Vintage Road Bike Upgrade: 6-Speed Freewheel to 8-Speed Cassette Conversion

Learn how to upgrade a vintage road bike from a 12-speed (2x6) with downtube friction shifters to a 16-speed (2x8) with STI brifters in this comprehensive video tutorial. Follow along as the process of expanding the rear triangle from 126mm to 130mm between the dropouts is demonstrated, allowing for a wider wheel to fit. Discover the steps to replace wheels, derailleur, crank set, cables, and housings, as well as converting from a quill stem to a threadless stem. Gain insights on how to modernize an old frame, bringing new life to a vintage bike like the 1985 Raleigh Team USA featured in this guide. While the tutorial focuses on an 8-speed upgrade, learn how the same principles can be applied to 10 or 11-speed cassette conversions.