Shimano 7-speed cassette compatibility

[pstead]

Hello, I'm trying to teach myself bike mechanics by refurbing my 1997 Orange C16-R.

I've just bought a Mavic X221 real wheel with Shimano STX-RC hub to match my front wheel. But I'm struggling to understand cassette compatibility.

The hub is FH-MC38a. Research tells me this is made for an 8-10 speed cassette but may be useable with a 7-speed cassette with a spacer. I want to stay 7 speed, possibly using a Shimano HG30 cassette, but would it be compatible? Where can I get a spacer and how do I fit it?

 

[rider]

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=211200

 

[xerxes]

You need one of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-cas...=Shimano-Shimano_Cassette_Alloy_Spacer-Silver

You just fit it on a 9 speed freehub before the 7 speed cassette.

 

[treacle]

Seems I am the third person to ask this in as many days!

 

[pstead]

Thats great . Thanks

 

[elite504]

or, if it's not for a real show queen, pop an old cog from an old cassette down the back of the new cassette.

 

[drystonepaul]

You can also use one of the plastic spacers from between the sprockets on an old cassette. Preferably one from a 9 speed cassette as they are a little narrower than those from 7 and 8 speed ones.