8-9sp compatibility

[doctorstewie]

hey folks, quick question: can you fit a 9sp cassette onto a freehub that's got an 8sp cassette on it? The overall spacing, according to Sheldon is the same ( 135 ) but I am unclear as to whether the slight increase in cassette width will fit on the freehub. ( Further confused by seeing some hubs sold as compatible with 9, 8 or 7speed with a spacer.) I am leaning towards yes but would like some confirmation from someone who knows

Thanks people

 

[ishaw]

Yes indeed.

 

[drystonepaul]

Re:

Yep. Hubs designed for 8 speed can happily accommodate a 9 or even a 10 speed cassette. The spacing is progressively narrower for each though so you'd also need compatible shifters and chains.

7 speed freehub bodies are shorter, so any cassette with more than 7 sprockets won't fit.

6 speed freehub bodies are shorter still.

 

[doctorstewie]

Cheers folks. I have a 9sp set up on the Marin, but would like to change the wheels for something with decent hubs that don't let water in. I was wondering if that meant getting a 9sp hub real wheel or having to change everything to go back to 8 sp. ( I'd like to use period wheels with Marin's "white industries" hubs that I'd be able to take off a 98 ish bike but not have to change everything to accommodate them )
It's a green light then