IRD Cyclone 5 Speed Freewheel - Shimano Compatible

I recommend this product

I have tried to replace old high quality (Shimano and Regina) Freewheels which have provided years of trouble free use and are no longer available. This due to the smallest ring teeth having worn out. The IRD Cyclone is the only freewheel which I have found "fit for purpose". All the low cost versions which I have purchased are noisy. They develop large amounts of bearing play after just a few miles and have to be "chucked away". I have found the left hand thread on the outer cone can't be accurately adjusted and secured (As with the Cyclone, you should be able to fit it and forget it.) I'm surprised that SJS Cycles would market the low cost ones as in my experience it's a waste of time fitting them.

I recommend this product

Bought to replace a worn out Regina on a 1983 Claud Butler. The lower gearing (32T) makes the local South Wales hills a bit more bearable. After the first ride (about 60 miles, including a pause by a windy beach) it was sounding pretty rough, as if sand had got into it. As the other reviewer did, I stripped and greased the bearings. It now runs smoothly and near silently. Apart from the lack of lubrication, it looks well finished and fair quality.

I recommend this product

It is nicely made, and good 5 speed freewheels are hard to get these days, but it is assembled with no internal lubrication, so the bearings are very noisy. I dismantled mine and greased it and now I'm very pleased with it. To be fair I've had others that have the same problem.