Chain and Freewheel question
 

So after lurking around this section one night recently I came across an old Cilo ten speed with full Dura-Ace and it was purple and in my size and I just had to go for it, for whatever stupid and reckless reason. Now I am going through the task of figuring out parts I might need and chains and freewheels are pretty high up there.

I am not looking to just go out and search for old used Dura-Ace stuff but newer stuff up to the same snuff or close enough to it (or better?) to replace any old stuff and keep on hand for the future. I was looking at IRD (Interloc Racing Design) and their 5 speed but I have heard mixed reviews? So I am wondering if they are decent or is there a better 5 speed FW on the market. A friend recommended old Regina NOS but not looking to do a lot of eBaying and similar searching and would rather get it through one of my shops distributors or from a still in business company unless that is silly.

Also what chain should I go with? In the same vein.



Thanks in advance. Also thanks for making me spend my hard earned ducats on that gawjussss bike. Who knew I would be adding a vintage bike to my fleet on impulse.

When I get the old gal cleaned and polished I might have to share some pics.

So, is this a mid-70s Cilo with 1st gen Dura-Ace? 531 frame & forks? As a member of the Cilo-owners club, I'd love to see pics. I have an early 70s Cilo that came with a mix of Campy and other continental parts. Cilo also sold a number of re-badged Vitus 979 frames in the mid- to late-80s, which were often built with Dura Ace 7400 groups, but I suspect you have an earlier one since you are looking to replace a 5-speed FW. I don't believe Dura Ace made freewheels with their 1st gen group. My Cilo came with a Sedis chain and Atom freewheel. Those come up on ebay with some regularity, but you're likely to pay a premium for NOS Regina or Sedis chains. The premium paid is for retrogrouches (like me) and is not directly related to performance. I'd recommend a Suntour or Sachs freewheel if you want vintage, and a new chain to go with it. Chains are not my expertise--I tend to stick with a few favorites--but I know several members swear by modern 8/9/10-speed IRD chains on 5-6-7 friction drivetrains.

I'd also recommend a side of bacon. You're missing out. :p

What's the rear spacing? If it was 126mm or close to 126 you could probably fit a 6 or 7sp freewheel. I have not yet used an IRD freewheel (but would like to try because they look nice). I do use the Shimano MF-TZ__ freewheels however, because they are crazy cheap, and quite good for a consumable item. I also like that they are very nearly silent. I use a KMC X10.93 chain with a MF-TZ20 (6sp) and Dura-Ace 7800 rear and front derailleur, 7400 double crankset. I found that to use the 7800 derailleurs however, I could no longer use the 8 speed chain I had bought to use with the original campy parts (Too wide? Made a lot of rubbing noises going through the derailleurs). In your case I would stick with 8-speed or lower chain. KMC was cheap. So that's what I went with. Their Missing Link works pretty well too.

i have two ird 5-speeds and they're fine. nothing to brag so much about, but no worries either. they're incredibly quiet while coasting -- good for sneaking up on peds. they're about $50 compared to the 'clickier' sunrace ones for $17. not sure i'd put either in the dura ace category. if i could get a 6 or 7 on yours, i would try. suntour made some winners.

Nice.

I have a few NOS or nearly NOS Regina 5 speed freewheels (some ORO) that would of course be appropriate. I can also set you up with Shimano 600 6 speed that are pretty nice. I'd personally run a new SRAM or KMC 8 speed chain on a 5 or 6 speed freewheel. They cross chain nicely to the big-big or little-little combo. :D

A couple of years ago, there was an issue with quality control on the IRD's. The issues were addressed quickly and are no longer an issue. About that time I purchased a 7spd. It is quiet and works well. Freewheels either work well or not. When they do, very few say anything but when they don't......

I have not used KMC chains but do run a SRAM 8spd. Looks nice, works well.

BTW, The IRD was used on my 83 Colnago. I have since changed to a near NOS Regina I picked up and I cannot believe how well it shifts! it is a CX/CXS or something close. My drive train is Campagnolo Super Record.

Actually it turns out that it is a 6 Speed so good news there. I might have a better time finding 6 speed stuff. So now I have to relook around but you all have been quite helpful.


Bob let me know about that 600 6 speed. I might be interested. I will also have to try SRAM. I run one on my Surly and have no complaints. Apparently their PC-1 single speed/fixed chain isn't great but their other chains seem good.

What range of gearing are you looking for?

KMC Z33 for 5 and 6 speed, KMC Z50 for 7 speed.

I've used several hundred of these chains.