What speed rear cassette?

[crazy88]

I recently purchased a bike which was converted to singlespeed, which cab be seen HERE.

However, my commute is too hilly for singlespeed (spinning out on the way to work, and legs like jelly coming home), so I was considering putting the rear casette and mech back on. Question is, how do I know what speed it was, or does it matter?

Are all cassette's the same size, just use thinner cog's for those with more gears? Is there something I should measure to ascertain which cassette I need?

I think i'm right in thinking that if it was 7sp it needs to stay 7sp, but 8/9/10 are all the same width cassettes?

Also, i've seen THIS at CRC. Is there any reason why i couldn't use an SRAM cassette with shimano shifters if that's the route I went?

Ideally i'd like to only use the rear gears, and keep a front single chainring, but this also may be more hassle than it's worth.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jamabikes]

if its the wheel that was on it when i sold it to chris its an 8/9 speed.

 

[crazy88]

if its the wheel that was on it when i sold it to chris its an 8/9 speed.

aha, so it was another member who he bought it from, I thought he said it was! Hello mate! Seems weird knowing it's been through a few people in a few months, and yet still on the same site.

I will double check with chris then. I think it's a specialized rear wheel, I'm pretty sure I saw specialized on the inside of the wheel when changing the tyre last night. But then i'm confused as chris said it was an alesa rim when sold. Will check and see.

8/9 speed makes it easier too doesn't it? More readily available parts?

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Splatter Paint]

9 has closer ratios (obviously) and is very pleasant to use, but there is something satifying about the 'solid' feel of an 8 speed system - plus it is retro, innit?

SP

 

[crazy88]

I've seen a black 8am cassette on CRC which I fancy, stealth gears!!