eddiearniwhatev

Hi, I'm trying to switch out the wheelset on a vintage Gary Fisher "Hybrid", because the wheelset that came with the bike was inexplicably too large for any 700C tires I tried to put on it.

(To be accurate, I was capable of doing it with some effort but my girlfriend who owns the bike couldn't- we tried multiple brands and widths with no success, the specs were identical on the sidewalls of the tires we pulled off the bike to the new ones we put on- absurd-)

Question being, does the Shimano RD-M452 Mountain LX Rear Derailleur 7 Speed have enought range for a modern 8 speed hub? If not, what is a suitable replacement?

Thanks!

LesterOfPuppets

Some tires can be tight. What make/model are the new tires? You might consider getting a VAR or Koolstop bead jack.

Anyways, yeah, that derailer can shift across 8, no problemo.

alcjphil

You can't shift across an 8 speed cassette without an 8 speed shifter. However, you can install a 7 speed cassette on a hub designed for 8,9,10 speed cassettes with an additional spacer

LesterOfPuppets

If it's really vintage, with thumbshifters, you can switch them to friction mode and shift across the 8, but if it's only semi-vintage then yep, you'll need some 8-speed shifters to shift across all 8 cogs.

LesterOfPuppets

Have you tested the new tires on the new wheelset?

eddiearniwhatev

I am looking for a new wheelset, or I'm going to get a rim which fits the tires then lace it onto the original rim. Tried contis and schwalbes, 700C x 28-38, same ISO sizings as the ones we pulled off the original rims, still incredibly tight fit. Looks like we're stuck with seven speeds in any case - not wanting to switch out the shifters at this point. I'd rather build a new wheel or get a better wheelset. Thanks!

Bill Kapaun

Are you sure you don't have a 27" rim?
Which rim is it? Any markings?
Is the rim tape too thick?
You have a tire problem yet ask about a RDER**********?

LesterOfPuppets

I wouldn't guarantee that different wheels will make tire mounting easier. Tires should take a little bit of work to get on.

For wider tires, 28mm Clement LGG Strada are the easiest I have to mount. Then some 38mm Conti CX tires. Slightly tougher still are 32mm WTB All Terrain. For a really good workout I'll grab a 30mm Kenda Kwick 320g (much cursing is involved with these).

LesterOfPuppets

Hopefully they're not 27". Removing a 700c tire from a 27" rim usually requires destruction of the tire, IME.