customized cassettes

MTB noob
MTB noob Posts: 272
edited May 2012 in MTB workshop & tech
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 :mrgreen:
My god road cycling is scary! I'm going to keep my relaxing rides to the trails where everything is green, fast and less crazy.

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    The spacing is different.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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  • MTB noob
    MTB noob Posts: 272
    So would it be a bad idea to try?
    My god road cycling is scary! I'm going to keep my relaxing rides to the trails where everything is green, fast and less crazy.
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Yes
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    You can buy 7 speed cassettes with 32 teeth. Seems a bit simpler.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    In fact I think Shimano make a 34 tooth one as well.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • bikaholic
    bikaholic Posts: 350
    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
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    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.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    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.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • Levi_501
    Levi_501 Posts: 1,105
    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
    Levi_501 Posts: 1,105
    Rembered, Miche
  • MTB noob
    MTB noob Posts: 272
    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
    My god road cycling is scary! I'm going to keep my relaxing rides to the trails where everything is green, fast and less crazy.
  • MTB noob
    MTB noob Posts: 272
    Also, with it, what is the cheapest place to get a 37t 1 speed crankset? My 22 32 42 suntours are too heavy
    My god road cycling is scary! I'm going to keep my relaxing rides to the trails where everything is green, fast and less crazy.
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Why 37?

    Does your swap include shifter?

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