Another bicyele question

[chunkolini]

My ancient recumbent bike is back in action, it's well old maybe late 80's.
For the time being I'm happy just riding it but would like to do a complete refurb eg stove enamel the frame, all new components and add a rear disc brake when funds allow
But for now I need a new back wheel.
It's so old it has seven speeds. Can I fit an 8 speed hub straight in? I think I can and just need a spacer to fit the old cassette onto a new hub.
Bike dealers are saying it wont work but they are too young to remember seven speed gears,

 

[Munkul]

https://bike.bikegremlin.com/1259/bicycle-rear-hub-compatibility/

Hope this helps.

 

[mike os]

you might have trouble with the rear derailleur if the spacing is different and you have an index or click shift

 

[chunkolini]

I'm going to start off on seven speeds to keep it on the road, then do a complete overhaul later.
I think there may be an extra 'click' on the seven speed bar end shifters to allow 8 speed upgrades. I remember some high end Shimano thumb shifters had one. If not it's new shifters come rebuild time.
Main thing is the spindle length.

 

[Alan Reynolds]

Can't remember 7 speed? My first racing bike had 3 speed Benelux derailleur operated on the front downtube and a 2 speed front crank that was lever operated on the seat down tube so you had to reach down between your legs to change it. You've all been spoilt

 

[Cobbler]

Can't remember 7 speed? My first racing bike had 3 speed Benelux derailleur operated on the front downtube and a 2 speed front crank that was lever operated on the seat down tube so you had to reach down between your legs to change it. You've all been spoilt

I had a two speed Sturmey Archer hub gear on the first bike I had with gears. I’ve never heard or seen one since, it must have dated from the time Pontius was a pilot! Then had a racing bike with 4 or 5 on the rear but no double clanger.

 

[Munkul]

Can't remember 7 speed? My first racing bike had 3 speed Benelux derailleur operated on the front downtube and a 2 speed front crank that was lever operated on the seat down tube so you had to reach down between your legs to change it. You've all been spoilt

I actually liked the friction levers on the front downtube

 

[Alan Reynolds]

I had a two speed Sturmey Archer hub gear on the first bike I had with gears. I’ve never heard or seen one since, it must have dated from the time Pontius was a pilot! Then had a racing bike with 4 or 5 on the rear but no double clanger.

Double clanger! That's what we called them too.