I've decided to go with either a Suntour or Shimano 5 speed cluster, NOS. I've sourced several different models and tooth counts and they'll fasten to my English threaded hub with no problems from all that I've read.

NOS Mailards are out there, but rather expensive and apparently not as good a quality as the higher end Japan model offerings.

Heading out to a LBS tomorrow, who has what I need in stock.

Test-fitted a Falcon 5-speed unit a from a LBS as it was the only one in stock. It felt just "OKAY" spinning in hand, but once fitted to the wheel, the amplified bearing contact sound was atrocious.

Opted and purchased an IRD freewheel. THIS thing is SHWEET! Super smooth, whisper quiet, sealed and of quality construction! Shifts like a dream coupled up to my Huret Jubilee DR.

Reference photo only. I got the matching 5-speed offering.
https://www.interlocracing.com/freewheels_steel.html



Purchased a 13-24 from...
https://www.bilenky.com/store/scripts...p?idproduct=72

I agree Falcon products I've encountered are of dubious quality,
so thanks for this info....does it take a proprietary removal tool
or is it set up to use Shimano or one of the other standards?

The Parks FR-7 removal tool (that I purchased for the Falcon) fits nicely!

Although it is stated to be slightly larger than the FR-1, (The shape of the FR-7 looks similar to the FR-1 (for Shimano® , Sun Race® , Sachs® and similar freewheels) it works fine on the IRD.

https://www.parktool.com/product/freewheel-remover-fr-7

I agree that 700 series Maillard FWs might not have the close tolerance/precision that high line Japanese FWs might have, but they are definitely tough and dependable. You might compare their toughness to the dependability of a Kalashnikov. Kinda rough at the edges, but they will not let you down as long as you give them the minimum required maintenance.............except maybe for the Helicomatics....

Chombi

I'll certainly give (the most likely original) old Maillard due props, as it was only sprocket / tooth worn from age (and running with a worn / stretched chain didn't help it). Rotation wise, it was still good. I just couldn't locate a reasonable same manufacturer replacement for this (new to me) bike, and didn't want to take a chance on a used FW.

Luckily, if he has a 700 hub that will take a threaded FW, he cannot fall victim to a Helicomatic.

Wow, that is a beautiful picture and a great looking hub. Thank you for sharing!

Raleigh bike = Englis bike = English threading makes sense, Anyway, do yourself a favor and go English so you won't have trouble finding freewheels for it in the future.

Chombi