Crankset based freewheel?
09-07-10 | 09:57 PM
#2
SE Wis
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,556
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From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
09-07-10 | 10:29 PM
#3
Rustbelt Rider
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,105
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From: Canton, OH
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1420 - 1978 Raleigh Professional - 1973 Schwinn Collegiate - 1974 Schwinn Suburban
It was one of the Shimano experiments. The front freewheel kept the chain moving even when you didn't pedal, because it was driven by the wheel. It was there so you could shift without pedaling. A lot of the time you see it paired with the Positron derailleurs which was their early attempt at indexed shifting.
I had a Schwinn Suburban with those systems and thought it was fun.
I had a Schwinn Suburban with those systems and thought it was fun.
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09-07-10 | 10:31 PM
#4
Senior Member
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Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
I think it was called "FFS" (Front Freewheel System) by Shimano I would call it a mostly harmless "Experiment" by Shimano that didn't live too long. the system made it's way into mostly lower end bikes. The reciprocating weight/friction that the system added to a bike when it is freewheeling made it impossible for the more sport oriented cyclists to accept it.
Chombi
Chombi
09-07-10 | 10:37 PM
#6
Bianchi Goddess
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
I had thought someone said it was sort of aimed at the 3spd riders who were used to shifting while coasting to a stop.
one of my bosses built a real nice Mixte for his wife with one of these (a 3pc crank no less) she never rode it though. I had a chance to buy it but at the time I didn't really want a Mixte. today I would love to have that bike
one of my bosses built a real nice Mixte for his wife with one of these (a 3pc crank no less) she never rode it though. I had a chance to buy it but at the time I didn't really want a Mixte. today I would love to have that bike
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
09-07-10 | 11:05 PM
#7
Oh Snap, not again...
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 606
Likes: 0
From: Cardiff, Ca
It's the Positron FFS system. Unfortunately one of those landed in my lap earlier this summer, luckily very cheap, Ladies step thru frame '82 or '83 World Tourist. I stripped all that stuff out put a new 5spd free wheel on the rear, low end Shimano square taper BB, cheap crankset, a beat up old RD, and some friction thumb shifters I was going to use on a different project that took a different direction. Spray bombed it metalic green. Why? I don't know, it is a relatively lighter frame than a '70's Suburban, Collegiate or Varsity model. Thing is riding slicker than snot, it's my goto beach crusier for the time being. Even went to the local skate shop looking for a Frankenstein type graphic sticker for Frankenbike, but came away with an Alien Workshop sticker I slapped on the downtube and a Scott Harris(?) sticker for the head tube............. it seemed appropriate...
Yes it did happen.....
Yes it did happen.....
Last edited by atmdad; 09-08-10 at 11:13 AM.
09-08-10 | 03:18 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: vermont
Bikes: Many
a front freewheel system is used on trials bikes also. The right crank arms are is threaded for a spin-on type. It's used to gain ground clearance.
https://www.trials-uk.co.uk/files/eco...image-1179.jpg
https://www.trials-uk.co.uk/files/eco...image-1179.jpg
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