6 Speed to 8 Speed Shifter conversion
07-13-18, 05:43 AM
#1
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6 Speed to 8 Speed Shifter conversion
This is my 1st vintage conversion so feeling like that newb,
am a bit apprehensive on the speed choice change.
I currently have a 6 speed setup for an '84 Fuji Espree.
I know a 11 speed shifter will work for a 10 speed setup,
providing you don't use the last cog and or last 2 cogs for
precise shifts.
Will an 8 speed shifter lever be too big a jump if I were
to stay with my 6 speed setup providing I don't use the LAST cog or 2?
And I never use less than a 14T anyway so I'm assuming this is safe in
that aspect, but am worried for the overall shifting precision.
Or is it safer to get a 7 speed cassette with the 8 speed shifters to be safer?
I already have the 8 speed shifters so would like to salvage this setup
if workable.
Anyone that has experience to this setup with an advice
are welcome.
cheers.
am a bit apprehensive on the speed choice change.
I currently have a 6 speed setup for an '84 Fuji Espree.
I know a 11 speed shifter will work for a 10 speed setup,
providing you don't use the last cog and or last 2 cogs for
precise shifts.
Will an 8 speed shifter lever be too big a jump if I were
to stay with my 6 speed setup providing I don't use the LAST cog or 2?
And I never use less than a 14T anyway so I'm assuming this is safe in
that aspect, but am worried for the overall shifting precision.
Or is it safer to get a 7 speed cassette with the 8 speed shifters to be safer?
I already have the 8 speed shifters so would like to salvage this setup
if workable.
Anyone that has experience to this setup with an advice
are welcome.
cheers.
07-13-18, 05:53 AM
#2
Thrifty Bill
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Eight is not going to work with six rear, it will work with seven. Spacing is not exactly the same, so it won't be perfect. But I have done it several times. You need to adjust the low limit on the RD to eliminate the eighth gear, then get cable tension right to start on the highest (small cog).
Very likely your bike has a freewheel, not a cassette.
Very likely your bike has a freewheel, not a cassette.
07-13-18, 06:26 AM
#3
feros ferio
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I wonder if it would work with an "ultra" 6-speed.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
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Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
07-13-18, 07:03 AM
#4
Full Member
‘84 would be a freewheel, so just get a 7 speed freewheel and use the 8 speed shifters. Only one extra click. ‘84 was also before Shimano SIS started, so if you haven’t changed the rear derailleur you may need to do that. Claris or Sora would work fine
07-13-18, 01:02 PM
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That was quick!
Thanks for that. as I almost pulled the trigger on a pair of 8 speed shifters.
cheers
Thanks for that. as I almost pulled the trigger on a pair of 8 speed shifters.
cheers
07-13-18, 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Point
‘84 would be a freewheel, so just get a 7 speed freewheel and use the 8 speed shifters. Only one extra click. ‘84 was also before Shimano SIS started, so if you haven’t changed the rear derailleur you may need to do that. Claris or Sora would work fine
07-21-18, 04:45 AM
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Hey guys I finally placed an order for a 7 speed lever set and thought
since I have the single right side 8 speed lever I would set it up to see
the outcome.
VERDICT: Technically it works if your on that EXTREMELY tight budget,
have this extra 8 speed set on hand and do not wish to fork out that extra
$40-60 on a 7 speed set.
Down shift works PERFECT! every single time. over and over again.
Up shift WORKS.......but needs that midas touch on the last 2 smallest gears.
Especially the last cog, it needs that occasional 2 shifts (as it won't shift all the way on that
first shift because the cable is so SO tight)
Workable if you only ride this setup on that occasional rainy day or off days
from your other bikes.
Thought I'd share the update.
Happy Riding!
since I have the single right side 8 speed lever I would set it up to see
the outcome.
VERDICT: Technically it works if your on that EXTREMELY tight budget,
have this extra 8 speed set on hand and do not wish to fork out that extra
$40-60 on a 7 speed set.
Down shift works PERFECT! every single time. over and over again.
Up shift WORKS.......but needs that midas touch on the last 2 smallest gears.
Especially the last cog, it needs that occasional 2 shifts (as it won't shift all the way on that
first shift because the cable is so SO tight)
Workable if you only ride this setup on that occasional rainy day or off days
from your other bikes.
Thought I'd share the update.
Happy Riding!
Last edited by Metro50; 07-21-18 at 06:06 AM.
07-21-18, 10:00 PM
#9
Ride.Smile.Repeat
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Friction solves alot of compatibility issues, just saying.
07-22-18, 05:43 AM
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Sheldon is your friend: Spacing
There are a number of spacing issues to deal with: freewheel/cassette, hubs, location of block on hub, block to chain/seat stay, chain line, rd pull ratio and shifter pull distance per index. Not straight forward at all. The combination of manufacturers of parts is a big part too. If you are going to go index, you will need to have a way to adjust cable length (tension) if it is not on the RD or the cable stops.
6-7 is not a big deal as much as going to the next step of 8.
All of that is assuming changing from freewheel to cassette as I have no experience with 8 speed freewheel blocks. Others do.
There are a number of spacing issues to deal with: freewheel/cassette, hubs, location of block on hub, block to chain/seat stay, chain line, rd pull ratio and shifter pull distance per index. Not straight forward at all. The combination of manufacturers of parts is a big part too. If you are going to go index, you will need to have a way to adjust cable length (tension) if it is not on the RD or the cable stops.
6-7 is not a big deal as much as going to the next step of 8.
All of that is assuming changing from freewheel to cassette as I have no experience with 8 speed freewheel blocks. Others do.
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