Changing out freewheels

[dscline]

I have a BMC 600T that I'm going to be mounting on a 24sp full suspension aluminum framed MTB. The 600W BMC is advertised as working with 7sp freewheels, or 8sp if you don't mind spreading the rear triangle. But being aluminum, I don't think that's a good idea. I'm assuming I'll have to buy a freewheel anyway, since I assume the 8sp on the bike is a cassette with a freewheeling hub. So if I go with a 7sp freewheel instead of 8, is there some kind of setting in the shifter/derailleur that "locks out" the 8th position? It's a Shimano Deore derailleur with EF-50 Easy-Fire integrated shifters, if that matters. Are freewheels fairly interchangeable, or are there some compatibility issues between the gears and derailleurs (besides gear count) that should be considered?

Thanks!

 

[snowranger]

Just adjust the derailleur high and low set screws to set the range of movement. You should be fine with any 7 speed freewheel that is out there.

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=64

 

[dscline]

Perfect, thanks!

 

[aaronski]

Just don't forget to set the set screws before riding it. I forgot to and the spacing between the hub motor and freewheel is just tight enough to make it almost impossible to get the chain out. I sucked up the chain and it took, no joke, 2 guys pulling with all their strength to pull the chain out, and left a nasty scrape on the motor housing.