Evolution of the Cassette
09-09-18 | 12:39 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 721
From: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
Evolution of the Cassette
Several years ago I bought a used Miyata 912 (orange) from around 1979 or 80 with Shimano 600EX (Arabesque) components. Just recently I tore it down to restore it. The rear hub and cassette body are one, which I understand is the first generation Shimano Uniglide (no hump on drive side of hub).
Being stuck in the late 1960's and 70's, I have only used freewheels, this is my first experience with a cassette type hub so I know nothing about them.
It would be nice to know a sort of timeline of cassette/free-hub models and types. What's obsolete, what's currently available and interchangeability of brands.
Being stuck in the late 1960's and 70's, I have only used freewheels, this is my first experience with a cassette type hub so I know nothing about them.
It would be nice to know a sort of timeline of cassette/free-hub models and types. What's obsolete, what's currently available and interchangeability of brands.
09-09-18 | 01:19 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,901
Likes: 526
From: SW Ohio
Bikes: Puch Marco Polo, Saint Tropez, Masi Gran Criterium
You’ve got a lot of catching up to do! I too never even had a cassette hub until sometime in the 90’s when I got a second hand Saint Tropez road bike with Shimano 105 6 speed freehub Uniglide drivetrain.
Sorry but I can’t offer a link that shows the full evolution of Shimano’s freehubs over the years. I will say that the continual development and product cycles that favor innovation, have led to a lot of cast off variants that a few of us are passionate about and a few people despise.
I paid particular attention when Uniglide (UG) became Interactive Glide (IG) which then became Hyperglide (HG). Older 6/7 speed frameowners who wanted to fully optimize their frames with the best functioning geartrains had to make a decision -should they spread their frame to 130 to permit 8/9/9 or 11 speed? Or, would they dig their heels in and stockpile a healthy supply of 7 speed parts? I must confess that I’m in the latter category. My Dura Ace 7400 Uniglide 7 speed hub commuter bike has one of the most durable cassette systems imaginable. Unfortunately they are not “future proof” due to the design of the freehub body itself. Yes, you can hunt for a 7403 Dura Ace freehub convertible freehub body which will permit a person to run both 8/9/or 10 speed HG cassettes (the modern HG lockring type) or 7/8 speed UG cassettes (the threaded outer cog type).
The supply of NOS Uniglide parts is finite, since they have been out of production since the early 90’s. Personally, I keep hoping that an ambitious machinist or designer with the latest 3D printer will make some production runs on desirable Uniglide cassette assemblies. The originals, while heavy by modern standards are iconic and collectible as far as I can tell. Modern parts have moved on and are lighter and even better functionally but the build quality and level of polish/or hand-crafted quality of some of these iconic older bits have yet to be matched. Just look at drillium-dude’s work on Imgur if you want to be inspired.
Sorry but I can’t offer a link that shows the full evolution of Shimano’s freehubs over the years. I will say that the continual development and product cycles that favor innovation, have led to a lot of cast off variants that a few of us are passionate about and a few people despise.
I paid particular attention when Uniglide (UG) became Interactive Glide (IG) which then became Hyperglide (HG). Older 6/7 speed frameowners who wanted to fully optimize their frames with the best functioning geartrains had to make a decision -should they spread their frame to 130 to permit 8/9/9 or 11 speed? Or, would they dig their heels in and stockpile a healthy supply of 7 speed parts? I must confess that I’m in the latter category. My Dura Ace 7400 Uniglide 7 speed hub commuter bike has one of the most durable cassette systems imaginable. Unfortunately they are not “future proof” due to the design of the freehub body itself. Yes, you can hunt for a 7403 Dura Ace freehub convertible freehub body which will permit a person to run both 8/9/or 10 speed HG cassettes (the modern HG lockring type) or 7/8 speed UG cassettes (the threaded outer cog type).
The supply of NOS Uniglide parts is finite, since they have been out of production since the early 90’s. Personally, I keep hoping that an ambitious machinist or designer with the latest 3D printer will make some production runs on desirable Uniglide cassette assemblies. The originals, while heavy by modern standards are iconic and collectible as far as I can tell. Modern parts have moved on and are lighter and even better functionally but the build quality and level of polish/or hand-crafted quality of some of these iconic older bits have yet to be matched. Just look at drillium-dude’s work on Imgur if you want to be inspired.
09-09-18 | 01:34 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 27,576
Likes: 5,451
From: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Since this is C&V, the Evolution of the cassette apparently started quite early.
Bayliss Wiley Hub
https://www.ebay.com/itm/282324896152
This may well be one of those things that early patents happened, and essentially blocked development of the technology for 30 years or so. Then once the patents expired, there was a major boom of development across all brands. Shimano/Suntour/Campagnolo.
I actually am also one of the cyclists that made the jump from freehubs to cassettes rather late.
If I had only know the ease of acquiring 11T cassettes, I probably would have made the conversion long before. But, since I made the leap late, I've pretty much skipped the uniglide generation.
I am very disappointed that my previous experience seemed to indicate that the old freewheels were almost indestructible, and then I started getting cassettes, and really have to watch chain wear like a hawk.
Bayliss Wiley Hub
https://www.ebay.com/itm/282324896152
This may well be one of those things that early patents happened, and essentially blocked development of the technology for 30 years or so. Then once the patents expired, there was a major boom of development across all brands. Shimano/Suntour/Campagnolo.
I actually am also one of the cyclists that made the jump from freehubs to cassettes rather late.
If I had only know the ease of acquiring 11T cassettes, I probably would have made the conversion long before. But, since I made the leap late, I've pretty much skipped the uniglide generation.
I am very disappointed that my previous experience seemed to indicate that the old freewheels were almost indestructible, and then I started getting cassettes, and really have to watch chain wear like a hawk.
09-09-18 | 01:38 PM
#4
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
Main issue for me was Hub Axles,, got hubs with unbendable axles (Phil, Bullseye)
and that problem was solved..
On my Campag freewheel Hubs, I Got 'Wheels' replacement axles,
they seem less brittle hard heat treated, compared with what Tullio & Company made..
and that problem was solved..
On my Campag freewheel Hubs, I Got 'Wheels' replacement axles,
they seem less brittle hard heat treated, compared with what Tullio & Company made..
09-09-18 | 01:44 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 27,576
Likes: 5,451
From: Eugene, Oregon, USA
But, I don't think I've ever bent or broken an axle on my road bike.
But, I cut my teeth riding on vintage sewups. And, for some reason, I don't think I ever had them over 80 PSI. Needless to say, I got very adept at paying attention to what I was running over.
09-09-18 | 02:33 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,841
Likes: 535
From: Seattle WA
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
The free hub on my 79 Miyata 912 ended up giving up the ghost, it was like the rear wheel was on ice with the hub constantly slipping, I ended up getting a new set of wheels for the bike as the frame rode so well, I wish I had never sold that bike.
09-09-18 | 06:29 PM
#7
Banned.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
Likes: 1,462
Neat. Does anyone know if there's a better, lighter version of the HG-37 7-sp freewheel that is also at least 13-26? I see tons of 13-28's, but I am looking to upgrade a 7-sp DA from a fairly light 13-21 to something my legs can handle but not feel like I added a cinder block to the rear.
09-09-18 | 09:38 PM
#8
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 721
From: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
You’ve got a lot of catching up to do! I too never even had a cassette hub until sometime in the 90’s when I got a second hand Saint Tropez road bike with Shimano 105 6 speed freehub Uniglide drivetrain.
Sorry but I can’t offer a link that shows the full evolution of Shimano’s freehubs over the years. I will say that the continual development and product cycles that favor innovation, have led to a lot of cast off variants that a few of us are passionate about and a few people despise.
I paid particular attention when Uniglide (UG) became Interactive Glide (IG) which then became Hyperglide (HG). Older 6/7 speed frameowners who wanted to fully optimize their frames with the best functioning geartrains had to make a decision -should they spread their frame to 130 to permit 8/9/9 or 11 speed? Or, would they dig their heels in and stockpile a healthy supply of 7 speed parts? I must confess that I’m in the latter category. My Dura Ace 7400 Uniglide 7 speed hub commuter bike has one of the most durable cassette systems imaginable. Unfortunately they are not “future proof” due to the design of the freehub body itself. Yes, you can hunt for a 7403 Dura Ace freehub convertible freehub body which will permit a person to run both 8/9/or 10 speed HG cassettes (the modern HG lockring type) or 7/8 speed UG cassettes (the threaded outer cog type).
The supply of NOS Uniglide parts is finite, since they have been out of production since the early 90’s. Personally, I keep hoping that an ambitious machinist or designer with the latest 3D printer will make some production runs on desirable Uniglide cassette assemblies. The originals, while heavy by modern standards are iconic and collectible as far as I can tell. Modern parts have moved on and are lighter and even better functionally but the build quality and level of polish/or hand-crafted quality of some of these iconic older bits have yet to be matched. Just look at drillium-dude’s work on Imgur if you want to be inspired.
Sorry but I can’t offer a link that shows the full evolution of Shimano’s freehubs over the years. I will say that the continual development and product cycles that favor innovation, have led to a lot of cast off variants that a few of us are passionate about and a few people despise.
I paid particular attention when Uniglide (UG) became Interactive Glide (IG) which then became Hyperglide (HG). Older 6/7 speed frameowners who wanted to fully optimize their frames with the best functioning geartrains had to make a decision -should they spread their frame to 130 to permit 8/9/9 or 11 speed? Or, would they dig their heels in and stockpile a healthy supply of 7 speed parts? I must confess that I’m in the latter category. My Dura Ace 7400 Uniglide 7 speed hub commuter bike has one of the most durable cassette systems imaginable. Unfortunately they are not “future proof” due to the design of the freehub body itself. Yes, you can hunt for a 7403 Dura Ace freehub convertible freehub body which will permit a person to run both 8/9/or 10 speed HG cassettes (the modern HG lockring type) or 7/8 speed UG cassettes (the threaded outer cog type).
The supply of NOS Uniglide parts is finite, since they have been out of production since the early 90’s. Personally, I keep hoping that an ambitious machinist or designer with the latest 3D printer will make some production runs on desirable Uniglide cassette assemblies. The originals, while heavy by modern standards are iconic and collectible as far as I can tell. Modern parts have moved on and are lighter and even better functionally but the build quality and level of polish/or hand-crafted quality of some of these iconic older bits have yet to be matched. Just look at drillium-dude’s work on Imgur if you want to be inspired.
Drillium-Dudes work is outstanding! i had not been aware of him until now.
09-09-18 | 09:44 PM
#9
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 721
From: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
Since this is C&V, the Evolution of the cassette apparently started quite early.
I actually am also one of the cyclists that made the jump from freehubs to cassettes rather late.
If I had only know the ease of acquiring 11T cassettes, I probably would have made the conversion long before. But, since I made the leap late, I've pretty much skipped the uniglide generation.
I am very disappointed that my previous experience seemed to indicate that the old freewheels were almost indestructible, and then I started getting cassettes, and really have to watch chain wear like a hawk.
I actually am also one of the cyclists that made the jump from freehubs to cassettes rather late.
If I had only know the ease of acquiring 11T cassettes, I probably would have made the conversion long before. But, since I made the leap late, I've pretty much skipped the uniglide generation.
I am very disappointed that my previous experience seemed to indicate that the old freewheels were almost indestructible, and then I started getting cassettes, and really have to watch chain wear like a hawk.
09-09-18 | 10:26 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 27,576
Likes: 5,451
From: Eugene, Oregon, USA
With the indexed (hyperglide), the manufacturers started thinning and shaping the cassette teeth (and also new freewheels).
Lately I have had issues with cassettes and new freewheels wearing awfully fast.
It could be different metals. Undoubtedly I am riding a lot. But, I've never had this many problems in the past, and wasn't very proactive with chain replacement.
I do have a dura ace hybrid cassette that I am being very cautious on chain wear and it seems to be lasting pretty well, but it does show some heavy wear.
But, I did manage to toast a new 8 speed freewheel from new to toasted in maybe 1000 miles.
09-10-18 | 12:53 AM
#11
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,808
Likes: 1,781
From: Northern California
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
Neat. Does anyone know if there's a better, lighter version of the HG-37 7-sp freewheel that is also at least 13-26? I see tons of 13-28's, but I am looking to upgrade a 7-sp DA from a fairly light 13-21 to something my legs can handle but not feel like I added a cinder block to the rear.
09-10-18 | 03:42 AM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,901
Likes: 526
From: SW Ohio
Bikes: Puch Marco Polo, Saint Tropez, Masi Gran Criterium
09-10-18 | 06:22 AM
#13
feros ferio
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 22,397
Likes: 1,864
From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
It is my belief that the non-sychro freewheels had big, fat, beefy teeth that wore very well.
With the indexed (hyperglide), the manufacturers started thinning and shaping the cassette teeth (and also new freewheels).
Lately I have had issues with cassettes and new freewheels wearing awfully fast.
It could be different metals. Undoubtedly I am riding a lot. But, I've never had this many problems in the past, and wasn't very proactive with chain replacement.
I do have a dura ace hybrid cassette that I am being very cautious on chain wear and it seems to be lasting pretty well, but it does show some heavy wear.
But, I did manage to toast a new 8 speed freewheel from new to toasted in maybe 1000 miles.
With the indexed (hyperglide), the manufacturers started thinning and shaping the cassette teeth (and also new freewheels).
Lately I have had issues with cassettes and new freewheels wearing awfully fast.
It could be different metals. Undoubtedly I am riding a lot. But, I've never had this many problems in the past, and wasn't very proactive with chain replacement.
I do have a dura ace hybrid cassette that I am being very cautious on chain wear and it seems to be lasting pretty well, but it does show some heavy wear.
But, I did manage to toast a new 8 speed freewheel from new to toasted in maybe 1000 miles.
__________________
"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
"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
09-10-18 | 06:45 AM
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 15,315
Likes: 903
From: Tixkokob, Yucatán, México
Bikes: 79 Trek 930, 80 Trek 414, 84 Schwinn Letour Luxe (coupled), 92 Schwinn Paramount PDG 5
Also blame the move from 6 speeds to ultra-6/7/8 and then to 9 and then to 10 or 11, with the chain and the cogs having to get narrower each time. I currently run an ultra-6 on the Peugeot, standard 6-speeds on the Bianchi and the 1959 Capo (which I cold-set to 126mm before I had it painted), and an 8-speed cassette on the mountain bike (up from the original 7-speed freewheel). I hesitate to go beyond 7 speeds on the road bikes and 8 on the mountain bike, and really see no need to, since I can get both the low/mid 40s to mid-90s gear-inch ranges and 6-7 percent ratio progressions I want with a 2x6 (barely adequate), a 2x7, or a 3x6 rig.
09-10-18 | 07:54 AM
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,212
Likes: 3,122
Chain wear occurs between the rollers and the bushes (or the formed flanges of the inner plates on bushless chains). Chain wear took a significant leap with the introduction of bushless chains, which do not provide as much of a bearing surface with the roller as bush style chains. The first bushless chains appeared circa 1981, shortly after the move to 6 speed. Bushless chains were less expensive to manufacture than bush style, so the increased wear was not a concern for most cyclists, especially when you took into consideration that they ran notably quieter and shifted better due to the increased lateral flex provided by the design. Of course, the increased flexibility led to a proliferation of cogs, which led to even narrower chains, increasing the loads and wear rates. Designers tried to mitigate the wear and maximize roller width by decreasing pin protrusion and using thinner plates but this was offset by consumer preference for chains with bulged plates that provided better shifting. If you have wear concerns, the only solutions are to be more diligent with lubrication or buy higher grade chains with more durable materials but I don't consider chain wear rates to be an issue. When I consider performance and inflation, moderately priced modern chains are a much better value than their C&V forerunners.
09-10-18 | 09:24 AM
#16
Banned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,480
Likes: 450
Neat. Does anyone know if there's a better, lighter version of the HG-37 7-sp freewheel that is also at least 13-26? I see tons of 13-28's, but I am looking to upgrade a 7-sp DA from a fairly light 13-21 to something my legs can handle but not feel like I added a cinder block to the rear.
Talking 7s freewheels here, Sunrace makes a 13-25t 7-speeder, which I am thankful for. It has all odd numbers. It's not very light. Next step up is their 13-28t. This must be about all that the market is demanding in any good quantity as far as freewheels, though there are those mega-range things for hill-assist.
Be bold and convert the DA derailleur to a long cage. Then, if the Mega-range looks embarrassing, take a Dremel to the big cog. Hehe
....back to freehubs
The UG freehub body can be swapped out to the HG. I have a Shimano Sante 7sp UG on the bench that's getting an HG, 8 speed cassette 11/28t, likely will have index 600 dt shifter.
09-10-18 | 10:35 AM
#17
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,808
Likes: 1,781
From: Northern California
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
Shimano's threaded cassette cogs were all of the same threading, except for Dura-Ace which was smaller to allow making an 11t top cog. Yes, those were a thing back in the Uniglide days, even Suntour had been supplying 11t cogs for their freewheels.
The Dura-Ace threading was stepped down from the outside of the splined freehub body, so is easy to spot. The cogs themselves have a quite visibly-smaller ID as well, but you might have to look for a second to notice it.
09-10-18 | 11:54 AM
#18
Bikes are okay, I guess.
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 3,771
From: Richmond, Virginia
Bikes: Waterford Paramount Touring, Raleigh Sports 3-speeds in M23 & L23, Schwinn Cimarron oddball build, Marin Palisades Trail dropbar conversion, Nishiki Cresta GT, Jeunet mixte
09-10-18 | 05:45 PM
#20
curmudgineer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 113
From: Chicago SW burbs
Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here
Chain wear occurs between the rollers and the bushes (or the formed flanges of the inner plates on bushless chains). Chain wear took a significant leap with the introduction of bushless chains, which do not provide as much of a bearing surface with the roller as bush style chains. The first bushless chains appeared circa 1981, shortly after the move to 6 speed. Bushless chains were less expensive to manufacture than bush style, so the increased wear was not a concern for most cyclists, especially when you took into consideration that they ran notably quieter and shifted better due to the increased lateral flex provided by the design. Of course, the increased flexibility led to a proliferation of cogs, which led to even narrower chains, increasing the loads and wear rates. Designers tried to mitigate the wear and maximize roller width by decreasing pin protrusion and using thinner plates but this was offset by consumer preference for chains with bulged plates that provided better shifting. If you have wear concerns, the only solutions are to be more diligent with lubrication or buy higher grade chains with more durable materials but I don't consider chain wear rates to be an issue. When I consider performance and inflation, moderately priced modern chains are a much better value than their C&V forerunners.
09-10-18 | 07:56 PM
#21
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 721
From: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
Here are the other cassettes I acquired which do not fit my Shimano 600EX hub...
09-10-18 | 10:38 PM
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
09-10-18 | 10:55 PM
#23
Insane Bicycle Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10,153
Likes: 1,120
From: other Vancouver
#2 is a SunTour cassette. It cannot be made to fit your hub.
FWIW: The majority of the changeover from freewheel to cassette hubs happened in the 1980's. Shimano cassette hubs appeared in 1982-ish (1982 Shimano Dealer catalog: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/shimano1982/) and took off with the mountain bike revolution. By 1990 most bikes had cassette hubs. I spent that decade working in shops and the bicycle business and watched it happen.
__________________
Jeff Wills
Comcast nuked my web page. It will return soon..
Jeff Wills
Comcast nuked my web page. It will return soon..
09-11-18 | 02:59 AM
#24
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 721
From: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
#1 and #3 are Hyperglide type cassettes. The cogs can be made to fit your Uniglide hub. If you look closely, there is one spline on each cog that is wider than the others. A little work with a file or Dremel on the wider spline will allow it to fit the Uniglide cassette body.
#2 is a SunTour cassette. It cannot be made to fit your hub.
FWIW: The majority of the changeover from freewheel to cassette hubs happened in the 1980's. Shimano cassette hubs appeared in 1982-ish (1982 Shimano Dealer catalog: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/shimano1982/) and took off with the mountain bike revolution. By 1990 most bikes had cassette hubs. I spent that decade working in shops and the bicycle business and watched it happen.
#2 is a SunTour cassette. It cannot be made to fit your hub.
FWIW: The majority of the changeover from freewheel to cassette hubs happened in the 1980's. Shimano cassette hubs appeared in 1982-ish (1982 Shimano Dealer catalog: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/shimano1982/) and took off with the mountain bike revolution. By 1990 most bikes had cassette hubs. I spent that decade working in shops and the bicycle business and watched it happen.
09-11-18 | 03:42 AM
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 27,576
Likes: 5,451
From: Eugene, Oregon, USA
There are also transition Shimano freehubs that will fit either Hyperglide or Uniglide cassettes.
It might be worth installing if you can locate one.
Many of the Shimano branded freehubs are similar enough to allow them to be swapped.
It might be worth installing if you can locate one.
Many of the Shimano branded freehubs are similar enough to allow them to be swapped.