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


7 speed cassette change out 80's
#1
I have a 1989 Panasonic steel frame road bike, 7 speed. Is it possible to replace the cassette with a 9 speed on my existing wheel? Or do I need to replace the wheel in order to get the 9 speed cassette, and is this even possible on this old of frame? If this is possible, I would eventually like to update as many components as compatible. I am getting weary of downtube shifting.
  Reply
#2
I'm not 100% but I am pretty sure something fomr the 80's would be a freewheel. I'm not sure if they make a 9 speed version of that, you would need a freehub body on the wheel.
This will explain the differences = http://www.sheldonbrown.com/free-k7.html
  Reply
#3
7 speed is likely to be cassette. But you can't put 9+ on a 7 speed wheel without modifications anyway. Most likely just need to swap the freehub and add 4mm of spacers to the axle.
See: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/speeds.html & http://www.sheldonbrown.com/k7.html
You'll need to spread the frame a few mm as well, but that's no big deal. I think derailleurs will be OK, but not sure.

I think you can also still get 7 speed integrated shift/brake levers for lower end shimano (Sora?). Then you wouldn't need to change anything in the drivetrain.
  Reply
#4
If the free hub is 8/9 speed compatible you will find a spacer behind the cassette when you take it off. 8 and 9 speed cassettes are the same size 9 speed uses a narrow chain to create the space for the extra gear. I have converted a Mountain bike from 7 to 8 but my free hub was compatible and all I had to do is change the shifters and cassette to 8 speeds. If I wanted to convert to 9 speed I would have had to change much of the group set to handle the narrow gauge chain.

The reason I wanted to change was to provide a granny gear and closer ratios in the middle gears. If you hunt around e-bay for the bits you will most likely need new rear wheel or hub, cassette, rear mech, front mech and chain and chainset leavers and cables for a 9 speed to work properly. An 8 speed conversion may be possible without too much work but I doubt a 1989 rear wheel will have a compatible hub. Might pay to stick to 7 speed and finding a cassette with ratios that suit your riding.
  Reply
#5
I appreciate the replies and have already accessed some of the resources mentioned. I'll give it a try and see what I can do. May be back for more advice Smile
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post

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. ReapThaWhirlwind
16 posts
no avatar 3. Jesper
16 posts
no avatar 4. GirishH
15 posts
no avatar 5. meamoantonio
15 posts