Originally Posted by Piff

In an interest of keeping similar information together I'm resurrecting this thread.

I'm planning on purchasing a 13-25 9 speed cassette and running it as an 8 speed 14-25 on my 7 speed hub.

I've seen differing opinions regarding needing a new "1st position" ring with the grooves to help the lockring hold the cassette, as opposed to just using the flat 2nd position cog as the 1st. I would like to do this on a budget, but I would also like to be safe. Thoughts?