Cassette/range upgrade advice

[Beeewu]

I'm currently riding a 91 Pine mountain 1 x7 speed as i never used the front mech..my dyslexia kicks in during gear change combos..so ive simplified my gear changing...but would like to increase the range a bit.
My rear mech is a Deore DX M650 and cassete is 12-28 and 44t chain ring.... ive seen some 8 speed 11-42 wide range cassetters but this might be overkill or not work with my rear mech...im guessing a 11-36 would be best and more like to work with the dx mech?
Nice1
B

 

[hamster]

The mech will be fine up to 34T, but you will need a different hub to fit 8-(or more) speeds. The freehub body on 7s is shorter. You would also need new shifters of course.

Easiest is to buy a 12-32 7s which will be a drop-in fit.

 

[Beeewu]

Thanks Hamster...i think my XT hub can take a 8? as there a thin spacer only arounds 1.5mm - 2mm...dont know if theres gonna be much difference between 7 or 8 speed? or would it be a good upgrade

 

[hamster]

Sounds right if there's a spacer. You will still need a different shifter though.
To be honest there's really not much difference between 7 and 8 (or even 9) in terms of the benefit of a slightly smaller jump between gears. I still mainly run 7 as it's tough and reliable.

 

[Beeewu]

yes mate, makes sense..been looking into cassettes loads of the shimano ones seem sold out....did see this Sram one at halfords?
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bi...ram-pg-730-7-speed-cassette-12-32-639658.html
im not really the most harcore rider, this one seems pretty cheap tho?

 

[hamster]

I've used that one on my tandem - it's decent.

 

[Beeewu]

Awesome...if its good enough for a tandem

 

[hamster]

I've got a tired one in my bits box you are welcome to, PM me your address. You might find it skips in a gear or two depending on how worn your chain is. It survived 2000 miles on a loaded touring tandem.

 

[Beeewu]

Ah thanks for the offer mate, really kind..i might pick up a new as they have the sram cassettes in stock, just around the corner from me...might grab it today to test out..

 

[CassidyAce]

I bought one from Halfords, myself, last weekend, as a like-for-like replacement for the one that was already on my commuter. Complete with a new SRAM chain, the shifting is lovely again. The last one lasted for two-and-a-half years of rain, sun, snow, hail, dirt and benign neglect. I doubt if you'll regret your purchase.