New-to-me Batavus Champion - first restoration job

[Tel]

Re:

Great! Yup that is defo a freewheel.

Personally is replace it, probably with something a bit more spread out like a 14-26 (or something similar).

Always difficult to tell if it's knackered just by looking at it. I normally measure the chain to gauge as to whether the freewheel teeth are likely to be okay.

Best bet though is to stick a new chain and freewheel on and it'll run like new.

 

[ledet]

Sounds great. Do I need a specific kind of freewheel and chain size?

Would this work as a direct replacement:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/cycling ... 4-28t#tab3

 

[Tel]

Re:

I'd pay out for a Shimano one, they're still pretty cheap at about £12 (if you can't find one let me know and I'll check with my supplier). Chain wise you just need a 5, 6 & 7 speed compatible chain. Again go for a branded one like Shimano, KMC or SRAM. A few pounds in these two areas makes all the difference between running nice and running perfect.

 

[Tel]

Re:

Quick check reveals that my supplier doesn't supply decent 5 speed.

You may easily be able to upgrade to 6 or 7 speed actually by just buying the appropriate freewheel

 

[non-fixie]

It does look worn, especially the smaller cogs. You can replace the cogs, if the freewheel body is till OK, but it's probably easier to get a new freewheel. A modern freewheel will give you (much) improved shifting and it is also a chance to improve on the gearing. The Adamas RD should be able to handle a maximum cog size of 28 teeth, so a 14-28 FW would be my choice.

 

[gazza285]

The Adamas AX rear derailleur was one of the early Shimano indexing systems, the indexing was done in the derailleur itself and it is designed for a six speed block. Max sprocket size is 28, so a 14-28 six speed block would be the one to go for.

 

[ledet]

And will any new Shimano six speed freewheel fit the existing setup, or will I have to do modifications?

 

[gazza285]

If the rear derailleur and wheels are original, then the 6 speed block should fit, as this is what the bike would have been fitted with originally.

 

[twolegs]

that freewheel certainly looks goosed.. i wouldn't bother cleaning it up even... its up to you though.. looks can be decieving.. if its worn on the bearings or the chain rings you'd waste a lot of elbow grease on it.. if it sounds crunchy and noisy and hollow when it turns dont bother.. itll only bring you misery.. and if a new chain slips on the gears (especially the middle ones, they wear out with more use) then bin it.. then again.. if its not been used much there is hope