Seweryn

Hi All,

I am just after finalising a purchase of my new old bike and I have a few questions:

1. The current owner installed a 7-speed Shimano 105 onto the bike. I have a spare Shimano 600 Biopace tri-color crankset that is probably 8-speed (but I am not 100% sure). Would this work with the current setup exactly as it should?

2. If the crankset can be installed, would a 7 or an 8-speed chain be better, if I want to replace it?

3. What type of cassette is there - is this a freewheel or a traditional cassette and where would you find a replacement for it, as it looks like the current gear ratios may not exactly suit me.

Thank you and below I attach some photos of the drivetrain of the bike:

ThermionicScott 

An 8-speed chain should work with all of that.

bradtx

Seweryn:
1. The 600 should be plug and play, but why? That 105 crankset is in splendid condition.
2. Either a 7S or 8S chain will work.
3. Can't tell from the photo if you have a freewheel or a freehub. Someone else maybe able to.

Brad

RobbieTunes 

1. The current owner installed a 7-speed Shimano 105 onto the bike. I have a spare Shimano 600 Biopace tri-color crankset that is probably 8-speed (but I am not 100% sure). Would this work with the current setup exactly as it should?
Yes.

2. If the crankset can be installed, would a 7 or an 8-speed chain be better, if I want to replace it?
Same thing, only different; no problem.

3. What type of cassette is there - is this a freewheel or a traditional cassette and where would you find a replacement for it, as it looks like the current gear ratios may not exactly suit me.
a-Can't tell unless you take a picture from right above it, or right behind it.
b-7-sp cassettes are available on line, new and used.
c-7-sp freewheels are available on line, new and used.

I agree with Scott and Brad; you could sell the tricolor crankset and buy a new cassette/freewheel with the money.

If the spacers between cogs are all the same size, you probably have a cassette. If the spacers get bigger as the cogs get bigger, than you probably have a freewheel. Just a quick way to tell.

Welcome to our little forum.

Here and www.sheldonbrown.com are the best sources for all you want to know:

pastorbobnlnh 

You can't tell from this picture. Looks as if you have a Shimano Uniglide cassette or freewheel. I think I can see a "600" behind the dropout. If this is the case, it is a freewheel. A freewheel is an easy swap. If a cassette, more problematic.

The uniglide is not 100% compatible with hyperglide cassettes. Can you take the wheel off and take a closeup picture of just the smallest cog?

Seweryn

Thank you All for some comprehensive responses. This is all new to me, so I am still on the learning curve :-).

I will ask the owner regarding the cassette, as the bike is packed in a box and ready for shipping. I have never seen the bike, just bought it online and I am trying to plan for some unknown. I will probably replace the chain anyway, but may leave the crankset as it is and maybe replace the cassette, if I find out what type it is, and will update here.

By the way, I have a lot of pictures, so maybe this one will bring more light...

Really appreciate your help.

pastorbobnlnh 

I'm almost certain you are dealing with a Uniglide Cassette. These were the first version of Shimano's cassettes.

They require two chain whips to remove. One to hold the cassette and the other to unthread the top cog from the freehub body. Once the top cog is unthreaded, the whole unit slips off the freehub body. Take a look here for the differences between freewheels, Uniglide, and Hyperglide.

Contact me via email and I might be able to help you out with a new cassette. (pastorbobnlnh "AT" gmail "DOT" com.

Seweryn

Thank you, sound advice.

I sent you an email also.

Bikedued

You can put another 7 speed cassette on it if it is the same type, but a modern 7 speed replacement cassette will not work on that freehub. It was a very short lived design that only accepted that one type of cassette. I have one bike like this, and it's going to be a sad day when the cassette finally wears out.,,,,BD

due ruote 

Cassette hubs have a bulge on one side, whereas freewheel hubs are straight, which is why folks were asking for a picture from behind. If you have one like that, please post it.

My Stumpjumper came with 6 speed Uniglide and I swapped in a 7 speed Hyperglide body to open up the options. Is that possible here, or am I out of my depth?

By the way, that's a nice looking Bianchi.

Seweryn

Thank you, I have a good few pictures of the bike, and found this one, if it is of any help:



Thanks, I like it as well. It is the late 1980's Specialissima X4 Reparto Corse SLX, but unfortunately is now equipped with Shimano 105. Still, can't wait to get it . Here she is:

due ruote 

Very nice! I'd be tempted to go with black housing, hoods and pedals just to keep it consistent, but it looks great either way. (Please do something about that rear brake housing though!)

That does look like a cassette hub. If you look at the link that Pastorbob supplied (post #7 ) and go to the "body transplant" section, you'll see that in all likelihood you can swap the body for a 7 speed Hyperglide body, which will give you lots of options for new cassettes. Of course, then you'll need some 7 speed shifters, unless you want to go with friction mode.

Seweryn

Thank you for your opinion, sounds good . Yeah, I will be tempted to do some cosmetic changes as soon as I get the bike.

Thanks, we are currently discussing the possible options with Pastorbob .

due ruote 

Cool. Also I apparently brain cramped - you already have 7 speed shifters so forget my comment about needing new ones.

Seweryn

No worries, thanks anyway .