Converting a Deore LX hub to 8/9 speed.

[Rampage]

Hi, I've got a wheel with an old style Deore LX hub - M550.
I am wondering if I can put a new freehub (the bit that the cassette fits onto?) on it to convert to 8/9 speed.
Someone told me that it's possible a while ago, but I just phoned Merlin Cycles who said it's not!

Thanks.

 

[billinjah]

im sure you can use an stx rc freehub body to give 8 spd.

 

[Rampage]

I've done a lot of searching on here now, can't find anything.
Maybe it's not possible?

 

[radair_fr]

Hi,

I've done this kind of modification with a 93 Deore LX. I put a STX RC (hyperglide-c model I think) freehub body whitout any problem.

If your hub has a 130mm spacing may you'll need to add a spacer.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Xesh]

im sure you can use an stx rc freehub body to give 8 spd.

That's how you do it. You also need to re-space the axle by moving washers from the right side to the left or possibly remove them altogether. If you measure the difference between the 7spd and 8 spd freehub bodies that gives you the amount of spacing that needs to be changed. You also have to have a minimum of 5mm of axle protruding from each end for the q/r to work correctly. Also you have to make sure that the over locknut dimension remains the same so it will fit in the frame (within 1-2mm is OK). After you have done this you'll have to check that the rim is dished correctly (ie centred between the locknuts). You'll be able to see roughly how much when you have the wheel in the frame. After this is all done you can fit your gears and then ride.

In case you're wondering I converted a Deore XT hub to 8spd this way.

 

[Rampage]

Thanks for that, it's a great help.
Is the STX Freehub 8/9 speed? Or just 8 speed?

Chris.

 

[Xesh]

A 9spd cassette fits in the same space as an 8spd. That means that any 8spd freehub can be used as a 9spd.

 

[hamster]

One thing to remember though is that the flanges are spaced further apart on a 7s hub. You will end up with really horrible wheel dish, which certainly isn't the best idea for wheel strength.

 

[jimbo-xc]

Don't know if you've done the conversion yet but I thought you had to use a longer axle to accommodate the longer freehub body. I did it on a 105 road hub & it was easy, no need to re-dish the wheel.

 

[one-eyed_jim]

Don't know if you've done the conversion yet but I thought you had to use a longer axle to accommodate the longer freehub body.

Depends - usually not. If the OLN doesn't change, there's no need to change the axle. Even if it does, Shimano leave 5.5mm per side of axle overhang. You can increase the OLN by 5mm and still have 3mm per side, which is enough.

If you reduce the OLN, you do usually need to change (or trim) the axle.