huerro

I'm building up a beater out of bits and pieces and have 6 speed Shimano light action derailleurs and dt shifters from a trek 400.

The only part I'm going to have to purchase is a rear wheel and there is a freehub wheel on my local CL for very cheap. If I get this wheel and an 8 speed cassette, can I use the shifters and rear derailleur in friction mode? And, if so, can I use one of the nice and cheap 11-28 mountain cassettes or will I have to pony up for a 12-25 road cassette? Or, should I just patiently wait for a 700c 6 speed wheel in my price range?

well biked

It should work, the only question is whether the derailleur has enough range of movement to shift over the wider cogset. Usually, it's not a problem. Assuming that's the case, it should work fine with either the 11 x 28 or 12 x 25.

ruppster

It should work fine. I am using a LA rear on a 9 speed indexed setup. Oddly enough, it is a Trek 400. The original 6 sp was a 13-28, now using 12-25.