7 Speed HG cassette compatablity
07-17-06, 10:52 AM
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7 Speed HG cassette compatablity
Are the 7 spd HG cassettes compatable with the Shimano hubbed wheels currently being sold? I have an older bike (1997) that I want to upgrade the wheels on.
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for your help!
07-17-06, 10:59 AM
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Current freehubs are made for 8.9 and 10-cassettes which are wider than 7-speeds. You can use a 7-speed cassette on them by adding a 4.5 mm thick spacer that fills in the extra width. Your LBS or many mailorder placed have them.
A bigger problem is that new wheels are 130 mm wide measured over the lock nuts while older 7-speed wheels (and their frames) were 126 mm. You can get a 130 mm wheel into most 126 mm frames with a bit of a struggle or have the frame "cold set" to the larger spacing. Steel and most Ti frames can be cold set. Aluminum and carbon frames should not be.
A bigger problem is that new wheels are 130 mm wide measured over the lock nuts while older 7-speed wheels (and their frames) were 126 mm. You can get a 130 mm wheel into most 126 mm frames with a bit of a struggle or have the frame "cold set" to the larger spacing. Steel and most Ti frames can be cold set. Aluminum and carbon frames should not be.
