I'm going to expose my stupidity here; but by freehub, you mean that the splined section that the cassette slips onto can be replaced by a longer one to accept a 8 or 9 spd cassette? There does seem to be about a 3/8 inch space between the spokes and the large cog if one looked straight down over the cassette. This is an early 90's 105 hub. Is it possible that they had already made room for an 8 spd cassette? Bottom line; I have to buy brifters to build this bike. I was hoping not to have to buy another wheel. If I can get 8 spd to work, that's OK; 9 spd would be even better. I just don't understand the wheel dishing issue not to mention if a 7 spd RD will reach an 8/9 spd casset