Originally Posted by pirate
since I just came up on a shimano 8 speed wheelset, I think I'm going to convert it to 8 speed. Thanks for all the information!
8 speed will require 130mm OLD instead of your 126mm, but you can spread your rear stays each time you put in the rear wheel without resorting to a permanent cold set. I do it on one of mine. Your non-index RD may or may not work. Back the limit screws out all the way and check before you start changing cables.