fitting freehub wheel to steel frame

[smartmo]

Hi,

I want to replace the wheels on my steel frame bike with a set of good used wheels. Axle spacing is about 126mm - there seems to be far more options for wheels with freehubs - if i stick to a 6 or 7 speed freehub will i encounter any problems with chain alignment etc as I am moving away from a freewheel? Bike is currently fitted with a 6 speed freewheel.

Cheers

 

[tonyf39]

7 speed cassette hubs fitted racing bikes were for the most part 126mm width anyway (well the one's I've owned were) The jump to 8 speed brought 130mm as a standard width to take the extra sprockets.

You can a set of new basic wheels with freewheel fitting for under £50 delivered. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/700c-Hybrid-B ... 4841108753

 

[smartmo]

so the alignment shouldnt change too much then as long as i dont go for too many speeds?

I've seen those - anyone got any experience of them? kinda assumed they might not be great quality?

 

[mattsccm]

You'll provoke a whole raft of replies about cold setting but briefly you are 4mm short of a modern hub width. Thats 2 either side. The frame will spring that much. Done many that way. Just pull evenly as you put the wheel in. You can then run modern cassettes up to 11 speed.

 

[smartmo]

okay, cheers guys. not really too worried about going above 8 speed to be fair, but just wondered if for example a 7 speed cassette would be any different to a 7 speed freewheel in terms of width/alignment.