Originally Posted by
aaronM46
I am just going to replace everything. New 9-speed cassette, rear derailleur, chain, front derailleur, front gears, etc. Would have been about the same price to buy a better bike in the long run but I can't do that. Better to fix what I have than to insult my lady.
I am looking at the Shimano Acera series to go to 3x9. I have taken most of my bike apart to measure everything. I need a couple of tools to finish taking it apart to measure so I get the right parts.
I am afraid that this isn't a realistic plan. 9 speed cassettes require a different hub than the 7 speed freewheel you have now. You will need to replace pretty much all of the drivetrain components including the rear wheel. That would mean new derailleurs, shifters, rear wheel, chain, cassette and possibly the crank as well.
EDIT: your bike has a freewheel. It is not a cassette. The type of bearings your bike has are termed "cup and cone", very common of bikes in this price range. The bottom bracket spindle may also use this same type of bearings. This is very standard for a bike like yours, nothing non standard about it