Originally Posted by
rccardr
OK, Mookie, hang on:
Either the 1050 105 RD or Tricolor RD will shift up to 10 speed, no problemo. Same with the crankset.
If your current rear hub is a Shimano 7 speed freehub with a cassette, you can make it an 8/9/10 speed wheel by removing the narrow freehub and replacing it with a wider one. Look this up on the InterWebs for actual instruction on removal/replacement. Cost = maybe $30 max.
Easy to buy either downtube shifters of 8-9-10 speed indexing, or STI shifters (9-10 easier to find in STI- land, any Shimano level will do just fine).
Frame does not require cold setting, altho you can do it if you want to.
The whole dealio requires new cables and housing, or course, and likely bar wrap. But really, just a couple hours of work...
Thanks again for the response.
So for you or anyone else that may have an answer, I need some final closure on this.
I am just thinking of getting new wheels. That kind of seems to be the most practical way of getting a larger cog with more teeth. I also would like to try some new wheels.
So it sounds like as long as I get a longer chain and spread the stays, the stock 6400 tri-color derailleurs should work on a 7,8, or 9 speed? I do like the downtube shifting.
Thanks