From: tan@lynx.msc.cornell.edu.UUCP (David Tan,Box 219 Baker Lab,54810,2720402)
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles
Subject: Re: Question about Mavic Components and components in general
Date: 14 Aug 92 15:11:56 GMT
Organization: Cornell-Materials-Science-Center
Originator: tan@msc2.msc.cornell.edu

From article <1992Aug14.121543.7844@cis.ohio-state.edu>, by akins@cis.ohio-state.edu (Greg Akins):
> 
> I have three questions about getting a new group for my bike:
> 
> 1.  (The newbie question)  I still can't figure out the
> difference between a freewheel and a cassette.  Consequently,
> I don't know if I should get a freewheel hubset or a cassette
> hubset.  What is the difference and which is better.

The mechanism which allows you to coast ("freewheel") is built into the
gear cluster in a freewheel (hence its name), and built into the hub (or
freehub) in a cassette system.  The gear sprockets in a cassette (hence ITS
name) simply fit onto the freehub.  In principle, the cassette is a the better
system, since it allows the hub bearings to be spaced more widely apart
(supports the rear spindle better.)  Will you ever notice?  Maybe, and
maybe not.

> 
> 2.  To what degree can I mix components.  If I get a new derailleur,
> can I stay with the hub and freewheel/cassette that I have.  If
> I get a new derailleur, even though it may handle a 8-speed 
> freewheel/cassette, can I still use my old 6-speed freewheel/cassette.
> If I can use the new derailleur with the 6-speed freewheel/cassette,
> can I still use my 6-speed index shifters with the new derailleur.
> Once I switch shifters, do I have to replace the front-derailleur
> also.  Are uni-glide and hyperglide chains the same.
> 
These days, mixing and matching seems to work pretty well; some even say
you can mix Dura-Ace (which Shimano in its infinite wisdom says is 
incompatible with everything else) with non D/A parts, although your mileage
may vary on this. If your shifters are more than a couple of years old, 
however, they may not be compatible with newer equipment.

A new derailleur will always work with any freewheel.  The indexing mode
might not work, however, especially if your freewheel is old.  In any case,
if you're getting a new chain, and your old freewheel has many miles on it,
you should replace the freewheel also.

I don't think that Uni-Glide and Hype-R-Us Glide chains are the same, 
although I'm  not certain.  Nearly everyone I know who has HG chains, however,
has replaced them with Sedis.

> 3.  Does anyone have any experience with Mavic Components.  Or,
> has anyone seen any reviews of them.  I remember seeing a brief
> write-up that suggested that they may be better than even 
					   ^^^^^^
> Campy Record or Dura-Ace, but that Mavic doesn't produce them
> enough to be included as stock on any factory bikes.
> 
Better?  I don't know what you mean by that.  They are made exceptionally
well, although no better than Record (or, presumably, Dura-Ace)  Certainly
they work well, too, and they're very serviceable (a Mavic hallmark), more
serviceable than even Record.

Mavic, by the way, is little more than a glorified machine shop, which 
explains their low output.  Nor do they make everything themselves.
The crankset, for instance, is made by Stronglight, the brakes by Dia-Compe.
I haven't actually used their current gruppo; my experience is with the
old SSC line (an excellent gruppo, if you can live without indexing.)

But I'm also fond of Record/Chorus (would probably get it for myself, if
it didn't mean giving up my Super Record--yes, I'm in the Stone Age! :) )
and people I know rave about D/A.  They each have strengths and
weaknesses, and ultimately, it comes down to personal preference; any of
these  components will serve a person extremely well.

Just my .02

Dave
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles