7sp -> 8sp freewheel
07-19-10, 08:19 AM
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7sp -> 8sp freewheel
Any opinions on whether its worth it to swap out my dying 7speed freewheel for an 8 speed I saw? This is on an old mountain bike gone hybrid. Shifters shouldn't be an issue either way.
07-19-10, 08:46 AM
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The 8-speed may be too wide for your hub and frame. 7-speed hubs have OLDs (over locknut dimension) of 126 mm with matching rear dropout spacing. 8-speeds are 130 mm OLD and frame spacing. Your hub probably won't take an 8-speed freewheel as the driveside locknut would be covered.
If it's truly a freewheel, not a cassette, 8-speeds are notorious for breaking axles due to the extra length of unsupported axle outside the driveside bearing.
If it's truly a freewheel, not a cassette, 8-speeds are notorious for breaking axles due to the extra length of unsupported axle outside the driveside bearing.
07-19-10, 09:05 AM
#4
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restatement: 7 speed is 126mm , to get #8 in you need a 130 spread.
I use Phil Wood freewheel rear hubs , Highly recommended.
they are built around very strong axles . I have had them, trouble free, on the back of my loaded camper touring bike, for a long time .
still made .. in California.
Oh and you have to pull off the last 2 cogs to get a grip on the freewheel removal tool,
on 8 speed freewheels , 2 chain whips needed.
my motto in this case, ''its not how many, its the ratios''. 7 is plenty.
I use Phil Wood freewheel rear hubs , Highly recommended.
they are built around very strong axles . I have had them, trouble free, on the back of my loaded camper touring bike, for a long time .
still made .. in California.
Oh and you have to pull off the last 2 cogs to get a grip on the freewheel removal tool,
on 8 speed freewheels , 2 chain whips needed.
my motto in this case, ''its not how many, its the ratios''. 7 is plenty.
Last edited by fietsbob; 07-19-10 at 09:14 AM.
07-19-10, 11:01 AM
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Well I think mine is set up for 135, I'd have to double check. The main reason I wanted the 8 is that I can get a 13-32 to replace a 14-28. Instead I'll probably get a 13-28, since I'd be better off with cruising gears, Florida doesn't have much evevation change.
The bike has enough serious shortcomings that I'm not going to put any big money into it.
The bike has enough serious shortcomings that I'm not going to put any big money into it.
