My girlfriends dad dropped off a bike the other day as he knows I fix them and sell them. This is one of the better ones he has given me since it had a set of suntour barcons, a V-GT luxe RD and the frame was nice and straight with zero braze-ons, it's going to be a SS or fixed gear and hit craigslist in the next few weeks. I even managed to get the incredibly ceased on pedals off today so I can salvage the alloy cranks for the project. I also found the rear wheel is a decent Suzue high flange laced to a 27 inch araya. I pulled off the crusted freewheel with no difficulty (big suprise). I guess someone lived this bike (hi tensile or possibly medium steel with realy striking imitation nervex pro lugs on the headtube) and upgraded various components. The freehwheel suprised me more than anything as it was all plated underneath and spun free and smooth. It isn't gold either but silver (chrome? Nickle?) and I must admit, I have never heard of the suntour pro compe freewheel. could be top of the line in the mid 70s? anyone? EDIT: The dark parts are grime, i haven't given it a real thorough clean yet.

pro-compe was a mid-level SunTour grade in the early 80's (and probably late 70's but I don't know). Some of the nicely equipped bike shops would have all the various cogs available so you could get custom ratios. I had a 14-21 and 14-23 (both custom) on my bike. The silver was simply a nicer finish, sort of "deluxe".

The "high end" stuff was Regina, Maillard (I think they had a half alloy freewheel), and the piece de resistance, Campy's all alloy freewheel.

cdr

Don't forget Zeus, this freewheel dates to 1977.

Isn't Pro-Compe just a plated Perfect freewheel?

Tom

The "TK" on the freewheel designates a November 1977 date of manufacture.