Bicycle Mechanics - 6 speed cassette to 7 coversion questions.

I'm currently cleaning up and servicing an old Team Fuji bike that I bought a week ago. So far I have completely stripped the entire bike down to every bolt and pin including the derailleurs. Everything is back together including the new components I have added, except for the rims and tires. My problem comes down to the chain, cassette and derailleurs. The derailleurs are Suntour Superbe and the wheels had a 6 speed freewheel cassette(Right terminology):confused: I am ordering a new set of wheels and I know I have to order a new cassette. I do not want a 9 speed conversion so I don't have to buy new chain, derailleurs(or pulleys). If you change out the pulleys would it work with 9 speed chain and cassette??? I'm have problems finding the proper cassette to work with my bike. I have a 7 speed cassette but it's a 11T-28T which I think might be to large. The only other cassette I have found is a

Shimano 7 speed (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=8113)

I assume with a spacer, which I have, this should work. I will get the 11T-24T version. I only want the 7 speed so I can use the existing chain as I think the changes take place at 8 and 9 speed.Any suggestions??? Sorry for the long drawn out post I can't decide what I want. I would rather not order an all new 9 speed system.

First you have to understand the difference between a freewheel and cassette.You probably have a freewheel. Your rear dropout spacing is probably 126mm, and current road wheels use 130 spacing.if your frame is steel it can be spread. You can buy a shimano compatible 8/9 rear wheel and use a 7 speed casette on the hub by putting a 4.5mm spacer on the hub before the cassette. You aso to get the right diameter wheel,either 700c or 27". Nashbar has inexpensive wheels that will accept 7 speed freewheels. If you get a 8/9 soeed wheel and use a 7 speed cassette on it,just use a sram 8 speed chain,and the whole business works.

Sheldon Brown has several helpful and clarifying articles on the subject. Harris also sells the upgrade parts and will help you to order the right stuff. Start at: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/freewheels.html

If your shifter can be set up for friction rather than index and you do not mind spreading the frame a bit then go ahead and get wheel that will take an eight speed cassette and put one on. Use a road gearing 12-26, 11-23 and your old der should handle it, they swung a bigger range than six gears.
You could also save some money on a nine speed conversion by using Dura/Ace downtube shifters, they are a lot cheaper than the STI and will look "right" on your frame.

On my old road bike, I went from 5 to 6 to 7speed freewheel with no modification, but I do use friction levers.
It is a screw-on freewheel, not a splined freehub. I didnt have to spread the dropouts. There is usualy sufficient room at the chainstays to accept some extra cogs.

Originally posted by Rev.Chuck
If your shifter can be set up for friction rather than index and you do not mind spreading the frame a bit then go ahead and get wheel that will take an eight speed cassette and put one on. Use a road gearing 12-26, 11-23 and your old der should handle it, they swung a bigger range than six gears.
You could also save some money on a nine speed conversion by using Dura/Ace downtube shifters, they are a lot cheaper than the STI and will look "right" on your frame.

Yes my shifter is already a friction downtube Suntour and I am keeping it. I should have the wheels by next week. I won them on ebay, set of Mavic CXP21's with Ultegra hubs. I am going to purchase the Shimano HG50 7 speed and spread the frame. I have a choice of 11-24 or 12-21 on the cassette. I think the 12-21 will fit my components the best and I can't see myself ever using the 11 anyway. I received my new Michelin Pro Race clinchers on Friday and all I need is a few tubes, cassette and new pump or CO2. I'm within days of having a complete road bike, I can't wait.:beer:

As long as it is flat the 21 should be OK, if you have hills you might want the 24.
You will need a spacer to put the seven speed on that Ultegra hub. No biggie, about three bucks.