5spd freewheel swap

[Daddybus]

I bought this bike with this 'close ratio' 5 speed regina freewheel 14 -19tooth. This is far too hardcore for me especially with a single chainwheel, also the chain catches on the spokes when on the largest cog which obviously is not ideal. Anyhoo I've got this 5 speed shimano freewheel from an old puch which I can swap it with (hopefully) Being a sturmey man I've no idea when it comes to these fandangled derallieur doofers ...how do I remove /swap / replace these?

I suppose I need 'a tool' they both appear to have 2 dimples although they are different makes are the tools universal?

 

[midlife]

Those little dimply things are the races, undo them (left hand thread) and there will be ball bearings all over the shop.

It will be cheaper to drop the wheel of at an LBS and ask them to whip the Regina off for peanuts. Then buy new freewheel and chain and replace both new so that you know they will work. Sunrace nicked Sturmey Archer kit and their freewheels are cheap but reasonable.

Cheaper than buying the freewheel removers yourself and trying to get them off

Shaun

 

[raleighnut]

^^^^^+1 often when I've bought a new freewheel I can get the new one fitted free.

 

[mjr]

The freewheel removers aren't universal. Search the Park Tool website to see some of the variations.

I'd standardise on one if you can and keep the tool for that, while asking a shop to remove the others as needed - some will do it for free or nearly if you're buying the new part from them. It'll probably need to be the sort of shop that will work on utility or vintage bikes, not only bling.

I'm trying to standardise on 12-tooth (I think) Shimano compatible as I've got the tool and it's less prone to slip/skip and round off than most.

 

[mjr]

Which reminds me... on that pictured one, the removal teeth are probably hidden by the lock nuts, but it might be an older variation.

 

[midlife]

IIRC the Regina Corsa used a 2 prong removal tool.........

Hopeless system, Have a cup of tea and ask the LBS, they can sweat over it

Shaun

 

[Daddybus]

Looks like a new one then.... Any recommendations make / tooth range? ...I haven't got a chainwheel yet but I expect it will probably be around a 46 tooth?? I'm no racer just want something that will get a 50yr old up the occasional hill without killing me off ..

 

[mjr]

SunRace still seem plentiful (I suspect they may still be making them) and there's lots of New Old Stock Sachs, Shimano and Sturmey Archer around. I'd go for one of them. I'm currently riding a 14-28 (with a 52/39 double up front) - I don't mind walking but I don't think I've needed to yet but it's only really been used in Norfolk and London so far, none of which are that steep (and then fens, which are comically flat).

 

[midlife]

What rear mech are you using as that has a bearing on what range you can use.

Shaun

 

[Daddybus]

Its got this huret one on at the moment ...ive had a look thru the shed & ive also got a 'svelto' & an 'svx' if any good?

 

[midlife]

A Suntour SVX ?

Shaun

 

[Daddybus]

Yes.....

 

[mikeymustard]

Crikey that is close ratio, all the cogs look the same! You should be fine with 28t, if the Huret won't cope that svx will I'm sure.
I've got a suntour 2 pronged tool you can borrow if needs be but chances are the Regina spacing will be different

 

[Daddybus]

Thanks Mikey.. Before I spend any money I'm gonna try the wheels from my Dawes (right size wheel but steel, good 'spread' of gears) try it on a few hills, see if it all works then I'll have a benchmark guide of what to buy from the lbs (& have them remove / fit it) for the alloys I want to fit... Sounds like a plan? ...carry on...

 

[mikeymustard]