Originally Posted by crgowo
why cant you upgrade to a 8 or 9 speed? I "thought" all bikes are upgradeable, which is why i dont understand why some frames say "single speed" like on konas online shop.
Wouldnt you just need new shifters and a new wheelset/cassette?
No, the hub on a 9/8spd is wider, so it won't fit in a 7spd frame. With some elbow grease on a 7spd steel frame you can safely fit a 9/8spd but on aluminum I wouldn't risk it even if you could mash the wheel in there.
I don't get what your question is about singlespeeds... they have horizontal dropouts and no derailleur hanger so you can't run gears.... most are spaced for a 8/9spd width hub I believe...