[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

1276.0. "8 speed shimano" by BLKWDO::HUFFAKER () Tue Aug 08 1989 17:41

    As some of you are aware I am in the process of building up a new
    bike(Vitus w/ Dura-Ace) and ran into a big question "should I go with
    the new 8 speed or the 7 speed cassette system?" I ran into a lot of
    differing opinions but I just thought I would share them with you.
    
    First off I don't really need 16 gears but I thought that since I
    was buying Dura-Ace might as well get the newest(the cost through
    Colorado Cyclist is only $5 more since levers are the same price).
    I also thought that maybe if I got the 8 speed that if they upgraded to
    hyperglide next year maybe it would be backward compatable to the 8
    speed.  I talked to 5 different bike shop mechanics, the experts at 
    nashbar and colorado cyclist and I called Frank Berto at home.
    
    pros
    ----
    * you get an extra cog and the newest seal upgrade on the hubs.
    * you "might" get backward compatablilty when they come out with
      hyperglide.
    * its the newest stuff.  Your friends will ask you about it.
    * it is not difficult to spread the rear drop outs and the faces on the 
      nuts are rounded for ease of slipping it on the drop outs.
    cons
    ----
    
    * you have to spread (read "stress") the frame and about half said 
      "no problem"  the other half said "I wouldn't do it if it was my 
       frame, especially aluminum".  The frame spread required is 4mm.
    
    * When/if Shimano goes to hyperglide it (based on its history)won't be
      backward compatable.  hyperglide needs a key slot on the cassette.
    
    The basic suggestion was "wait about 1-2 years for frames that are
    130mm and hyperglide (and by the way there will be something else new
    at the time) 
    
    I bought the 7 speed.
    
    any inputs or comments?
    
    Mike
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
1276.17 speed freewheels are interchangeableIAMOK::WESTERTue Aug 08 1989 20:3512
    Another "pro" for 7-speed is that you can use your old wheelsets. 
    8-speed cassette means all your rear hubs have to be of the cassette
    variety.  Of course, if you don't have any old wheels lying around then
    it's not really an issue.
    
    8-speed cassette sure sounds nice though.  It would be great to
    customize your freewheel wihtout much trouble.
    
    As far as hyperglide, I only use Sedisport's now, and I think they're
    better than the Shimano chains.
    
    Dave
1276.2How about an 8 speed bikeULTRA::WITTENBERGUphill, Into the WindTue Aug 08 1989 22:176
    How many gears do you actually use? The old 10-speeds actually had
    only  8  useable gears, so you might want to copy the U.S. Olympic
    team  (1984 version) and use only one chainwheel. Saves the weight
    and wind resistance of the second chainwheel and front derailleur.  

--David
1276.3Approaching warp speed with HyperglideWMOIS::N_FLYEWed Aug 09 1989 01:0620
      Thought I would clarify a couple of things.  For people who ride
    only road bikes, yes there is a hyperglide chain, but it works in
    conjunction with Shimano's hyperglide system.  This system is presently
    found on Shimano's line of mountain bike components.  The rear cogs
    of the hyperglide system have ramps on the side of them and the
    teeth are twisted to perform their intended task.  This task is
    to shift the chain under full power.  No need to let up the pressure
    when shifting.  I have it on the mountain bike and it works flawlessly.
    I can stand up and sprint up any enbankment downshifting the whole
    while as I loose momentum.  It actually seems to work better under
    pressure.  I have a friend who is a 225 lb. gear masher and he never
    misses a shift. 
      I'm not sure that hyperglide on a road will get alot of use but
    it will be a good selling point.  Under hard hill climbing it would
    help but the time it would save would be very small.  On the MTB
    if you can't downshift on the hill your through.  Rocks, ruts and
    the steepnes of the grade usually prevent a restart.  I wouldn't
    buy it for my road bike just because it was the lastest.
    
    						Norm