Originally Posted by
Pougnet
... I currently have a 6 speed rear with friction shifters. So, compatibility is not much of a problem.
Very cheap to change to 7 speed or 8 speed with the friction shifters. You could probably use a new wheel also, so get one with a freehub and upgrade to an 8 speed cassette (instead of freewheel). Just changing the freewheel is cheap but why not take the opportunity to upgrade?