12-08-2022, 09:52 PM
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.
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.
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