Hey thanks for the advice ultra. I wasn't clear with my question...sorry. I know I can switch my shift lever for the rear derailler to friction mode and the 8 speed will work fine. But if I want to use the index mode, I'm not sure if I can do that... If I can index 7 out of 8 gears (eliminating the lowest, which I never use anyway)? Actually you were very clear in your advice...thanks again!