Basically, seven, eight, and nine including ten -speed can be interchanged in any of the drivelines. Additionally, in as much a seven-speed derailleur has the same cable, mounting style, and maximum cog size.
However, the tiny or biggest rear cog sizes that the derailleur can manage is one of its greatest challenges.
It simply means that if you make use of a six-speed derailleur in a nine-speed driveline together with that of 11-34 in a tooth cassette, it will shift very well in the middle of the cassette. Although it will function very well, a speed 6 derailleur is very uncommon to encounter.
Derailleurs in this group, seven, eight, nine, and ten, do move in the same direction but it all depends on how well the cable shifter pulls through.
Note, derailleur Seven Speed might be used for a six-speed derailleur, depending on the space in the gear, it must compatible with the sprockets tooth count and space. Also, I will advise you to look into the specification and compatibility to be sure of an appropriate fit.
Can I Use Shimano Acera On 7 Speed?
Of course yes. Shimano Acera consists of seven, eight, and nine powertrains, this group set is compatible. It also makes use of Shimano’s hyper-speed scientific knowledge for a smooth and proper shift. All the same, when choosing a derailleur for your seven-speed systems, make sure to pick from the Shimano Acera that is selected for Seven-speed systems. It must have the same cog size and cable pull ratio just for the setup.
Is Shimano Altus Compatible For 7 Speed?
Sure, it is compatible with Seven- Speed driveline. It is already designed to work with seven and eight drivetrains. It also makes use of Shimano’s scientific development light knowledge just for a smooth and responsive shift. But, along the line, if you need clarity concerning the compatibility and installation, contact a skilled bike producer to help out.
How Do You Adjust Shimano 7 Speed Gears?
Firstly, I will say you should take your bike for a test ride and then, ensure to run through all gears of your bike just to be sure it is working appropriately, you will also need a nine-millimeter wrench to pick up the rear wheel of your bike stand. It would be best if it is totally off the ground.
All the same, you will need to peddle to shift the gears, but if you need a little bit of adjustment then simply follow these steps.
- Ensure to turn the shifter into seventh with few clicks until the pedal makes a noise like a brake.
- Ensure to loosen the cable with the nine millimeters and then turn the pinch nut to help in loosening, making it about one and a half turns.
- Ensure the cable goes a little bit turns at least until it is not attached to the derailleur anymore.
- Take a look at the high limit screw and then make sure the derailleur is lined up in h, It is also the most forward screw.
- Ensure that the derailleur is lined up with the seventh gear especially the small one and reattached the cable.
- Make sure the kickstand is already up and then go from one click, from seven to six on the shifter and turn the pedals just to know if it does shift into six.
- Lastly, after following these steps and it doesn’t adjust. Then add more tension to the cable by using the plastic adjuster knob and turn to the counterclockwise direction for at least 2-4 turns till the silver cylinder start to emerge. It simply means pulling more tension on the cable, after which turn the gear from six to seven gears, and it will be perfectly adjusted.
How To Tune 7 Speed Derailleur?
“Tuning your 7-Speed yourself can be a little more challenging but once you have your bike and then notice that the cable for the derailleur is already attached but not adjusted, all you need to do is loosen it patiently with your nine millimeters screw.
But here are a few steps you need to follow if you want to tune your 7-speed derailleur.
- Ensure to adjust the cable by making sure that your bike is shifted to the smallest chain set and also the largest rear cog, try loosening the cable tension bolt that is found on the derailleur and pull the cable so tight with your nine millimeters screw just to tighten very well.
- Try adjusting the high limit screw by shifting the bike to the smallest derailleur with the smallest rear cog
- Ensure to adjust the low screw limit by making sure your bike is attached to the largest chain set and also with the largest rear cog. Turn it clockwise until the resistance wheel is completely lined up without being touched by the largest cog. But if the resistance wheel is farther from the largest cog, then try turning the screw counterclockwise until it is totally in line.
- Adjusting the index is also important, you must make sure that your bike is shifted to the middle chain set and then pedal it forward with the shifter just to help in moving the gears. But if the chain is in between the gears, try using the barrel adjuster on the derailleur just to fine-tune the shifting.
- Try turning the barrel adjuster clockwise to make sure that the chain is next to the cog and counterclockwise to move the chains next to the smaller cog.
- Lastly, shift the gears repeatedly at least 4-5 until it is totally shifting smoothly.
How Do You Adjust 7 Speed?
It simple! Just follow these steps and you will be able to adjust your 7 Speed yourself.
- Ensure to start with the chain on the lowest gear.
- Ensure to Turn it counterclockwise just to adjust the lowest gears.
- Try adjusting the higher gear by turning it clockwise.
- Make sure you press the button to go up in gears as you pedal.
- Press the top button to go downwards in gears when pedaling.
Try these steps and it will be perfectly okay.
Are All Shimano 7 Speed Cassettes Compatible?
No! All the Shimano with hyper glide hubs can accept any of the cassettes that have chainrings from at least 7 to 10, all the same, it is only 7 Speed cassette that will be used with the 7 – speed hubs and then 8 or 9-chainrings will be placed on a 7-speed hub, thereby using at least 9 to 10-speed space.
Can I Use Any 7 Speed Cassette?
No, you simply can’t. What is needed of you to do is to make use of a cassette that is compatible with your bike’s driveline components. Such as the rear derailleur, and chain with the shifter. Let’s say for instance if you mount a 4.5 mm spacer on the body before the cassette, 7 –the speed cassette will not match very well with that of 8 and 9-speed hug.
Always look out for the compatibility of the 7-speed cassette that is designed for your specific brand and model too, and let it be in the same gear range.
Can I Use Any Shimano Derailleur?
No. it is not possible, reason because, the compatibility of a Shimano derailleur is depended on so many factors such as the speed of your bike, and the shifter with the cage length. Let’s take for instance if you have a 7-speed bike with a Shimano shifter, you will be expected to use a Shimano derailleur that is selected to match your 7 – Speed driveline. That’s how apparently it works.
Can I Upgrade My Shimano Derailleur?
Oh yes, you can! it all depends on the derailleur you are riding and especially the one design for your bike. You can upgrade to a higher model as much as it is compatible with your drivetrain.
Basically, if you have a rear derailleur that is compatible with its rear speed, it is specified by the Shimano, so therefore, it doesn’t mean that an 11-speed 105 RD-5800 for instance, can be used for 8-speed components, it is less than 11 speeds.
Be aware that, when upgrading your Shimano derailleur, it’s very paramount to look into the one that has the same speed as that of your own derailleur which you are using. The weight, durability, and performance are included. Also, the same goes for you who have a mountain bike derailleur, you must look out for compatibility together with the shifter which must be correctly cage length for your chain line and cog.
Note. I will advise you to consult a skilled mechanic personally if you are not sure about the compatibility and installation, they will be of help to you in choosing the right derailleur just to install appropriately.
Can You Upgrade 7 Speed Bike?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade your 7-speed bike to a higher model, what is required of you is to get a new wheel. The same as if you have 10-speed wheel spacers, you can do an upgrade of 8,9 including 10-speed. This could be with or even without the spacers.
Conclusion.
In this article, I have been able to share with you on 7 Speed derailleurs interchangeably. As I said in the above information, the compatibility of your derailleur matters a lot. The speed on your bike, the shifter, and the cage length of your bike are what you look forr, they must appropriately fit the specification of your bike.
Also, if you want to upgrade your Shimano derailleur, do well to pick the one that matches the installation and specification of your bike drivetrain components.