Early 7 speed Shimano HG Freewheel Hub Question.

[Markone]

I have a Mavic wheelset with Shimano 105 hubs the freewheel is 7 speed HG 126mm axle width.

Will current production 7 speed Shimano HG cassettes fit the vintage HG freewheel hub?

The rear derailleur I will be using is a Shimano 105 marked RD1056 short cage.How many teeth maximum can I comfortably go to on the largest cog on the cassette with his derailleur?

 

[hamster]

Yes but!
There is a small detail design change that means that on the earliest ones (roughly pre-1991) an 11T sprocket will not fit.
However, it's an easy job to replace the freehub body with a later 7-speed one which can accept 11T.

1056 will accept up to 28T. However one of those £3 mech droppers will allow more. Shimano is very conservative in its estimates - they are effectively guarantees. If your frame has a longish mech hanger with plenty of drop you may well get away with it without a dropper. Suck it and see...

 

[foz]

Re:

Yes on the cassette

For the largest sprocket, it might depend on the chainrings you're using, but probably up to about 28t

 

[Markone]

Thanks for the replies guys all good to know!

 

[Markone]

By the way,will the 8 speed rear derailleur with 8 speed shifters index with the 7 speed cassette without issue?

 

[hamster]

No. Well, ish.

8 speed spacing is 4.8mm, 7 speed is 5.0.
If you set it up central on the middle sprocket, the 1mm of float in the derailleur top jockey generally takes up the mismatch. With worn or dirty cable outers then it gets noisy and nasty. Clean bikes ridden occasionally on sunny days fine, all year rounders not so good. You have been warned.

There is no difference between a 7, 8 or 9 speed derailleur, they are all interchangeable. But it's better to use the correct shifter.

 

[Markone]

Thanks,this is what I suspected!