Question about rear derailleur and friction shifting

[benseddon]

This may be a stupid question, apologies if it is.

My Raleigh/BSA racer runs a 5spd with down tube shifters. If I change the freewheel from 5spd to 7spd will I also need to change the rear derailleur as well or will the friction system be able to cope with the increase. I know if it was an index system then I would have to change but I've never really had any dealings with friction systems so am totally clueless about them.

 

[jon w]

Depends on the travel of the derailleur in terms of the side to side and the ratio range. A bit more detail of the components may assist

 

[mjray]

The reason these matter is that from 5 up to 8 speeds, the cassette gets wider, then 8 up to 11, the sprockets and chains get narrower, if I'm remembering right.

 

[benseddon]

I'll have to check on the component details but I believe it's a Sachs rear derailleur. D/t shifters are Sachs as are the brakes levers and chain set but I'll double check anyway.

 

[Little Al]

This may be a stupid question, apologies if it is.

My Raleigh/BSA racer runs a 5spd with down tube shifters. If I change the freewheel from 5spd to 7spd will I also need to change the rear derailleur as well or will the friction system be able to cope with the increase. I know if it was an index system then I would have to change but I've never really had any dealings with friction systems so am totally clueless about them.

The derailleur could work/or not OK on a 7 speed depending on make/type, but you will have to re space or replace the rear spindle depending if it's solid or hollow spindle, dish the rear wheel, to suit & maybe have the rear triangle reset to take the wider between lock nut distance, also a narrow chain

 

[BobToo]

I think it'll be a Sachs/Huret Eco derailleur.