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

New: Take Part in the March Giveaway: Coming Soon 3/24


Can a 8 speed derailleur be used for 7 speed?
#1
I plan on buy: http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/Shimano_Deore_XT_derailleur_(M739_SGS).html

but I only have 7 gears so I'm wondering if the limit screws can be adjusted so it won't throw the chain off on the missing gear.
  Reply
#2
It should be OK, there's only 1.5 mm difference in the overall width of 7 and 8 speed cassettes according to Sheldon: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/k7.html
  Reply
#3
This will work with no problems.
The majority of Shimano rear derailleurs are compatible no matter the number of sprockets.
The only consideration is with the width of the chain and you will have no trouble with this XT working a seven speed.
Ride hard or ride home alone!
  Reply
#4
(07-28-2010, 10:11 PM)Bert1220 Wrote:  I plan on buy: http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/Shimano_Deore_XT_derailleur_(M739_SGS).html

but I only have 7 gears so I'm wondering if the limit screws can be adjusted so it won't throw the chain off on the missing gear.

As other mentioned, no problem with the derailleur. The shifters are another matter, because the sprocket to sprocket spacing is different. If you are using friction shifters, no problem, if you are using clicking (ratcheting) shifters, they need to be Shimano compatible 7 speed shifters.
Nigel
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
What tools have you bought recently?
Today 06:57 PM
Santini fluted frame
Today 06:47 PM
Expensive bikes with crappy wheels
Today 10:15 AM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
Yesterday 11:43 PM
2007 Trek Pilot S.P.A. 5.2
Yesterday 07:06 PM
2010 Specialized Hardrock
03-26-2024 09:16 PM
1990 Specialized Rockhopper How to Fluff...
03-25-2024 07:05 PM
Thread busted on right pedal crank
03-24-2024 08:52 PM
Trek domane tyre
03-24-2024 05:48 PM
Modern rims crack at spoke holes
03-24-2024 05:32 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. Painkiller
21 posts
no avatar 2. Jesper
16 posts
no avatar 3. ReapThaWhirlwind
16 posts
no avatar 4. meamoantonio
15 posts
no avatar 5. GirishH
15 posts