68 paramount
 

I have a set of shimano bar end shifters I believe they are vintage. On the side of the shifter it says finger tip control I do not know how many speeds I can shift with these. I believe these are friction shifters. I think there is a 333 on top with shimano on it. I have a vintage suntour freewheel which I want to use. I also have a Regina 5 speed freewheel which is bigger in size than the suntour freewheel. Can anyone tell me about these shifters please I need to know so I can put the right freewheel on thanks all, Kevin

Those suntour bar ends should be able to handle any classic freewheel with no problem.

The thing you need to worry about is the maximum tooth size that your rear derailleur can handle. For example, I have a Campy NR derailleur so I cannot use a freewheel with a low gear larger than 28 teeth, and that may be pushing it. What kind of rear derailleur are you using? What is the frame spacing (120mm, 126mm?)

Why is your thread called 68 paramount?

The OP doesn't have Suntour bar end shifters. He's got Shimano ones.

The vintage Suntour ones are better though with their ratcheting mechanism.

68 paramount
 

I have a 1968 paramount I have shimano 105 golden arrow front & rear deraillers, 600 shimano crank6400 Ultegra, I have a pair campagnolo Victory rims with campagnolo hubs with the suntour freewheel. I got laid off so I couldent aford campy parts. hopefully when I go back to work I can buy all campy. the hubs are 126 however the bike mechanic said he can make them fit

Whoops, I don't know how I got suntour in my head.

Do you have any of the parts mounted yet? Can you post some pictures, I don't think you can say 68 paramount and not post pictures. One thing is for sure, you should get a ton of traffic through this thread. Paramount threads seem to go on page after page after page.

Your RD & FD should work just fine. With the proper BB the Ultegra crankset should also work.

Spreading the rear to fit 126mm spaced hub can be done, but I find my 1966 Paramount rear triangle to be amazingly stiff and difficult to spread. Your LBS should look at reducing the width of the hub and redishing your wheel first.

As far as a freewheel goes, my guess is your RD can handle up to a 28 tooth big cog. An inexpensive new Shimano 5 or 6 speed will work very well in this case. If you live in a place which is hilly, you will appreciate the low gear when you need it.

I look forward to seeing pictures of your bike.