Classic & Vintage - Difference between 6 and 7 speed?

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Psychic Pimp

03-28-04, 10:05 PM

I have an early 80s Bridgestone road bike with a 6-speed cassette. To switch to a 7 speed, is it just a matter of switching the cassette and shifter? Is the hub spacing, wheel dish, etc. the same? I already have a newer rear derailleur so that is not an issue.

The reason I ask is that my shifter does not work very well and there seem to be more 7-speed shifters around. If it is a simple matter of a new shifter and cassette I think I may go ahead and change it out.

DieselDan

03-29-04, 07:42 PM

You may have a freewheel, not a cassette. You can just switch out to a 7 speed, adjust your rear der., and keep rolling. This is fine if your using friction shifters. If your thinking of upgrading to STI, the spacing may not be the same and it may be a waste of time and money to find and upgrade to a 7 speed feehub/cassette, as those are getting harder to find.