8 Speed freewheel

[KarlH]

Just picked up an old carrera with some issues. The main issue it needs a new rear cassette, this is the freewheel type. The problem I'am having is finding an 8 speed one. Would I be better off changing the wheel to one that takes one of the newer cassettes. Also looking at fitting a new crankset does this have to match the cassette i.e same brand. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
And by the way yes I am a total noob.

 

[mcshroom]

Are you sure it's an 8sp freewheel?

You would probably be better switching to a cassette wheel but you can get 8sp freewheels

http://www.parkersofbolton.co.uk/p-367-13-28-8-speed-shimano-compatible-freewheel.aspx

 

[KarlH]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah its freewheel, took it into go outdoors today to make sure I got the right one, they do not carry them. The lad even offered to fit it for £10.99 and £5,99 for the chain if I can find one(only if its shimano). Thanks for the link would these none branded ones be ok? and would I be able to use any crankset with it.

 

[mcshroom]

It's shimano compatible then so should work fine. Anything Shimano or SRAM compatible should fit (look for 8sp chains as 9 &10sp ones are narrower, but will still work).

With the right tool (and possibly a mallet if the old one stuck) it takes 30secs to change a freewheel, just screw one off and the other on.

The reason I ask again is that I've never seen a bike sold new with an 8sp freewheel fitted

 

[accountantpete]

If the bike is old and "with issues" it may pay to assess the rear hub, spokes and rim before getting the replacement cassette.

If the hub has play in it, it could be on its way out and a replacement will have a freehub (where the cassette slides on) rather than a freewheel. A trip to the LBS may be in order.

 

[gbb]

Unless you're aware of any problems with the rear hub, it seems to me you just want a freewheel.
My old Raleigh Chimera (from the 2000s sometime) had an 8 speed freewheel, i got a replacement off ebay.
Cranks, i run 9 speed on my 8 speed winter commuter , in fact, they're Campag Xenon square taper cranks on a shimano BB, which in some cases (mixing campag on shimano BBs) shouldnt work, but it has for the last 4 years or so. I got those off ebay for around £16, cranks and chainrings, almost new. Absolute bargain.
Chain, any reasonable 8 speed chain will do.

I dont see why with a little homework you shouldny get the bits online.

 

[KarlH]

Thanks again for the replies. I am getting a bit paranoid now as to if the guy from go outdoors has given me the right info. The model number on the wheel is FH-mc18. There is no play in the wheel and it seems to be pretty true. I think I will pop it into the lbs tomorrow lunch. Its just that I was hoping to get into the maintenance side myself.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

You don't have a freewheel. The FH-mc18 is a freehub, you have a cassette.

To see for yourself whether you need a new cassette and/or chain read this.