I know this sounds backwards. I just purchased a new wheelset and stupidly assumed it was 9/10 shimano compatible. Is there a way to convert the hub to 9 speed instead of upgrading all my other components to 10 speed. Thanks
What is the wheelset? IIRC there are only a few shimano wheelsets that would only allow a 10speed cassette. If not one of those, you could put a 9s cassette on the hub.
Hmmm. My first response was “yes! just put the appropriate width spacer behind the 9 speed cogset”. Then I got to thinking about the spline pattern of the cogs and the freehub body (the thing on the wheel you slide the cogs onto) and the threaded lock ring. That may be a total no-go.
Sorry I don’t have definative answer for you.
If you have access to a Lathe, you can pull the cassette body off the hub and turn it down to the smaller 9spd O.D. You will also need to shorten the nose section and then machine the same amount off the back flange where the cog set goes against it. It is not a very big deal.
The new wheelset is the Easton EA90 Aero. I too thought it should take 9/10 shimano.
Thanks for the reply Tom. The cog goes on to the hub perfectly to about 1/4 of an inch and then the splines raise. I am assuming this is my issue and this would be 10 speed. I guess I should not have assumed it was compatible for both before I pulled the trigger.
Might be worth calling Easton. They could probably set you up with a 9 speed cassette body (on some 2008 EA90SL’s that I had, a 9 speed worked).
It sounds like you have a 10 speed specific freehub body. I don’t think Easton made those for very long so there should be a different freehub body out there that will allow you to use a 9 speed cassette. The 10 speed specific ones weren’t very popular and even Shimano only uses that type for their highest end wheels.
So you think the freehub body can be changed out?
I dug out the Easton dealer catalog for 2009. If your wheel is a 2009 the Shimano freehub body is 10s specific. The catalog lists a SRAM freehub/wheel option which would be compatible with any 9 speed cassettes so you should contact Easton or your LBS to see if you can exchange the wheel or have the freehub swapped out. If your wheel is a 2009 the hub type is a R4 and new for 2009 so not compatible with any previous year freehub bodies. You want the R4 SRAM not the R4 SL.
I would recommend against machining down the freehub body as that would void any warranty with the wheel.
Thanks Darrell. The wheel does have the R4 hub, therefore it must also be the new 2009. I am bummed. I just got back from two local shops and they were stumped. I might just sell them and start over. I don’t want to switch all of my components over to 10 sp. and I don’t have near the skills to attempt to machine them down!Thanks so much for looking into it!
The wheels will work, you just need the SRAM freehub body instead of the Shimano 10sp specific one. I’d try to exchange them for the correct ones, they’re good wheels. Or contact us if you want to order the SRAM ones that will work with your 9 speed cassettes.
So you are saying the shimano 9 sp Dura Ace cassette will fit on the sram freehub body? Are the free hubs easy to remove and install? Never done that job. How much is that part Darrell? I may go that route if it makes sense. Thanks again for you helpful feedback.
Gary
Yes, a 9 speed Shimano cassette will fit on the SRAM freehub body. Most of the time freehub bodies are pretty easy to swap out, maybe a couple of allen wrenches and 10 minutes of time. But it depends on the company.
I don’t know how much the freehub body costs, I would have to call Easton on Monday to find out. The part number was listed in teh 2009 dealer info which is a good sign though.
I found the price sheet. The cost for the freehub you need would be $100.
Darrell, i just wanted to say thanks. I contacted the manufacturer and they said the wheel was just spec’d that way and that the freehub is completely interchangeable. He said my Sh 9 sp would swap out fine from my other wheelset. Thanks for looking into it for me.
GB