7 speed to 9 speed

[Massivecompacthalo]

Hi all, I've got a Raleigh Array ebike with a 7 speed cassette, I asked Raleigh if the freehub would accept a 9 speed cassette but they just replied that you can't change the gearing on an ebike which didn't directly answer my question and raises the Why not question. Any ideas? Thanks Darren.

 

[Nealh]

7 - 9 yes.
A Freehub should work up to 10 sprockets only the spacing of sprockets differ to suit differing chain widths, of course as you know derailleur and shifter will need changing. The final cassette stack height remains the same, it is Freewheels where you encounter difficulties with different stack heights as they use the same chain width.

 

[Massivecompacthalo]

A Freehub should as up to 10 sprockets only the spacing of sprockets differ to suit differing chain widths, of course as you know derailleur and shifter will need changing. The final cassette stack height remains the same, it is Freewheels where you encounter difficulties with different stack heights as they use the same chain width.

Many thanks. I should qualify, I have experience in building bikes and understand freehubs a little, I wanted to know if there's any issues with changing the gears on an ebike specifically as I have no experience with the electric part and the speed controller etc.

 

[Nealh]

The only issue you will get is more/closer gear ranges.

 

[vfr400]

You don't need so many gears on an ebike, but it is important to get the bottom and top gears right so that you can give enough assistance when climbing, and pedal comfortably at cruising speed.