Painting Steel Frame Road Bike

[2mbb]

None of the better units come in the old style and for me I'm not all that sure it'd matter. I'm not racing, just commuting.

You can also purchase a claw adapter so you can use a derailleur that requires a hanger.

Campagnolo, Shimano and SRAM Bicycle Rear Derailers from Harris Cyclery

 

[Jetboy]

Thanks for all the info. I'm a complete novice to this stuff. Although believe it or not I actually do know how to ride a bike. So I've got that going for me...

So I see on 2mbb's link that the screw on the back of the derailleur is connected to the dropout/flange. Is that how it's supposed to be? The derailleur on the one I'm working on has the claw and a hole, but the flange area on the dropout is pressed such that the mounting hole is not on the same plane as the dropout slide area. Does that make sense? If I put the hole from the derailleur over the corresponding hole on the flange, it will then have a gap between the claw portion and the slide area, so when the wheel goes on the skewer wouldn't fit correctly. I can't find a similar pic, but it's really similar to this pic. See where the top hole that's unused is pressed to offset it? The rear hole where the derailleur screw would to is similarly pressed offset on mine.

Anyway does the derailleur need to have that screw installed? I just don't see how it could work on mine.

Also the new shifters are index shifters.

Thanks.

 

[wxm]

Thanks for all the info. I'm a complete novice to this stuff. Although believe it or not I actually do know how to ride a bike. So I've got that going for me...

So I see on 2mbb's link that the screw on the back of the derailleur is connected to the dropout/flange. Is that how it's supposed to be? The derailleur on the one I'm working on has the claw and a hole, but the flange area on the dropout is pressed such that the mounting hole is not on the same plane as the dropout slide area. Does that make sense? If I put the hole from the derailleur over the corresponding hole on the flange, it will then have a gap between the claw portion and the slide area, so when the wheel goes on the skewer wouldn't fit correctly. I can't find a similar pic, but it's really similar to this pic. See where the top hole that's unused is pressed to offset it? The rear hole where the derailleur screw would to is similarly pressed offset on mine.

Anyway does the derailleur need to have that screw installed? I just don't see how it could work on mine.

Also the new shifters are index shifters.

Thanks.

Not sure I fully understood you. The picture looks right. If you are talking about the top hole on top the frame dropout, ignore that. It has nothing to do with the derailleur. Those are the eyelets for the rack/fender mount. The derailleur screws into the bottom hole on the bracket. Though, you are bringing the derailleur out by about 3mm, you might have to re-adjust the stopper to accommodate that.

 

[2mbb]

I've never used one of these claws before (that I remember). The screw is there to keep the claw from rotating. It would be best if it screwed into a threaded hole (that makes sense, but it may not). It could be that the screw simply fits in the end of the dropout slot for the wheel axle. This would stop the derailleur from rotating, but it woule seem that any time you take the wheel off, the derailleur would fall off, too.

edit: this thread indicates there is a nut that fits inside the dropout to hold the claw onto. I would expect any nut would come with the derailleur or claw adapter.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?p=1470151

 

[Jetboy]

Here's what it looks like. You can see that the derailleur has no way to attach permanently. It does fall loose if you loosen the wheel. It obviously has a hole for some type of attachment screw. You can also see that it cannot go all the way back of the dropout unless it's rotated so that the hole on the derailleur where the screw/bolt would go is either up or down to offset such that it doesn't hit the pressed area. Both bikes are different brands, but same vintage and have very similar drop outs. You can see a pic of the other side that matches. It also shows where the hub sits in the dropout for the correct wheel alignment because of the spacing.

 

[2mbb]

Here's a picture of a claw adapter and a screw and the nut. You can also purchase just the screw and nut from here: Loose Screws Bicycle Small Parts - FORMERLY THE THIRD HAND/LOOSE SCREWS

The screw and bolt are needed (1) to keep the derailleur from falling off when you remove the wheel and (2) to keep the derailleur from rotating counter clockwise, which would then make your chain slack. The nut sits inside the slot of the rear dropout. Your wheel will probably be mounted a little bit farther forward then it is in the pictures above.

 

[wxm]

Here's what it looks like. You can see that the derailleur has no way to attach permanently. It does fall loose if you loosen the wheel. It obviously has a hole for some type of attachment screw. You can also see that it cannot go all the way back of the dropout unless it's rotated so that the hole on the derailleur where the screw/bolt would go is either up or down to offset such that it doesn't hit the pressed area. Both bikes are different brands, but same vintage and have very similar drop outs. You can see a pic of the other side that matches. It also shows where the hub sits in the dropout for the correct wheel alignment because of the spacing.

As 2mbb pictured, you actually are missing a screw (with a tab) on your current derailleur. The tab will slide into the end of the dropout. That way the screw with the tab and the axle provide two points to pin down the derailleur hanger in place (prevent it from spinning). The same idea with the adapter.

 

[Jetboy]

Thanks guys! I'll have to get a couple of those. I wonder why neither bike had them installed? I think both bikes are pretty much original condition. Just sat outside for a long time. I know my parents bought them new back in the late 70's, but they did ride them a lot. Anyway I'll have to get a couple of those screw/tab sets.