clubman 

I bought a 10-11 speed Cobb crankset, 145 mm length because of mobility issues. Can I pair this crankset with any 7/8/9 speed cassettes and if so, with what chain? If not, whats the cheapest way to get the bike on the road without buying a new wheelset? Current wheel has old 105 freehub with 8 speed cassette. Can a 10 speed cassette fit?
Not worries about the shifters, it will be friction, either downtube or bar-ends. The bike has 130 mm spacing at the back. Thanks.

HillRider

If you use a 7,8 or 9-speed cassette a 10-speed chain will work fine. I had a bike with an 8-speed cassette and a 10-speed cranks and shifting was very satisfactory.

Your 8-speed 105 hub will accept both 9 and 10-speed cassettes so the choice is yours. However, friction shifting of 9 and 10-speed cassettes requires a deft touch since the cogs are so close together so you may find an 8-speed cassette more forgiving.

clubman 

Thank you, but I made a mistake. It's a 7 speed 1055 freehub. Not quite wide enough for a 10 if what I read is correct?

HillRider

A 7-speed freehub isn't wide enough for an 8 or 9-speed cassette either. You will have to change the freehub body to an 8/9/10-speed body or stay with 7-speed.

Camilo

I don't think there's any reason that you can't use your 10/11 speed crank with a 7 speed cassette on your existing hubs. I think you should use a 10 speed chain.

Is that 7 speed hub wheel currently being used in the frame?

clubman 

It is. I guess I can grab a 10 speed chain and try it before a wheel/hub swap.