Can I easily swap a rear wheel with 5 speeds for one with 6?
07-23-12, 11:11 AM
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Can I easily swap a rear wheel with 5 speeds for one with 6?
Hi. I have a basic newbie question. I have a 1980 Raleigh Reliant 10 speed that I plan on using as a commuter. It has 27" steel wheels that I want to swap with a pair of 27" aluminum ones I have lying around. However the aluminum wheel has a 6 speed freewheel instead of 5. Would this cause a problem with anything?
Thanks!
Thanks!
07-23-12, 11:14 AM
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I doubt you'll have any problems but you'll probably have to readjust your rear derailleur. Why don't you trial fit the wheel onto your bike and see what happens?
07-23-12, 01:39 PM
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incazzare.
If for some reason your RD can't handle the 6 speed freewheel, you could just take it off and put on the 5 speed one from the other wheel.
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07-23-12, 05:39 PM
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Hi. I have a basic newbie question. I have a 1980 Raleigh Reliant 10 speed that I plan on using as a commuter. It has 27" steel wheels that I want to swap with a pair of 27" aluminum ones I have lying around. However the aluminum wheel has a 6 speed freewheel instead of 5. Would this cause a problem with anything?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Second, measure the distance from the freewheel stop to the end of the drive side lock nut on the new wheel...
If it is 36mm or greater, then both the 5 speed AND 6 speed freewheel will work.
If less than 36mm, then you are stuck with the 5 speed freewheel.ec
The fact the new wheel already has a 6-speed freewheel on it indicates the 6-speed setup is already set. So now you are dealing with 120/122mm versus 126mm. Check the old wheel OLD - that'll tell you what the frame was set for.
=8-)
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5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
07-24-12, 12:57 PM
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Making the derailleur work with six speeds may require resetting the limit screws. If the hub measures 120/122 over the locknuts, then you probably won't need to do that because the freewheel is extra narrow.
beyond that, if it is 126, you may need to spread the frame apart and then bend the dropouts back with a large wrench so they bear squarely on the hub. Some say you don't need to do that but I experienced slippage when I tried to do without. I would do this even if your rear wheel is bolt-on because the misaligned frame can put a stress on the axle causing it to always run a little bent, and the bearings may wear out prematurely.
beyond that, if it is 126, you may need to spread the frame apart and then bend the dropouts back with a large wrench so they bear squarely on the hub. Some say you don't need to do that but I experienced slippage when I tried to do without. I would do this even if your rear wheel is bolt-on because the misaligned frame can put a stress on the axle causing it to always run a little bent, and the bearings may wear out prematurely.
07-24-12, 01:44 PM
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Easily ? 120(5)>126(6) 7 was made to go in 6 speed frames,
[8th was added with 7 speed stack spacing, so needed another 4mm ]
[8th was added with 7 speed stack spacing, so needed another 4mm ]
07-28-12, 11:02 PM
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I did that with my Moto B. I had to shim the axle with two very thin washers at about 1.5mm or 60 thousandths of an inch to allow the chain on the small cog to clear the derailleur hanger nut (I may take the nut down a bit and ditch the washers). Works fine though a 126 mm axle would be better. When I have the frame repainted, I'll have the droputs straighten to 126mm width (or 130mm maybe).
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07-29-12, 06:41 AM
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Shifters. If you have indexed shifters, you are bound to the 5 speed, if they're friction, you shouldn't have a problem.
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