Bicycle Mechanics - How many sprockets on a 126 mm hub?

How many sprockets can I max have on a 126 mm wide hub??? I got 6 right now but I am thinking of going up to 8 or 9. Is that possible? I have a old Shimano 600 rear deraileur with non-index shifting so I dont have to change rear deraileur right?

How many sprockets can I max have on a 126 mm wide hub??? I got 6 right now but I am thinking of going up to 8 or 9. Is that possible? I have a old Shimano 600 rear deraileur with non-index shifting so I dont have to change rear deraileur right?Seven,without changing the hub body and redishing the wheel,assuming a casette. If a freewheel,there are 7 and 8 available,but 8 is not without issues.

Seven,without changing the hub body and redishing the wheel,assuming a casette. If a freewheel,there are 7 and 8 available,but 8 is not without issues.

I wouldn't bet on redishing an 8/9 speed freehub body on a frame with 126mm dropouts. People have enough problems with the amount of dishing that is required on a frame with 130mm dropouts.

The issue with 8 speed spin-on freewheels is the location of the rightmost axle bearing. The axle bearing on such a hub is almost at the centerline of the bike frame. The result is easily bent axles. Cassette hubs solved that problem by making it possible to relocate the axle bearing much closer to the dropout.

Ok, if I put on a new hub, 130 mm, how many sprockets could I run then without having to change deraileur. I have a Shimano 600 (mid 80-ties) with non-indexed friction shifters on the downtube.

Ok, if I put on a new hub, 130 mm, how many sprockets could I run then without having to change deraileur. I have a Shimano 600 (mid 80-ties) with non-indexed friction shifters on the downtube.

I'm thinking 9 if you also get a 9-speed chain. I don't know anything about 10-speed stuff so I can't say about that. Depending on how sloppy that derailleur has become, you might have to develop a real subtle touch with your friction shifters.

Sloppy deraileur is not a problem since I am riding on my old one until I change hub, then I'll put on a N.O.S. Shimano 600 that I found on ebay, so that one will definately not have any play. But, do I have to change chainrings in front if I use a smaller 9-speed chain???

I'm thinking 9 if you also get a 9-speed chain. I don't know anything about 10-speed stuff so I can't say about that. Depending on how sloppy that derailleur has become, you might have to develop a real subtle touch with your friction shifters.10 speed fits on the same width hub.

Sloppy deraileur is not a problem since I am riding on my old one until I change hub, then I'll put on a N.O.S. Shimano 600 that I found on ebay, so that one will definately not have any play. But, do I have to change chainrings in front if I use a smaller 9-speed chain???No...............But be sure you have a frame that can be spread to handle the wider hub. Shouldn't do it with aluminum or CF if the dropouts are 126mm.