Possibly a silly question.

[SirLurkalot]

I'm starting to make a list of parts needed for my 1980 Dawes Galaxy restoration. I'm going to need to replace the 5 speed freewheel.

Can I use an indexed freewheel with friction shifters? I know it doesn't work the other way around. Choice for non indexed is a bit limited.

 

[sjcprojects]

I can't see any reason why not; when it comes to friction shifters anything goes really, as far as I know (and in my experience with 6/7 speed freewheels, both retro and modern). I've never even thought about it before to be honest, the best thing about friction rather than indexing is you don't have to worry about any of that stuff...

 

[hamster]

Yes, no problem. Indexed freewheels have the extra ramp cutouts and shorter teeth, but run fine (although they don't last as long!)