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Converting from 6spd downtube shifters to 8 spd brifters.

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Converting from 6spd downtube shifters to 8 spd brifters.

Old 09-18-08, 11:56 AM
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Converting from 6spd downtube shifters to 8 spd brifters.

I'm only going to use a brifter on the right side/rear cogs, and keep the left side downtube. As far as I know, the only upgrades I'll need to do:

1) 8 speed brifter
2) 8 speed rear derailleur
3) New rear wheel with 8 speed compatible freehub (going to get an entirely new Neuvation wheelset, I think)
4) 8 speed cassette
5) New chain (about time, anyway)
6) New shift cable/housing
7) Cable stop
8) Time and labor

And I've got to measure my rear dropouts to make sure they'll fit an 8 speed system...what size am I looking for?

Anything I'm missing?
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Old 09-18-08, 12:00 PM
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*maybe* new handlebar tape. Unless you take the old ones out cleanly.
The left brake lever will have to be adjusted to the same height as your right one.
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Old 09-18-08, 12:06 PM
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Well, yeah, new handlebar tape. I've already got an extra pack.

Would it be easier to convert to 7 speed, rather than 8 speed?
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Old 09-18-08, 01:38 PM
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RDs as a rule aren't picky, so odds are you won't have to replace it.
There is a 8-spd freewheel, which might be OK if you're not in the habit of bending axles.

7-spd freewheels are still easily available, although brifters are getting sparse.

For 8-spd you're looking at 130 mm o.l.d., or 135 if you're looking at mtb/hybrid standard.
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Old 09-18-08, 11:18 PM
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even if your ride is 126, you can generally squeeze a 130 hub in there with no problem. ...although IIRC, some ppl say that if its an aluminum frame, that might not be so good??
I think your current 6speed is a freewheel and not a cassette. I guess this doesn't matter since you are getting a new set of wheels. You'll probably need a new chain to accomodate the 8 cog spacing.

You can pretty much use any shimano derailleur as long as it isn't pre1997 duraace?? I have a first generation 105 with a 9speed setup and there is no problem at all.
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Old 09-19-08, 01:25 PM
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Regarding wheels and hub spacing: read the Sheldon Brown article on frame sizing, specifically the section on "Frame Spacing Adjustment."

Your current biking likely has 126mm rear hub spacing, and 8,9,and 10 speed hubs have a 130mm spacing. Read the article to help you figure out if its possible to get your bike to work with an 8 speed hub.

Other than that, your list looks pretty good. Good luck with your build, going from downtube shifters to brifters is a huge jump in ease of riding.
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Old 09-19-08, 01:29 PM
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Originally Posted by arexjay
I'm only going to use a brifter on the right side/rear cogs, and keep the left side downtube. As far as I know, the only upgrades I'll need to do:

1) 8 speed brifter
2) 8 speed rear derailleur
3) New rear wheel with 8 speed compatible freehub (going to get an entirely new Neuvation wheelset, I think)
4) 8 speed cassette
5) New chain (about time, anyway)
6) New shift cable/housing
7) Cable stop
8) Time and labor

And I've got to measure my rear dropouts to make sure they'll fit an 8 speed system...what size am I looking for?

Anything I'm missing?
What kind of bike and components do you have now? Sometimes there's an easier fix. Some Shimano Uniglide hubs can be upgraded to a hyperdrive 8/9/10 sp hub for very little money. That could save you a new wheelset. The extra bucks could go toward buying a complete set of brifters.
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