WTD: front and rear wheels with 8-speed Shimano cassette

Breezin

Thanks to 8valve (https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119970681/#Comment_119970681), my missus is now the proud owner of a Carrera Virtuoso. It could do with quick-release wheels (tyres state 23-633 (700x23C) in decent condition and an 8-speed cassette to fit a 2x8 Shimano system. I've looked at 11-speeds, but it seems they won't fit.

Just putting this out before I go hunting elsewhere/from dealers. 🙂

8valve

The rear wheels are all 130mm spacing between the dropouts, so any rear cassette-fitment wheel, from 8 to 11 speed compatible freehub body, will work fine; you'll just need to fit a spacer on the freehub body before mounting the cassette.

Any bike shop will have a stack of spare cassette spacers hanging on a hook in their workshop - they come with most cassettes in the box and are ofeten not needed.

8valve

these seem to be still available, and would be a good starter set of Mavics; usually around 280 a set new.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058275083/fs-mavic-aksium-wheelset#latest

Breezin

I've got zero knowledge on this 8valve, and you certainly know what you're talking about, so can I check if I've got this right? Are you saying that if I take the 11 off and put an 8 plus a spacer on, it'll be ok?

I did a Google search and all results were pessimistic, saying an 11-speed won't work on an eight. Your spacer suggestion seems to solve that. The naysayers also said that the derailleur wouldn't work, but perhaps that would be solved by sticking with the 8?

Have been in touch with sy-f but just want to avoid a big faff.

8valve

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120045827#Comment_120045827

Exactlly.

Remove the 11 speed cassette (if present) and fit an 8speed cassette and a cassette spacer; the 8 speed cassette will suit the shifters/derailleurs on the Carrera.

You might need to do some slight tweaking of the upper and lower limit screws on the rear derailleur (as the cassettes position at the hub, relative to the derailleur top/bottom gear positions may have changed slightly, due to the change of rear wheel), but if you are not confident to do this yourself, it's a cheap/quick job for any bike shop mechanic.

Hope that makes sense...not a lot of what I say does lol

Breezin

Brilliant. Makes perfect sense. Thanks!

nicksnikita

Hi @Breezin

I have a set of Mavic Aksium Race wheels I can supply complete with skewers and tyres if you’re still on the lookout.

Price is €100 including delivery by courier.

Regards, Nick

Breezin

Thanks Nick. Just picked up those options today.

nicksnikita

Lovely. Best of luck with the rest of the build 👍👍

Gavlor

Pretty sure I have a 9 speed cassette you can have for free just cover the postage? I’ll check later today

Breezin

Thanks for that Gavlor. Got a cassette and fitted it yesterday. I've asked a mechanic to fine-tune the gears... I was almost there, but not quite, and I was going around in circles at the end.