really knows what they are talking about - calling [MENTION=42162]pastorbobnlnh[/MENTION]


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I've only worked on the model on the right a few times. I assume it is an older model. However, I don't recall the ones I worked on had the pawl's pivot holes drilled all the way through the inner body. This is more typical of some Atom and Maillard models.

As a data point, my Regina freewheels are newer CX/CX-S 6/7 speed and the 7sp is like the lefthand one--flush in back with the low cog extending past the lock ring. 6SP is flush in front, being 5mm narrower. I'm inferring the one on the right is earlier, being a complete departure from newer models.

As to what's with the lock ring in back...is that the only way to get at the bearings?

The one on the left is a multi speed design the last two cogs screw off to change gearing. But can be difficult to get apart.

the mention of the "scalare" body above is a possibility.

The other possibility is that the one on the right was a 6 speed and the outer cog was replaced with one that was intended for use as a middle cog.

on the 6 speed, the outer cog was theaded onto the 5th cog, not onto the body.

Reginas are not my first choice in freewheels for bikes I ride - I will have 2 5-speeds up for sale soon, one VG, one NOS, with nice chain

/markp

So the one on the right is scary-lare?

The one on the right is older late 60's design the one on the left is late 70's early 80's .

I was able to remove the outer 2 cogs on the right freewheel. Not easy. Left handed, as expected. The middle cog was the same threading, diameter and left handed, but couldn't get it off. That bugger was on tight and I see no need to remove it other than for curiosity.

One other fun fact. Center to center from small to big on the left freewheel is 24mm, like the catalog says. The right, 21.2mm (ish). So then I took out a 3/32 chain. Fits fine. Go figure. So I think [MENTION=167931]mpetry912[/MENTION] is correct. Maybe a narrow 6 converted to a 5.

Also, I changed my mind. I'll use a spacer to save the spokes and use the one on the right. It is for a 1951 bike. Seems more appropriate.

Finally, since it is a narrower body, it can't be a scalare. Those have a wider body, according to the catalog.

Fingers Crossed: the small cog on the older one won't skip with a new chain.

I was on Mark Campbell's Cordorino site. He seems to believe the last two digits on what's stamped on the back of the right freewheel (254) is a date. So made in 1954.

Here's a page from Regina's 1978 catalog showing the difference between regular and "scalare" (close-ratio) freewheels.