Originally Posted by
robow
Not sure why 10 speed is not a consideration, not much different than 9 speed and likely easier to find parts. If you have 7 speed presently, there's a chance the hubs can handle a 10 speed cassette but they won't take an 11 speed cassette so count on a new rear wheel. When it came to replacing worn out 9 speed parts this past spring, I only purchased a 10 speed chain, 10 speed cassette and new shifters and was good to go into the future. I can't go 11 speed with any of my 10 speed bikes without building up a new rear wheel. Btw, Microshift can be adequate but is not of the same quality as Shimano XT in most eyes, they don't call it Micro$hit for no reason, Ha.
I'd be wary of that, or at least check out what the rear wheel can take.
I was given an old hybrid from prob the 90s or something that had 7 speed on it, and a 130 or 135 rear hub, but when I looked into changing it to 9 spd, as I had shifters and stuff, I found out that the hub was too short to take 9 speed cassttes. I guess it was a cost thing for the bike when made, a cheaper hub I guess.
when i looked into changing the freehub, I just left it as is, and its fine for commuting with 7 spd.
anyway, just a heads up that he should get the rear wheel looked at by a knowledgeable mechanic toknow what can be upgraded speeds wise.