Originally Posted by
giantcfr1
So the brifters are compatible with your new cantilever brakes? I'm no expert but I think you may have a problem with road brifters. Check for compatible levers in the cyclocross forum.
Cantilevers and road calipers have the same cable pull, so brifters will work fine. V-Brakes have a different cable pull and either need the correct levers, or travel agents.
Originally Posted by
EddNog
Clearly, this is why I post threads like this!
The specifications do indicate that the bike has a Shimano 7-speed freewheel out back. I'm not familiar with the differentiation here--does it mean that I won't be able to install the cassette at all, or does it mean I still can, but I'd end up with a 24-speed fixie?
Assuming that I can't install the cassette, would it still be possible to use the ST-2303 brifters with the current 7-speed freewheel, or is the spacing between cogs different so I'd have problems with rear derailleur alignment? I actually am not against having two wheels for this bike if the brifters can work with either gearset, since I'd keep one wheel for road use and one wheel for trainer use and not have to deal with tire swaps when seasons change.
Otherwise, does this mean I need to start looking for extra rear wheel parts?
-Ed
Freewheels and cassettes use totally different attachment methods, so a hub will only work with one and not the other. If you do get a new wheel, make sure it has 135mm spacing for MTBs and hybrids, not 130mm for road bikes. The spacing between 7 and 8 speed is the same, so if you set it up right you could use the 8 speed shifters with the 7 speed freewheel. I've done the reverse and used 7 speed shifters on a 8 speed cassette on my Schwinn, and it works great.