Turning an 8 speed Campy hub to 9 speed

Jaq · #1 03-22-2012, 11:02 PM

So I was wondering.

If I took two 8 speed record exa-drive cassettes and from them mixed & matched 9 cogs, then used 9-speed spacers - and a 9 speed chain - could I run 9 cogs on my 8-speed Exa-drive hub? I'd obviously convert the shifter, too.

oliver1850 · #2 03-23-2012, 02:32 AM

8 speed cogs are thicker than 9, and the 9/10 freehub body is wider.

To achieve the correct center to center cog spacing with 8 speed cogs, you would need spacers that are thinner than standard 9 speed spacers.

If I were going to attempt this, I'd start with a 10 speed large cog. It is dished toward the spokes and would gain about the thickness of a cog toward the narrower body. The cog would have to be filed to fit the 8 speed freehub body. I would then use 9 speed spacers and cogs, which would also have to be filed to fit. I've never tried this, so I'm not sure that the cassette would be narrow enough to fit on the 8 speed freehub body, but it might.

It's generally better to swap the freehub body to a 9 speed one.

oldpotatoe · #3 03-23-2012, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaq

So I was wondering.

If I took two 8 speed record exa-drive cassettes and from them mixed & matched 9 cogs, then used 9-speed spacers - and a 9 speed chain - could I run 9 cogs on my 8-speed Exa-drive hub? I'd obviously convert the shifter, too.

Wheels manufacturing actually had a spacer kit for this but Campag 8s cogs are so thick, it really didn't work well. maybe now with a 10s chain but....8s cogs are much thicker than 9s, so the 9s spacers would have to be thinner. I'd say no. Used to have 9s FH bodies, made last 15 years ago tho.

Jaq · #4 03-23-2012, 09:32 AM

Ah. Didn't know there was a thickness issue with the 8-speed cogs themselves, though I figured there might be an issue with the cassette-body width. I'll just keep looking for the new rear hub, then.

Thanks, all.

buldogge · #5 03-23-2012, 09:39 AM

Just get one of the Mirage 9s hubs that pop up on Ebay and swap the freehubs.

I have done this at least half a dozen times.

-Mark in St. Louis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaq

Ah. Didn't know there was a thickness issue with the 8-speed cogs themselves, though I figured there might be an issue with the cassette-body width. I'll just keep looking for the new rear hub, then.

Thanks, all.

dookie · #6 03-23-2012, 12:56 PM

isn't there a spline depth issue as well? as i recall, the 8s freehub body is steel and the cog splines are relatively short. then 9/10 went to an alloy body and deeper splines to compensate for the softer material.

point being, the deep splined 9s cogs won't fit the 8s hub body. you *can* put 8s cogs on 9/10 hubs, but they will quickly tear up the freehub body.

Ralph · #7 03-23-2012, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dookie

isn't there a spline depth issue as well? as i recall, the 8s freehub body is steel and the cog splines are relatively short. then 9/10 went to an alloy body and deeper splines to compensate for the softer material.

point being, the deep splined 9s cogs won't fit the 8s hub body. you *can* put 8s cogs on 9/10 hubs, but they will quickly tear up the freehub body.

This is problem I remember.

ultraman6970 · #8 03-23-2012, 06:13 PM

I believe can be done but IMO will be faster and cheaper just find a used capagnolo 10 hub, or a veloce 10, or just go aftermarket with a miche 10 speed or something else.

wallymann · #9 03-29-2012, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buldogge

Just get one of the Mirage 9s hubs that pop up on Ebay and swap the freehubs.

I have done this at least half a dozen times.

-Mark in St. Louis

apparently there are some different mirage hubs. i bought one -- while the freehub ID (the bearings) fits the 8spd axle thats about it. the mirage freehub that came on this hub is otherwise completely incompatible with and 8spd hub-shell and ratchet-teeth and everything else thats important.

oliver1850 · #10 03-29-2012, 10:24 AM

That's the 2007-2008 style, which has the FH body that was introduced on the 2006 Scirocco wheel. The more common 2002-2006 style pictured below is the one you want. You may need a different length spacer depending on which freehub body your 8 speed hub has.

buldogge · #11 03-29-2012, 03:06 PM

What Mark said...You need one of the "bell shaped" hubs.

-Mark in St. Louis

cnighbor1 · #12 03-29-2012, 06:41 PM

Why the need for nine verus 8 cogs when what you really need to be concerned with is your total gear range for complete drive train. If you need better hill climbing gears that is what to consider Not amount of rear cogs. Unless racing and need to stay competive with other racers.
I suggest has you want more rear cogs bady leap frog the pack and go to 12 cogs. design it build it be the 1st on the block with 12 cogs no wait 13 cogs or maybe 14 cogs
Has you see not a big have the latest gear person.
Charles Nighbor