jamesdak 

I just wanted to run this by the experts and make sure I'm not missing something. I want to get rid of the Sora Brifters on my PDG Series Paramount. They look out of place and more importantly I can't operate the thumbs shifters when in the drops.

So, research shows me that the RD-6208 should work for 8 speed. Also the existing hyperglide freehub should work with an 8 speed cassette too, correct?

Seems like all I need are a set of ST-6400 A brifters and a new 8- speed cassette. Do I have this right?

It needs a new chain anyway. When I checked it the 12" mark was falling before the final rivet pin. That explains the clicking I get as I ride this one. Figured I'd do all the work at one time and wanted to make sure I had it all right.

I appreciate hearing if I've got it right by those much smarter than me.

breadbin

Well I wouldn't say I'm smarter but as far as I can remember, you can just change the shifters and cassette with 7 and 8 speed. It's not like nowadays when you have to change everything more or less. Like a 10 speed cassette nowadays would need a 10 speed chain and even a 10 speed front derailleur! I think that's right but I'm sure someone more qualified will reply to contradict me

rccardr 

A 6208 RD will shift 8-9-10 speed just fine.

If your freehub is a 7 speed one, an 8 speed cassette will be too wide. You can replace with an 8-9-10 speed freehub, even keep the original 7 speed axle, and wind up with about a 128.5 OLD. Wheel should be redished.

jamesdak 

Oops, so I should have have mentioned. The freehub is a FH-6401 which I understand is 8 speed compatible.

So it that's correct I'm ok to proceed with just the brifters and cassette, right?

Lazyass

FWIW I had a 7 speed 105 FD and I switched to a 8/9 sped chain and the cage was a hair too wide to properly shift. There wasn't a wide enough range of adjustment to tune it. I remember I did the shade tree mechanic thing and bent the cage in a little to get it to work.

jamesdak 

Hmm, I've got a bunch of mismatched stuff and normally the FD is the least problematic. I've even got a really old mid 80s FD on the Orbea that works fine even with a Campy 10 speed RD rear. All that said, I've plenty of FD's floating around the house to solve that kind of an issue if it happens... I think, LOL!

Grand Bois

Does your 7 speed cassette have a 4.5 mm spacer behind it? It has to if your freehub is 8 speed.

dabac

+1
Otherwise, go for 9-speed shifters instead. 8-of-9 sprockets from a 9-speed cassette fits fine on a 7-speed body.

jamesdak 

Yep, it does and the specs on the freehub confirm. Parts ordered.