Convert a 9 speed cassette to 8 speed?
11-03-21, 04:02 PM
#1
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Convert a 9 speed cassette to 8 speed?
Is this possible? And if so, how? Or would it be easier to just get a new cassette? I have a 9 speed 12-26 that I'd like to convert to an 8 speed. I see a lot of info about going up, but nothing about coming down.
thanks (and sorry if this is a dumb question)
thanks (and sorry if this is a dumb question)
11-03-21, 04:53 PM
#3
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I'm just guessing that this is for Shimano so 8 speed cogs and spacers are each slightly wider than 9 speed so I suppose you could maybe find (or have to make) the proper spacers to get the correct distance between cogs but just get the complete 8 speed unless you're a masochist.
11-03-21, 05:06 PM
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The first question is what cog don’t you want?
Then if the cogs are full cogs you can remove the rivet(s) and separate them.
You will need a set of spacers from an 8 speed cassette.
I’ve done this sort of thing but I have a bag of miscellaneous spacers and 12t, 13t, 14t cogs.
In the end it is only worth it if you can’t find an appropriate 8 speed cassette.
John
Then if the cogs are full cogs you can remove the rivet(s) and separate them.
You will need a set of spacers from an 8 speed cassette.
I’ve done this sort of thing but I have a bag of miscellaneous spacers and 12t, 13t, 14t cogs.
In the end it is only worth it if you can’t find an appropriate 8 speed cassette.
John
11-03-21, 05:22 PM
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way easier and cheaper to just get an 8 speed cassette
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(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
11-03-21, 05:35 PM
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If (a) the unused cog is the highest gear (i.e., physically smallest cog, e.g., 11T) and (b) there is no other 9 speed cassette with a physically bigger highest gear, maybe change the chain rings instead?
11-03-21, 06:05 PM
#7
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OK. That's what I was thinking. I just have so much bike junk laying around I was looking to repurpose some of it. I'll donate it to our local neighborhood bike works.
thanks
thanks
11-03-21, 06:06 PM
#8
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Why go from 9 speed to 8 speed? If there is a cog on the 9 speed cassette which you do not use, would it not be simpler to switch to another 9 speed cassette with a narrower range?
If (a) the unused cog is the highest gear (i.e., physically smallest cog, e.g., 11T) and (b) there is no other 9 speed cassette with a physically bigger highest gear, maybe change the chain rings instead?
If (a) the unused cog is the highest gear (i.e., physically smallest cog, e.g., 11T) and (b) there is no other 9 speed cassette with a physically bigger highest gear, maybe change the chain rings instead?
11-03-21, 06:11 PM
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Let me add that Shimano 8 speed cassettes range from about $20 for a CS-HG31 to $30 for a CS-HG51 brand new.
Or I can send you my gently used and slightly dirty 11-32 CS-HG31 if you cover priority mail shipping.
Last edited by SoSmellyAir; 11-03-21 at 06:17 PM.
11-03-21, 06:34 PM
#10
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IF you have 9 speed cassettes "laying around", use them.
11-03-21, 06:48 PM
#11
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Thanks, SoSmellyAir. That's very kind of you to offer. I just pulled the trigger on a new one since they're so cheap. Thanks everyone for the replies.
