7sp Cassette on modern Shimano freehub?

[p38lightning]

My friend has an old 7speed Shimano group with index shifting and his rear wheel is worn out. Can a modern Shimano wheel accomodate a 7 speed cassette? I've heard mention of a spacer which allows you to use an 8speed freehub but those will also be hard to find .

 

[Peter@vecchios]

My friend has an old 7speed Shimano group with index shifting and his rear wheel is worn out. Can a modern Shimano wheel accomodate a 7 speed cassette? I've heard mention of a spacer which allows you to use an 8speed freehub but those will also be hard to find .

Yes, just put on a 7 or 8s cogsets spacer on first then the 7s cogset. However, the '7s' frame rear triangle may be spaced to 126mm..whereas 130mm 'modern' rear wheels will be 130mm.

 

[OldGoat]

Why not just find a replacement 7-speed wheel on eBay? That way, axle length will be a non-issue.