I am buying a used Recumbent bike that is currently a 18 speed (3 front and 6 rear gear wheels). I understand that I would have to change the Cassette and the Derailleur but do I need to change the chain also?
And the biggest question is do you think it will fit in the rear frame mount for the back wheel?
Extra info: this bike manufacturer is no longer in business so I can not ask them. The bike is from the 1990's.
Mtrlpqbiker
Favorite Answer
If it is 6 speed, it is about 99% certain that it isn't a cassette. Although there were some 6 speed cassette hubs manufactured 30 years ago, they wouldn't be compatible with current systems. Your bike probably has a freewheel. Converting to 8 or 9 speed means changing the rear wheel, buying a cassette, and changing shifters, chain, derailleurs, and crankset. You would also have to have the frame rear dropout spacing changed for your new wheel. All this would probably cost about the same as buying a new bike. If you want a bike with 8 or 9 speed shifting, don't buy this one, it would be cheaper to buy a new bike
Anonymous
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RE:
Can you convert a 6 speed rear cassette to 8 or 9 speed?
I am buying a used Recumbent bike that is currently a 18 speed (3 front and 6 rear gear wheels). I understand that I would have to change the Cassette and the Derailleur but do I need to change the chain also?
And the biggest question is do you think it will fit in the rear frame mount for...
bradmon
6 Speed Cassette
bikeworks
You have a freewheel, not a cassette.
A change would require a new rear wheel, new cassette, new front and rear derailleurs, new chain, new chainrings/crank, new cassette (of course), and new shifters. You will probably also need to have the frame reset for the wider rear hub and if it is made of aluminum it is not possible.
Max Cruise
Suspect not. Depends on the rear drop out spacing. Older bikes uses a 120 mm and 126 mm inside dropout spacing. An 8 or 9 speed may need a 130 mm spacing.
Good Luck