Replacing freewheel (cassette) on 81 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8

[skinks]

Hello,

I am new to the forum and although I have been riding since 1970 when I bought a used Schwinn Varsity, upgrading to a Voyageur in '81 and a Trek 700 several years ago . . . I am not very knowledgeable about bike repairs, especially when it comes to freewheels (or cassettes as a friend said it was a cassette). The original freewheel on my Voyageur (yes, I still love riding that old bike) seems to be shot and I can't find an identical one to replace it. It seems that particular Shimano model was only used a year or two from what I've been told. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks!!

 

[oldbobcat]

I don't know what kind of cassette or freewheel your Voyager has, either (but I'm betting its a 6- or 7-speed freewheel), but your local bike shop should be able to take a look at it and get you a suitable replacement. Or post a photo and we can find one for you.

The brand is pretty insignificant. What we really need to know is, freewheel or cassette, how many speeds, what size cogs.

 

[mpre53]

You can get a 6 or 7 speed Sun Race freewheel for less than $15 if you shop around. 13-28 is a typical size for a bike of that vintage.

Replace the chain, too, while you're at it.

 

[alfeng]

Quote:Originally Posted by skinks .
I am new to the forum and although I have been riding since 1970 when I bought a used Schwinn Varsity, upgrading to a Voyageur in '81 and a Trek 700 several years ago . . . I am not very knowledgeable about bike repairs, especially when it comes to freewheels (or cassettes as a friend said it was a cassette). The original freewheel on my Voyageur (yes, I still love riding that old bike) seems to be shot and I can't find an identical one to replace it. It seems that particular Shimano model was only used a year or two from what I've been told. Any and all suggestions are welcome.


I concur with mpre53's suggestion ...

If your frame's rear triangle has 126mm spacing, then you can just go to eBay OR possibly your LBS where you can-and-will-want-to buy a 7-speed SunRace Freewheel with the particular tooth range that best suits your riding needs ...

• the SunRace Freewheel will have RAMPED cogs -- a good thing ...
  others, may not.
  

You will probably need a Freewheel removal tool for your current Freewheel (probably a SunTour) AND eventually one for your SunRace (?) Freewheel ...

• of course, you can always have your bike shop remove your current Freewheel ... I don't know how much they will charge ... if it's $5-or-less then I recommend that you consider having them do it ...
  a less elegant option (particularly, if the required Freewheel removal tool is not available) is to grind off the smallest cog to access the outer (moving) shell & then remove 'it' & then remove the core with a pipe wrench ...
  LEVERAGE IS ALWAYS AN ISSUE as far as I am concerned!!

BTW. If you opt for a new chain (recommended), then I recommend either an 8-speed or 9-speed Shimano chain. The latter may require a NEW chain tool while most older chain tools will generally work with an 8-speed chain.

 

[skinks]

Thanks everybody for the suggestions. Very helpful! It encouraged me to keep digging for answers and I fixed the bike (new chain, too) so that it's operable and safe. My next project--hopefully yet this summer--will be a complete overhaul and restoration to bring the 81 Voyageur to its original beauty. . .or as close to that as I can. This is a great forum with a lot of great ideas and now that spring finally broke here in northern Ohio it's time to put some miles down. Again, many thanks!!!