Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the May's Giveaway: Win the LIVALL PikaBoost 2 E-bike Conversion Kit


8 Speed on 7 Speed Freehub Body
#1
Awhile back, I was able to hack a 7 speed freehub body and get an additional speed out of it by using a 9 speed cassette with the narrower spacing. Note that these older freehub bodies are 7 speed exclusive. They do not typically have the space to fit a larger cassette on them.

To do this, I took a 9 Speed Dura Ace 11-23 cassette and I simply removed the final combination cog from the back, then I placed in a 16t sprocket and 9 speed spacer that I bought separately.

11-12-13-14-15-16-17-19

By using a 9 speed shifter, chain, and rear derailleur—the drive train is entirely set up to run 8 speeds on the 7 speed freehub body! This setup leaves one click remaining at the end—which the rider has to beware not to use—and could shift you into the spokes if you don't set the low limit screw to absolutely prevent this.

I thought this would be great content for anyone who isn't incredibly tech savvy (or is maybe just frugal) but would like to increase the number of speeds on their bike without having the change the 7 speed-only freehub body.

I wonder if I would have been able to get an additional speed (9 speed) by running a 10 speed setup instead; thanks to the narrower spacing still. I haven't tried this yet though at all to confirm.


Attached Files Image(s)
           
  Reply
#2
Well done. That is a nice hack!

I'm not sure I fancy the risk of shifting into the spokes, though. I wonder if there's a way to hack the shifter so this can't happen. Maybe the upper limit screw on the derailleur? I admit, I've not given it proper thought.
  Reply
#3
You can just use a dork disk if that concerns you.

Also, using a trigger shifter with display will show you where you are in the gears.
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Attack // Force tire style narrow front ...
Today 12:47 AM
What was your first bicycle?
Yesterday 10:43 PM
First long distance ride..
Yesterday 10:33 PM
Is anyone riding with music?
Yesterday 10:12 PM
Great Giro
Yesterday 09:57 PM
Rusty chain inspite of cleaning,lubing
Yesterday 09:54 PM
What are your best tips for long rides?
Yesterday 06:26 PM
Massive Chainring redux
05-30-2025 06:47 PM
POLL: Are non-recumbent riders looking a...
05-30-2025 05:26 PM
Third best reason to ride a bent or trik...
05-30-2025 04:51 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Criminal
18 posts
no avatar 2. GirishH
17 posts
no avatar 3. Painkiller
16 posts
no avatar 4. Flowrider
15 posts
no avatar 5. SPINMAN
14 posts