Originally Posted by
Sceadu498
I see that they make 9 speed freewheels and wondered if anyone has used them?
I have considered the possibility of upgrading my hybrid bike to a 9 speed but would have to get a new wheelset as mine uses a freewheel. Would this work for now until I found a new wheelset for it? The bike does have 135 rear spacing.
Do know that I need to get a new chain, right shifter and rear derailleur.
Do not waste cash on that 9 sp. freewheel.there is no real advantage to adding one or two more cog, unless you're trying to increase range of gearing, and that leads to needing a 9 sp., chain, that is longer, a 9 speed shifter, and a different derailleur capable of taking up the extra slack.
Direct Disadvantage? you still have an over-stressed hub design that loves to bend axles. AND the 9sp. freewheels i've seen are from a company called Falcon, and should be AVOIDED, Period.
Advantage? bragging fodder....and your 7-8-9(!)sp. Derailleur will still work on a 9 speed setup. unless you go for a far wider gear range... 10 sp. is where the Pull Ratios begin to change significantly.
before you ask,,, a seven or 8 speed shifter won't work to just shift 7 speeds on a 9 speed freewheel or cassette, since the distance from one cog to another changes with gear counts.
best plan? get an 8-9-10 sp. Freehub/Cassette wheel assy, a 10 sp. Der. and Shifter, then mount it all up at once.
your maximum TOTAL tooth change from small/small, to large/large cogs will need to be considered, as will your riding area terrain.