SpiritOf77

Hello,

I recently acquired an 88 SR500 that was outfitted with a Shimano 600 group (mostly 6207 aside from a 6400 front hub and front derailleur). A few rear cogs are showing signs of wear and I wanted to replace the 6-speed freewheel hub with a 7-speed hyperglide freehub and indexed shifting with the intentions of eventually moving to STI. Ideally, I'd like to stick with 600 hubs but I believe the only straight swap would be a FH-6401 which aren't exactly plentiful. The other options I'm considering are an FH-6207 or FH-6400 and transplanting a HG body or, failing that, a 105 (FH-1055).

Anyway, I wanted to pick your brains for any other hubs I should be considering (without adherence to 600/Shimano) and any recommendations for downtube shifters as I recall there being issues with a particular early index shifter. Also, I'm pretty sure my rear derailleur would be compatible with the indexed setup but wanted to be sure.

Thanks!

nwbikeman

You can space your hub to a 7 speed freewheel. 7 and 8 speed cassette road hubs from Shimano both in 126 or 130 spacing. RSX,RX100,105, 600, and Dura Ace. You can tell if they are 130 spaced by a 4mm spacer on the non drive side axle and 126mm won't have this. But beware as both axle lengths came in 7 and 8 speed and the 8 speed will usually fit a 10 speed.

nwbikeman

Dura Ace 8 speed STI and rear deraileur was different throw than 600 or 105 and supposedly neeed the DA cassette. But never used this DA also not sure about the DT shifters.

ColonelJLloyd 

So, can I respace my (currently unlaced) FH-6402 130mm hub to 126mm by removing the 4mm spacer on the non drive side and be able to run a 7 or 8 speed HG cassette?

SpiritOf77

It was my understanding that this would require some pretty gnarly dishing. Is there any reason to be wary of this?


Edit: Thanks for the quick reply!

SpiritOf77

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but you'd need to replace or chop the axle in order for the QR to clamp the dropouts and also run the corresponding freehub body. You could, however, run 8 of 9 on the 7-speed HG freehub. I think??

ColonelJLloyd 

Right, I knew I'd need to trim the axle.

WNG

Not really, the axle will protrude at each end. You'll need to swap it or hack-saw the original. IMO, spreading the triangle that 2mm per side and elbow greasing the 130mm hub in is the most sensible.


oh, Spirit beat me to the posting.