7/8/9 Speed Compatibility

This question has been asked before with some variations but does quite cover what I want to know.
Having been out on my Altus 531, I like the bike but the suicide shifters are hindering me quite a bit to the point where I wait until I have to shift and then block shift 3 cogs so I don't have to keep taking hands off the bars and looking down.
So I'd like to move to STI, I figured I could just get some 8s brifters and use them without 1 click and use them with my 7s 105 setup. Reading another thread it appears the spacing betwen 7 and 8s is different and they may just tolerate each other but it won't be reliable.
So the next question is can't I just get a new 8s cassette, chain and 8s brifters and fit them?
Also as the 9s stuff is more common will a 9s cassette also fit (with the obligatory chain and brifters) and will my 1055 mech work too (logic says it should if the width is the same)?

Cheers,

Carl.

Wheels

7 speed uses a narrower freehub, 8 and 9 use the same

Shifters

You can get away with using 8 on 7, but otherwise only "matched" combinations work

Rear Mech

It'll be fine.

cce":15q4yk82 said:

Wheels

7 speed uses a narrower freehub, 8 and 9 use the same

Shifters

You can get away with using 8 on 7, but otherwise only "matched" combinations work

Rear Mech

It'll be fine.

Click to expand...

And by that logic then I guess I can't fit a larger body with my 105 wheels then as it won't fit within the frame. Balls.

Carl.

This one?



If so, on this bike all you have to do (sounds easy dont it) is swap that back wheel which I assume is 130mm with the later 8spd versions. This will then give you 8 or 9 speed options.

The front mech maaaaay need changing as it may have a different cable pull and reach depending on the STi chosen - but that may just be a case of faffing a bit.

The existing rear mech and chainset will be fine

wheels?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mavic-Open-Su ... SwdGFYtWbC

legrandefromage":nvi7keh0 said:

This one?

If so, on this bike all you have to do (sounds easy dont it) is swap that back wheel which I assume is 130mm with the later 8spd versions. This will then give you 8 or 9 speed options.

The front mech maaaaay need changing as it may have a different cable pull and reach depending on the STi chosen - but that may just be a case of faffing a bit.

The existing rear mech and chainset will be fine

wheels?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mavic-Open-Su ... SwdGFYtWbC

Click to expand...

That's the one, I'll measure the OLN when I get a chance but I was also assuming 130mm.
Not such an easy upgrade then, could cost me a few pounds. I'd already upgraded the chainset as I had it hanging around, maybe i'll get some ultegra stuff, I'll have to have a think about this.

Carl.

IF you dont mind tubs, I have a nice wheelset available...

legrandefromage":28fgqscu said:

IF you dont mind tubs, I have a nice wheelset available...

Click to expand...

Never tried tubs so I don't have an opinion either way.

Drop me a pm with the details and I'll have a think about it.

Cheers

Why not fit a set of Bar end shifters & keep existing wheel gears etc.

Got some old 3x9 6500 with new hoods here if you're interested perfectly serviceable.

Little Al":mrp34920 said:

Why not fit a set of Bar end shifters & keep existing wheel gears etc.

Click to expand...

Wot he said