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Post by brianbutler on Sept 17, 2022 12:44:14 GMT
On my Sebring, I had to replace the recently installed NOS Falcon 5-speed freewheel I had bought on eBay. I am always looking for inexpensive 5-speed freewheels to keep my fleet going and this looked like a good deal but it wasn't. The freewheel was not made to close tolerances and the bearings quickly filled up with grit, especially on the dusty bike trail where I was using it. Ultimately it got noisy, created rolling resistance, and started wobbling slightly. The outboard cone/retainer was still tight but something inside is seriously messed up. I will do a postmortem inspection. I only got six rides and 197 miles out of this unit so I cannot recommend it.
For a replacement, I installed a Shimano Mega-range 6-speed (14-24 + 34, I believe), which required adjusting the axle spacing and re-dishing the wheel. The dropouts were already spaced 126mm.
Brian
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Post by wheelson on Sept 17, 2022 13:44:48 GMT
On my Sebring, I had to replace the recently installed NOS Falcon 5-speed freewheel I had bought on eBay. I am always looking for inexpensive 5-speed freewheels to keep my fleet going and this looked like a good deal but it wasn't. The freewheel was not made to close tolerances and the bearings quickly filled up with grit, especially on the dusty bike trail where I was using it. Ultimately it got noisy, created rolling resistance, and started wobbling slightly. The outboard cone/retainer was still tight but something inside is seriously messed up. I will do a postmortem inspection. I only got six rides and 197 miles out of this unit so I do cannot recommend it.
For a replacement, I installed a Shimano Mega-range 6-speed (14-24 + 34, I believe), which required adjusting the axle spacing and re-dishing the wheel. The dropouts were already spaced 126mm.
Brian
I will second Brian’s comments on the Falcon freewheel. At the shop we sometimes have to replace new, never ridden ones on bikes brought in that were purchased online or at discount houses. Five speed freewheels are tough, I recently bought a new old stock “skip tooth” online. It was frozen and I sadly had to return it. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by brianbutler on Sept 17, 2022 20:04:10 GMT
Following up on this, I disassembled the NOS Falcon and discovered at least part of the problem. There was absolutely no lubricant in the freewheel, bone dry and full of grit. I believe the grit got in there during the six rides where I used it. I am wondering if the grease evaporated over the decades of storage since this freewheel was built. There was no scarring on the bearing races, palls, etc. I am going to replace the ball bearings, lubricate it and see how it feels. I still suspect the quality is not great but would like to see how it works if properly lubricated.
Brian
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Post by brianbutler on Sept 17, 2022 21:27:33 GMT
Another followup. After lubricating and reassembling the Falcon with new ball bearings it seems very solid and smooth. Will it stay that way? I don't know and won't find out until the next time I need to replace a 5-speed but I will try to remember to post here when I do.
Brian
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