First off my bike is a Dawes from BD. and I absolutely love it. So much so that I'm thinking about getting a nice flashy set of wheels for it soon. Now, since the current generic no name wheels that's on it now has a seven speed cassette will I have to shop only for wheels that are seven speed wheels? Or can I get a set that allow eight or nine speed cassettes as well?
Here's a link to my bikes specs for those of you who really know what your talking about.
Save Up to 60% Off Carbon Fork Shimano Road Bikes - DawesLightning1000
Again, its a amazing little bike so please don't dis it just because it's from BikesDirect. This bike is my best friend.

no shame in a BD purchase buddy, actually its very frugal and smart.

I believe you can get spacers that will allow you to put a 7 speed cassette on a 8/9/10 speed hub. I have not tried this but I have used a wheels mfg conversion cassette (shimano to campy) before and it worked well. good luck

https://www.amazon.com/Wheels-Manufac.../dp/B001CJVLWO

How flashy is flashy? Why not go custom? They can easily be more economical than big-name off-the-shelf stuff.

I believe a 4.5mm spacer behind your 7sp cassette will fix you right up (if the hub is 10/11sp compatible).

You probably want the rear spacing to match your frame. What is the distance between your dropouts? 126mm or 130mm?

Though you can typically squeeze a 130mm wheelset into a 126 spaced frame with no problems. I've done this with my Trek 460 and 760, and the '88 Cannondale criterium series. We've discussed this frequently amongst the C&V crowd upstairs.

Not necessarily, the UK pricing on Campy, Shimano and Fulcrum wheels is pretty darn competitive and offer things not readily available aftermarket. I can build my own wheels but it still is a toss up for me.

I'm thinking there's not much premium for specially colored spokes and nipples, and one can put something flashy and distinctive together with a cool looking rim for less than one would pay for a pair of Zipp 404s, say.

But back to the question at hand, yes, a spacer or three between cassette and wheel and you're good to go. Pretty awesome that you love your Dawes that much. It does look fun.

Perhaps, but how much will it cost you to put low aero spoked, wide flange quality hubbed , 2;1 laced , offset rim carbon rim-al brake track wheelset. I have looked , I can't match the technology, build characteristics of the system wheels available under $600.00 . I can build a nice wheel, that's repairable with economical parts, but I can not match the technology. I can not find the necessary parts over the counter or they are cost prohibitive making custom more expensive.

Good point - if one wants a reasonable upgrade, factories do a good job putting stuff together. But I was wondering what the OP meant by "flashy." Usually it means either something visually distinctive (hence my suggestion for custom), or, if factory/stock, something obviously top-shelf - if not notoriously high-priced.

Hi! OP Corben here. I feel horrible because I decided to just hang on to the old wheels. I wasted everyone's time and energy! A post that should not have happen. The needless carbon footprints I created just because of a whim. Forgive me.
But thanks anyway!

No wasted time or effort. If you learned something from it, there is value.

You can mount a Shimano 7 speed freehub onto most Shimano 8/9/10 speed hubs (but not 11).
You just have to be careful on the hub you select, and expect a bit of tinkering to get all of the spacers, and possibly dishing right.

There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people who ask questions.

lolz

You know you need some bling, OP! That frame will be 130mm rear hub spacing. I'd buy a nice set of Mavic Aksiums with tyres for that bike. I think they even include the spacer you need.

130mm you say? well then my rear derailleur ( SHIMANO CLARIS RD-2400GS BLACK ) according to google is a 8 speed. should I pick up a 8 speed cassette while I'm at it?

I wouldn't, your shifters are 7 speed, if you go to 8 speed cassette you'll have to change the shifters to 8 speed.

Damn I didn't think of that! I still have that down tube shifting mentality.
hmmm.... also more food for thought.
Thanks Mr IGH.

+1. I'd suggest the OP check out the Fulcrum Racing 7's from Ribble. Especially the wider 'LG' version that comes packaged with a pair of tires and three tubes.

I was more interested in the Fulcrum 3. I have Fulcrum 5's and really like them , just would a little more responsiveness from the lighter machined rim.

My suggestion for the 7's was for the original poster (OP) of this thread. I think that's about the most I'd sink into wheels for a sub $400 bike.

I'm sure the 3's are great. I actually have a new set of the 5's sitting around, but I might sell 'em as the nipples don't really match my bikes (I know, I know...).

What do you have now? Kenda k-152s?