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1x 9 or 10 with ratchet shifters and narrow-tall chainring works so well. You can fit either of them on a 130 oln wheel, as long as it’s got an 8/9/10 speed freehub on it. The cassette will be too wide for a 7 speed freehub.
I think you can get 3x8 with ratchet shifters but it’s Shimano’s current ultra budget bottom of the range group. I’ve used it on a hire bike and to be honest it was really good, shifted flawlessly all day, but it doesn’t look as cool as retro 9-speed.
Jonny69-
Thanks, definitely leaning towards 1x. Problem I’m having is finding a 130 oln 26” wheel that takes a 8/9/10 speed freehub. It seems like the standard of that era was 7 speed. Might need to be a custom built job using a modern road hub which will be 130 oln.
Either that or I cold set the frame spacing to 135mm which gives more wheel options... but in truth something I’m reluctant to do
Nelly
Alright gang. I've got a rigid 90s mtb to commuter conversion on the go. Wanted to get some views on drivetrain. The dropouts are 130mm spacing and it takes 26" wheels so feels as thought it's either:
1. 3x7 - Find some retro wheels, use as originally intended
2. 1x7 - Retro wheels + narrow-wide chainring + clutched rear mech
3. 1x8/9/10 - I don't think I can go 8/9/10 speed on a retro 130mm OLN hub (correct me if i'm wrong) so would need to get some custom wheels built on a road hub. I suppose cold-setting the dropouts to 135mm might give me more off the shelf options but reluctant to do that
Whaddya reckon?