Shimano 6 speed freewheels

[chillyuk]

I started a discussion some months ago about the new design of Shimano 6 speed freewheels where the two biggest sprockets are rivetted to the assembly and sit on spacers rather than being fastened directly onto the freewheel body. I hadn't seen this before and was a little concerned as to the strength of the assembly, but have had no problems. Yesterday I was out for a ride on my hybrid when the chain shifted off the big sprocket and dropped down between the freewheel and the wheel spokes where it jammed solid. I could not get the chain free because it was wedged under the rivet heads, and I didn't want to use too much force and risk damaging the spokes. I ended up splitting the chain and pulling it free along it's length, then re-threading it all. I have also reset my derailleur stop screw so it wont happen again. With the old style freewheel that wasn't rivetted this wouldn't have been a problem. I guess that's progress!

 

[Brommyboy]

A trapped chain can often be released simply by wheeling the cycle backwards, which winds the chain out of where it is trapped.

 

[Paulus]

A trapped chain can often be released simply by wheeling the cycle backwards, which winds the chain out of where it is trapped.

+1.

 

[chillyuk]

Normally I agree, but the chain was jammed solid, and because of the rivet heads I couldn't get it past between the rivet head and the spoke. If the chain wont give at all you can wheel the bike any direction you like and it wont free off.

 

[Alembicbassman]

Use a plastic spoke sheild. Looks naff, but stops jams