7 speed to 8 speed conversions...

[Copey]

Hi Chaps,

I tried using the search utility on this site, however cannot find anything that talks about converting a 7speed Shimano Hub to an 8 speed. I seem to remember BITD being able to simply swap the freehub body out for an 8 speed... did I dream this, or is it the case....??

Cheers

Mark

 

[cherrybomb]

You're kind of right.

You'll need to swap the freehub for an eight speed one and probably have to swap some spacers around to re-centre the axle. Then you'll just need to re-dish the wheel.

Easy!

Alternatively, I'm sure someone used to make a sprocket which doubled up as a cassette lock ring. This was a quick fix to go 8 speed.

Easier still, stick with 7.

 

[Copey]

Thanks for this...

7 Speed it is then!

 

[Benandemu]

Can't remember the name, but an American company made a lockring for a 7 speed cassette that actually turned it into 8 speed as it was a cog.
Think it was TNT.
Might be an interesting alternative if your have phantom 8 speed XT thumbies.

 

[cherrybomb]

I think you're right, it might have been TNT.

I'm sure you still need to re-space the axle (if you can find a sprocket) but this usually just means swapping a 5mm spacer from the none drive side to the drive side. Then you have to re-dish the wheel.

In all honesty, unless you can find a cheap freehub and are happy re-dishing the wheel, by the time you've faffed about it's probably as cheap (and easier) to source an 8 speed wheel unless it's a real trick (and hard to find) hub. :?

 

[Agency_Scum]

It was TNT and it cost more than heroin. Stick with the " Skool of Wrong. " Backwards is the only way forward!