question for all you compatability wizards...
 

I'm building up an 8sp dura ace downtube shifter bike. um, because I can. :)

stuff I have:

9sp dura ace RR DR

8sp dura ace downtube shifters

8sp cassette

10sp wheelset

7sp dura ace cranks and front DR

8sp dura ace hubset

So...should I/can I use the 10 speed wheelset with spacers and a longer BB axel to compensate for the chainline or should I build up the 8 speed hubs(money tends to be a limiting factor, but not if it won't work with what I have). I am also a little paranoid about building up the old dura ace hubs only to have the flanges crack as they are of unkown origin and miles/abuse......

suggestions?

First, I would plug in all of that stuff here: http://www.wheelworks.co.nz/drivetrain.php

cool site. didn't really tell me much about the 10 speed wheelset/chainline thing though....or the 7sp crankset... also has anyone had any similar experiences of hub flanges snapping on older used hubs when spokes are brought up to tension?

Is it 10 speed specific, ie only 10 speed cassettes fit? If so you are a no go with the 8 speed cassette. If it is 8/9/10 speed compatible you should be fine. Chainline will be the same 8/9/10 speed.

I'm running it as a single speed set up with spacers right now so I guess maybe it's 8/9/10 compatible? By only 10 speed compatible are you talking about the dura ace wheelsets with the deeper splines on the freehub body or is it something else?

Oooh wow. Search google for Sheldon's Shimano compatability page. It's got some good info about mixing and matching stuff. In general, it is the shifters that do the cable pulling and hence, the shifting. The deraillers don't matter so much. There is one exception and that is 8 speed Dura-Ace like you've got. It's not compatible with any other Shimano shifter mechanism other than it's own.