Convert 7 speed to 9 speed

[Guest Travis.]

Hi guys,

 

I wanna upgrade my KHS Alite 150 from 7 speed to 9 speed.

 

What all would I need? As far as I understand I'll have to get 9 speed shifters and a new cassette.

 

Would my derailleur be sufficient? Or would I need to upgrade there too?

 

I read somewhere that you might need to check if there is space for a 9 speed cassette. How would I know?

 

Is there anything else I should be aware of? Chain, etc?

 

Thanks!

Edited October 21, 2010 by Tevez

[bikemonster]

You'll also need a new rear wheel, or at least re-build your wheel to take a different hub with freehub, because the 7 speed gears screw onto the hub body, and the 9 speed uses a cassette which slides on with a lockring.

 

You'll likely find that the economics don't stack up, and that you would be better off buying a new or good second hand bike that is already set up with 9 speed.

[Justin]

I did a 8 to 9 speed conversion and it worked fine. Shifters and Casette. However, I think bikemonster might be right about the screw on cluster.

 

Perhaps check if you have a screw on cluster or a casette that slides on. If the casette is a slide on one you'll be fine.

 

Also, to be quite honest, my conversion didn't really do much for improved cycling. My most valuable upgrade was my suspension fork. I'm guessing with a 7 speed bike you have a crappy fork. Perhaps first upgrade that.

[Guest Travis.]

I've already upgraded my fork with a Manatou Drake Super Air.

 

The reason I want to do this upgrade is because my cluster/cassette is 13-28 and I want to go to a 11-28 or 11-32. Not sure if I'll need anything more than a 28 really (opinions?), but I really do need better than the 13, and I'm pretty sure 11 will do a much better job on the downhills as I've been left in the dust by most of the guys who I cycle with.