Vintage Freewheel Threading and Specs ( French Bikes )
Vintage freewheel threading isn’t a simple matter; just like many other components on older bikes, French, Italian and British bikes had their own proprietary threading. In other words, a freewheel from an Italian bike will not fit on a French rear hub of the same era. ISO became the industry standard in the 1980’s. Here are their different threadings:
- French threading: 1.366 x 25.4 tpi or 34.7 x 1mm
- British threading: 1.375 x 24 TPI or 34.80 x 1.058 mm
- Italian threading: 1.378″ x 24 TPI or 34.92 x 1.058 mm
- ISO threading: 1.375″ x 24 tpi or 34.92 x 1.058 mm
Maillard Course
- 1981
- 6 Speed
- Weight: 388 grams
- 13 – 21 Cog
- British Threaded, 1.375 x 24 TPI
- Removal Tool: Park Tool FR2 ( Two Prong )
Sachs
Sachs Maillard
- 6 Speed
- 1981
- 368 grams
- 14 – 20 Cogs
- British Threading 1.375 x 24 TPI
- Removal Tool: Park Tool FR2 ( Two Prong )
Maillard
Maillard
- Maillard
- 5 Speed
- 1975
- 414 Grams
- British Threading 1.375 x 24 TPI
- 14 – 26 Cogs
- Maillard Removal Tool
Atom Maillard
Atom Maillard
- 5 Speed
- 1980
- 378 grams
- 14 – 25 Cogs
- British Threading 1.375 x 24 TPI
- Park Tool FR4 Removal Tool
Removing Vintage Freewheels
Releasing a freewheel can be a difficult process, as the freewheel spins in the direction that you need to unscrew it. The method I used to use was to put the wheel against a wall to prevent it moving, then use my foot to push down with force on the freewheel release tool while holding the wheel with my hands to prevent it slipping sideways. It works nearly every time, and saves using any further tool like a chain whip. I will post a picture of this picture soon.
An Easy Way to Clean your Freewheel – Video
Cleaning a freewheel is never an easy job, especially when they’ve come off a vintage bike for years, perhaps decades. You can go into your local bike shop and easily spend $30 on cleaning tools and fluids for this job, but I find it unnecessary. There’s a simpler way that doesn’t require fancy brushes or branded soaps: just fold a piece of cardboard and place it in between the cogs and you will find the dirt will come off effectively.
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