Same as an 8-speed FW, they both require a 130MM spaced axel, resulting in a longer overhang from the bearings to the frame, more likely to bend/break the axel than if 7 speed at 126mm. I had way to many nice 7-speed hub wheelsets to just throw them all out when I finally converted my race bike to 8-speed in the early 90's. I set a few of my race wheelsets up with 8-speed freewheels and had no problems when I used them just for road racing while using casette hubs on my daily training wheels that were subject to more abuse and miles. One adaptation I also came up with was to put a 30mm OD sealed bearing toward the frame end of the axel (on a "cone" from a sealed bearing hub). THe OD of the bearing fit right inside the outer small cog of the freewheel, giving the axel some extra support.