6/7 Speed Freewheel To 8/9/10 Speed Cassette Bike Conversion

bicycles reviews | bicycles videos | bicycles online

Author: RJ The Bike Guy

156795View

51m 30sLenght

1450Rating

I upgrade my vintage road bike from 12 speed (2x6) with downtube friction shifters, to 16 speed (2x8) with STI brifters. This process includes expanding the rear triangle (chain stays/seat stays) from 126mm to 130mm between the dropouts so the wider wheel will fit in the dropouts. You only want to do this on a steel frame! I also replaced the wheels, derailleur, crank set, cables, housings. I also convert from a quill stem to a threadless stem, because it was convenient. I could have just as easily upgraded the bike to a 10 speed cassette on the back, just the parts would have costed more. The bike is a 1985 Raleigh Team USA bike. It's a nice way to update a vintage bike and bring new life to an old frame. **If the video was useful or interesting please give it a "thumbs up" and consider subscribing. -Website: http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.com -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RJTheBikeGuy -Subscribe Here: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=shyflirt1 -YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/RJTheBikeGuy

Comments

Great video. Where does one get the type of cable stop you used for this conversion? Thanks.

You should have tried to warm up the joints before expanding. That should prevent any rupture or crack

excellent vid RJ, you covered loads there. very helpful. cheers.

I did the same from 6 speed freewheel to an 8 speed hyperglide cassette. My bike is Bianchi with shimano 600 groupset. I didn’t replace the front and rear derailleurs. The crankset and the shifters are still the same. I am just wondering if I need to replace the chain? Thanks +RJ The Bike Guy

funny how i didn't notice the little picture in the corner till I was 5/6 through haha

Very informative video, thank you RJ!

I've done cassette upgrades on my modern bikes but will be doing my '89 steel framed Stumpjumper later this afternoon (7 to 8/9 speed rear). I had no idea I may have to expand the rear triangle and am picking up the new wheels today so I'm glad that was pointed out in the video. I don't think it'll have to be expanded as much as the Raleigh in the vid, if at all, but again thank you.

I've been considering trying the 1" to 1 1/8" quill adapter too. What brand/model do you suggest or think is the best out there?

Nice tools

I have a question, I have Centurion with 7 speed cassette and my friend gave me 10 speed cassette, will it fit or do I need to do like what you did? Thanks!

how can I fix a 7speed freewheel in a 8speed 700×23c road bike's wheel.

This is video is exactly what I need to finally make a decision!

I have a 1976 Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 (Panasonic built) I've been debating between a full refurbish or a 700c and component upgrade. Been part of my decor for about a year and half... I've also been pricing new steel road bikes that would essentially be the same thing as converting this bike would be, but not nearly as cool.

It has a five speed freewheel, so I'll have to measure the width between the drops, but hopefully it's doable for a 8 or 9 speed conversion to 130mm.

I'm thinking a 50/34 up front and a 11-32 9 speed in back as my ideal set up.

Your videos are awesome. When ever I'm stuck this is my first source... Thanks!

RJ, Cool videos. I am in the process of stretching a steel frame to move it from 5 speed to 10 speed. I had success stretching it to 130mm and the wheel fits but the cassette rubs on the inside of the derailleur hanger. I am working with a ~79 Peugeot "Super Sport". Do you have any videos or advice on the best way to create space? I am admittedly a bit of a novice but enjoying the challenge.

Hello, RJ thank you for great video I bought a new mountain bike but I want to change rims on it. This bike came with 21 speed . Rear wheel has has 7 speed freewheel 14-28 T shimano. The new rims I bought came with 8/9 speed freehub. I'm going to buy 7 speed shimano cassette with some spacers. But there is no 14-28T cassette on the market . Can I buy 12-28 T cassette instead ? Does it make any difference ?

hello, i have got a great question. Would i put the rear wheel with freewheel 7 speed to 8/9/10 speed bike's frame? Because its dropout is 35mm.

Hi! I have a vintage 2x5 speed Puch bike which has 120 wide rear width, my wheels are really worn and I want to replace them but the most wheels have 135mm wide hub. Is it possible to stretch it like you did it in the video?

Thanks for the video. I just acquired a 1987 Miyata Competition 512 in great (original) condition. I just threw a 9-speed cassette and 700 wheel set on it. I'm leaving it as a friction shift for now; but I am eyeing a 2 x 9 brifter set for $85. The original rear derailleur is working for full motion and moves the chain to all of the cogs. I am experiencing a slight issue in mid-range and the barrel adjustment doesn't seem to help it any. It's more like the chain link is stacking on top of the tooth. Keep in mind I still have the 6-speed chain on it. I only started this project yesterday and I have 2 other bikes to ride. I'll see what happens after I replace the chain. The idler gear and tension gear may need to be replaced also according to what I saw in your video.

Boa noite, todo o grupo é shimano 600?
Tenho uma monark 10 e estou fazendo a conversão 10v para 16v.

olá quantos cm tem as medidas padrões de quadros de bikes? parabéns Pelos os vídeos! 🇧🇷

Hi RJ, very nice video again, I like the way you're explaining, especially the little side-hints. What also would be good to know would be converting a newer HG-cassette to fit on an old UG freewheel by filing down the inner cassette. Do you think this works?

I want to put a modern wheel on an old Cannondale 3.0 with a 126mm hub. I know that there is no cold setting of aluminum frames, but do you think a gentle spread from 126 to 130 is even possible?