Bicycle Mechanics - 8 speed to 10 speed wheel?

I checked around and saw a few threads on this, but wanted to be sure about it.

I have an older wheel I was hoping to modernize and have as a backup. It currently has an 8-speed Shimano HG cassette with a Shimano 600 hub.

I was hoping to put a 10-speed Sram cassette on there. Spacing does look to be 126mm.

Is this possible? Some say you need a spacer, some seem to say it won't work, some say I'll need to redish the wheel. I'd be using it with modern Sram Force shifters.

Not in a huge need for a wheel, but wouldn't hurt to have a backup. But, if it's more trouble than it's worth or will result in bad shifting, rattling, etc...might not try it.

Thanks for the help!

Maybe the new 10 speed cassette freehub driver assembly
will go on the hub flange part of the wheel.
+ some spacers and a longer axle to make it into a 130 wide .

It will work with a 10 speed cassette. Just have to make sure it's a "compact" body if you intend to use an 11T last cog. Otherwise you'll have to do some grinding.

Spacing looks like 126mm? Measure and find out. 126mm 8-speed was never produced, but it's possible someone spaced your wheel down like that to fit in an older frame.


Maybe the new 10 speed cassette freehub driver assembly
will go on the hub flange part of the wheel.


What in the world are you talking about? Shimano/SRAM freehubs that are 8S compatible are also 9 and 10 speed compatible.

Thanks for the replies. I measured again. The frame is definitely 130mm spacing. Using Verniers though the Over Locknut Distance looks to be 127.5mm. I can't get a great measurement because the spokes/cassette don't allow me to seat the tool right on the locknuts.

Why would the spacing be off so much? I'm confused.

On another note, nope, I'd be using something like a 12-25 or a 12-23, never an 11 tooth. Does that mean I'll be alright putting a 10-s cassette on there no matter what the O.L.D.? And, am I going to need to redish the wheel or will it be alright as is?

Thanks!

Yes, you can put a 10-speed cassette on that hub no matter what the OLD is and, I expect is really is 130 mm or close enough it doesn't matter. As you have discovered, it's almost impossible to accurately measure the actual OLD with a cassette in place.

Does the wheel slip into the dropouts without a lot of gap on either side and without compressing the chainstays a lot when you tighten the qr? If so, the OLD is fine. Also, if the wheel dish is ok now, it will be ok no matter what cassette you install.

HillRider, Thanks! That's some great info. I'll check out the spacing/fit question when I get the chance later today.

Thanks for clearing thing up though!

Okay, just to check back.

Took the 8-speed cassette off, popped on the 10-speed Sram, an 11x23 setup. Then put the wheel on a bike that had been running 12x25 10-s Sram. Shifting seems pretty good, though I probably have one link too many?

Not too concerned as this is my around town/lock up bike and doesn't see strenous riding really. Too long is better than too short though and I know some folks go for the "as long as possible" chain length. Might need to play with the RD a bit, but for now seems to be running smoothly.

Thanks for the feedback! Now I have my first official spare/back up wheelset. Nice.

12x25 to 11x23, don't worry about it. I go between an 11x28 and a 12x23 on my road bike. The chain is sized for the 28 of course. I would guess that your chain is not even one link "too long" with the 11x23.

12x25 to 11x23, don't worry about it. I go between an 11x28 and a 12x23 on my road bike. The chain is sized for the 28 of course. I would guess that your chain is not even one link "too long" with the 11x23.

Thanks, Jake! Cool. Good to know.