Advice please: DX wheels - 7 to 8 speed freehub conversion

[orange71]

I have a set of wheels with DX hubs, the freehub that came with them is 7 speed, but I really want 8.

Would DX be just like the more recent ones where you remove the axle and insert a 10mm allen key to unlock the freehub and replace?

Would rather ask here first before spending a lot of time in vain!!

 

[Bike Hoarder]

That's right mate, might have to slightly re-space the axle though, can't remember 100%

 

[orange71]

thanks

 

[utahdog2003]

Yup...you are a 10mm allen wrench away from 8-9 speed hubs. You will have to space the axle a bit though...no big deal especially for an unbuilt wheel.

 

[cchris2lou]

as above but you need to take a 5 mm spacer from the non cassette side and put it on the cassette side .

 

[JustKev]

Ed, if you add a longer axle or move a 5mm spacer across you're probably going to have to re-dish the wheel too, and I think the spokes may be too long on the drive side......

Its late and I'm tired but I think I'm visualizing that right? Sure Cannondale King will confirm this?

 

[utahdog2003]

as above but you need to take a 5 mm spacer from the non cassette side and put it on the cassette side .

Not all DX rear hubs have the 5mm spacer. He may need to get creative to space the axle for the 8-9 speed body. Still not a big deal though.

And yes, if the hub is on a built wheel, it will need to be redished, though the spokes should be OK.

 

[cchris2lou]

Ed, if you add a longer axle or move a 5mm spacer across you're probably going to have to re-dish the wheel too, and I think the spokes may be too long on the drive side......

Its late and I'm tired but I think I'm visualizing that right? Sure Cannondale King will confirm this?

true but not by much . 1/2 turm max on each spoke should do it .

 

[orange71]

:shock: hmm - starting to get a bit complicated...

might just have to find a nice 7 speed cassette....

 

[legrandefromage]

Guess what - I've done this quite recently and its nowhere near that complicated.

Just remove the axle, remove the 7spd FH, add 8spd FH, find an existing 8/9spd wheel and match the axle alignment to your spanky new 8spd DX hub so it sits where it should.

Build wheel, ride bike, shout 'wheeeeeeeeeee!' as you go downhill.