customized cassettes

MTB noob

I prefer my bikes to be 7 speed and i currently have a 11-28.

Is there any chance of custom making a 7 speed cassette to be something like a 11-32 or even 34? I don't want a 8 speed or higher because of rate of gear changing.

The reason for this is that i would like my bike to have only 1 front sprocket and make the most of a rear sprocket in compensation. Would this be possible or is it a stupid idea from the start?

Thanks

cooldad

The spacing is different.

MTB noob

So would it be a bad idea to try?

Chunkers1980

Yes

cooldad

You can buy 7 speed cassettes with 32 teeth. Seems a bit simpler.

cooldad

In fact I think Shimano make a 34 tooth one as well.

bikaholic

In answer to the original question: yes, you can make a custom 7-speed cassette.

You just need to get (salvage, buy or make) the correct thickness of spacers and cogs for the c2c 5mm cog spacings on a 7-speed cassette.

Cogs can be salvaged from low end cassettes by punching out (or unbolting) the pins holding them together.

Very thin shim spacers can be cut out from a coke can or biscuit tin etc.

But, before doing that, double-check that your derailleur can handle the increased capacity and range. You will also probably need to modify the length of your chain.

The Rookie

SRAM lower end casettes are held together by an allen bolt, easy to undo a 7 speed and an 8 speed and build a custom 7 bolting it back together, Despite what CD says the spacing between 7 and 8 is the same, and you can use 9 speed gears in your custom cassette IF you use the 7/8 speed spacers. Been there, done that and got the T-shirt.

If you have an 11-28 now, if you fitted an 8 speed 11-32 the gear spacing between each gear would be the same as you've just added an extra gear (7th on the 8 being 28T) so your rate of gear changing would be the same.......

I have a SRAM 8 speed cassette and a 7 (maybe SRAM) going begging, PM me if you want some cheap parts to start you off, but personally I'd go 8 if your freehub will accept it.

cooldad

True I automatically think 9 speed, but it still seems easier to buy a 32 or 34 in 7 speed rather than faff around - they are cheap. Like me.

Levi_501

Rose bikes in Germany have a selection of 7 speed casettes. You could always buy some and build them up as you wish.

Failing that, I believe there is a French company that makes singles sprokets which you could build up as you want. Sorry, but I cannot rememebr their name, but have a feleing it starts with M.

Levi_501

Rembered, Miche

MTB noob

what i am going to do is trade my friend his 8 speed rear gear set for my 7 speed because we need each other's and then ill just buy a 11-34 8 speed

MTB noob

Also, with it, what is the cheapest place to get a 37t 1 speed crankset? My 22 32 42 suntours are too heavy

Chunkers1980

Why 37?

Does your swap include shifter?