Vintage MTB build help
 

I have an old Specialized Rockhopper Comp I want to upgrade. The bike needs new wheels. Seeing as it has 130mm spacing, can I build some new wheels with Ultegra hubs to make it a 9 speed? I really don't want to respace the frame. Lots of cyclocross racers use Ultegra hubs, so they must be durable. Anyone ever try this?

Cross posted in the Vintage Classic forum.

Tim

Should not be a problem. There's very little functional difference between Shimano 'road' and 'mtb' hubs.

on the other hand, there's not really that much difference between 8 & 9 speed, is there?

True, and this is probably why I don't own any shimano 'mtb' hubs.

To the op, the biggest difference will be the flange spacing. So the wheel will have less lateral strength than one built with 135 spacing, or a 130 built with a 7spd hub.

Yeah, but with a nine speed you can go wayyyyy faster.

how?

there is, granted, a gear differential - but it doesn't sound like the OP is off to the races right now...

'Cause you got one more. It's one more then 8...it's 9. It's bett'r, it'sd it?

Sorry. Had a Spinal Tap moment.;)

Uhhhh, OK. Sounds good to me.:D

Tim

You could do the Armstrong frame spacing and use a 135mm hub, too. Build the wheel, get strong arms and force it into place! I've got biker arms...no muscle...and I can do it.:o Not much 'Armstrong' needed actually:)

i had a nine speed on my old saracen which was built for eight.
it was a bit of grief getting the wheel out sometimes, you'd have to give it a bit of a thump, but other than that it was ok.
no prob's