6 speed cassette upgrade?

[slewk]

Hey guys

 

Im a mountain biker but planning to do the argus on an old school peugeot steel frame bike i got my hands on

 

I know it's mainly me not being used to it, but im struggling up the hills with it

 

Is it possible to upgrade the gearing to make it easier?

 

I think its a 14/28T at the back, and a 52 up front (6 speed)

 

Will appreciate any insight

 

L

 

 

 

 

[bikebloke]

it should be a 52/42 on front and at back ....

 

is it a 1. freewheel (screw on cassette) or a 2. freehub (modern style slotted cassette) ?

 

if option 1. then you will struggle for new 6 speed freewheel

 

if option 2. then you can probably get another cassette but not easily because 6 speeds are getting hard to find (possibly make one up with the cogs you want from a 7 speed mtb cassette just check the RD will manage the cogs sizes)

 

i would get the peugeot serviced - replace the chain and cables and brake pads, tires or whatever and do some nice long slow practice rides to get into the downtube shifters and be comfortable with setup etc and then just ride the CTCT and enjoy yourself old school

 

#steelisreal

[slewk]

It's a freehub cassette

 

i took apart the bike when i bought it and re greased everything, new cables, tires etc and it's running lekker

 

I'll keep my eyes out for a 7 speed cassette and hopefully it will shift okay, it has non indexed shifters if that helps?

 

L

[bikebloke]

it might work with a 7 -lots of friction shifters would work with 7 or even an eight if it would fit the wheelset

 

or else get a seven where you can grind off the pins holding the sprokets together ,seperate them and put together a 6- ive seen a few bikes with custom cassettes made that way and i have one also

 

you can still source 7 speed mtb cassettes quite cheaply

[slewk]

okay cool, thanks!

 

Should i change up to a 7 speed chain to help with the shifting friction?

 

L

[bikebloke]

if the chains new just keep it 6/7/8 pretty much the same thing

 

if its old id get a new one (with new cassette)and make sure you get a spare quick link (7 speed q links are getting hard to find )

[slewk]

Ok cool, where's the best place to source 7 speed cassettes in the Cape Town area?

[bikebloke]

try woodstock cycle works or ubuntu cycles or some of the older more established LBS

[EvanB]

If it’s friction you can put any wheels on and the use the appropriate chain with the cassette- 9 speed, 10 speed if you want. I do that with some of my friction shift bikes

[slewk]

If it’s friction you can put any wheels on and the use the appropriate chain with the cassette- 9 speed, 10 speed if you want. I do that with some of my friction shift bikes

 

Wouldnt i have to use a different rear derailleur for that range?

[HeyYou]

Wouldnt i have to use a different rear derailleur for that range?

 

No and your standard derailleur should get you up to 30, maybe even 32 at the back. So look for an MTB cassette, 9 or 10 speed, with 32 on the back and see if it works. If you use a rear derailleur extender, Woodstock might have, you can probably ride 36/38 at the back.

 

Lots of us old school bike riders ride much larger cogs on the back as our legs get older