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Downgrade freewheels?

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Old 01-14-11 | 01:59 PM
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Downgrade freewheels?

I'm in the process of fixing up an old Suteki mixte and I am unable to use the original wheels since the spokes are rusted out. I plan on rebuilding them at some point, but can't spend the money on spokes right now.
I have a wheelset that I took from another bike that i think should work except for one thing, the Suteki is a 10-speed and the borrowed wheelset came from a 12-speed. I could swap the freewheels, but will that cause some spacing issues? What would be the best solution? Can I just add a spacer to make up for the sixth cog or am I going to have to re-dish the wheel?
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Old 01-14-11 | 02:50 PM
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My guess is you won't need to do anything more than adjust the rear derailleur limit screws. Give it a try.
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Old 01-14-11 | 03:02 PM
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+1. Going between 5 and 6 cogs in the back shouldn't be an issue.
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Old 01-14-11 | 03:10 PM
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Great! I'll give a try and report back. Thanks!
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Old 01-14-11 | 03:57 PM
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Measure the frame once you take the wheel out, 6 speed needed another 6mm, width.
over the 120 needed for 5, But you can probably wrestle it in ..
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Old 01-14-11 | 04:39 PM
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I just measured it, and the spacing is 126mm.
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Old 01-14-11 | 05:16 PM
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It will fit, It's just a little tighter getting it in.
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Old 01-19-11 | 10:05 AM
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Well the rear derailleur didn't even need to be adjusted! I still need to fiddle with the front derailleur a little, but the whole process was surprisingly easy. Thanks for your help guys.
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