Bicycle Mechanics - 8 speed Vs. 10 speed cassett spacing

I have a great set of old Rolphs running 8 speed. I jusy got a new bike with Mavic Aksiums, they are **** heavy boring...is an 8 speed cass the same space? can I just change cassestts?:love:

Spacing refers to the distance between cogs (center-to-center). The spacing for 8-speed vs 10-speed is different. See here: http://sheldonbrown.com/k7.html#spacing

But it sounds like you may be talking about the overall width of the cassette (from the the first cog to the last). The overall width of a 10-speed is slightly narrower than an 8-speed or 9-speed. Those wheels can take an 8-, 9-, or 10-speed cassette (actually 6- or 7-speed, too). Just make sure you use the Mavic spacer behind any Shimano(-compatible) cassette--the spacer should have come with the wheel.

By the way, if you went with a 10-speed cassette, you'd also need a very thin spacer. You'd also need a different spacer for 7-speed.

Most 10 speed cassettes will fit on the same freehubs that fit 8 speed cassettes. Just make sure you remove the spacer from the wheelset that had the 10 speed cassette on it and place it on the other wheelset that previously had the 8 speed cassette. 10 speed cassettes are actually more narrow than 8 or 9 speed cassettes.

If the shifters are indexed they won't work with a 10-speed cassette. For 10-speeds you need 10-speed shifters, cassette, and chain.

Al

Al, The post isn't completely clear but it sounds like he bought a new bike that is a 10 speed bike but wants to throw an old set of wheels on it that he was using on an 8 speed bike.

Thanks Guys. I was refering to the hubs/freebody width to hold 8speed Vs 10 speed. seems as though I can do it. so goody for me.
Thanks
The Hammer Dog:thumb: