Chain for 3 Speed Freewheel

[Johnsqual]

Hello,

Does anyone know what size chain I would need for a 3 speed freewheel, i.e. the type of freewheel that would work with a 1950s Huret Tour de France or Simplex Tour de France type pull-chain type derailleurs?

Would an ordinary 5 speed chain be likely to work?

Cheers,

Johnny

 

[OldTel]

Hi, its all down to the freewheel, its either for for a 1/8 or 3/32 chain, the 1/8 size is fixed / bmx , while 3/32 is your standard 5/6 speed from the latter part of the 20th century ( the pitch is the same ). Its then down to the travel on the simplex or huret, generally there were two sizes - 3 speed 1/8 / 4 speed on 3/32 or 4 speed 1/8 / 5 speed on 3/32. The maximum travel will always be tricky to keep perfect, and the number of teeth needs to be kept to a minimum if possible, but enjoy. Terry

 

[keithglos]

Most 1950s gear mechs in the UK were 5 speed 1/2 x 3/32 inch. Some lesser bikes used 1/2 x 1/8 with 3 or 4 speed. The 3 speed 1/2 x 1/8 were used in France and Italy on the sort of bikes that would have had Sturmey Archer hub gears in the UK.
The 3/32 chain is a lot smoother running out of line than 1/8

Keith

 

[Jonny69]

I agree - use 3/32" chain (5-6 speed) unless it won't go over the teeth, in which case you'll have to use 1/8" (single speed chain).