Bike upgrade compatibility questions
Straight answers to the questions riders ask before buying a part: will it fit, what else has to change, and how to check your own bike. Each answer comes first, followed by the reasoning and the parts that do fit.
Freehubs & cassettes
- What is the difference between Shimano HG, SRAM XD/XDR and Micro Spline freehubs?Guide
- Will a SRAM XD cassette fit an HG freehub?No
- Will a Shimano Micro Spline cassette fit an HG freehub?No
- Can I put a 12-speed cassette on an 8/9/10-speed Shimano HG freehub?It depends
- Will an 11-speed cassette fit my 9- or 10-speed freehub?It depends
Drivetrain speeds & 1x conversions
Rear derailleur capacity
Cranks & bottom brackets
- How do I tell which bottom bracket standard my frame uses?Guide
- Do I need a 68mm or 73mm bottom bracket, and how do I measure it?It depends
- Will a SRAM DUB or Shimano Hollowtech II crankset fit a threaded BSA frame?Yes
- Can I fit a Hollowtech II crankset on a square-taper bottom bracket?No
- What tools do I need to remove a square-taper bottom bracket and crankset?Guide
Forks & head tubes
- Can I upgrade my entry-level coil fork to an air fork?It depends
- Will a tapered fork fit a straight 1-1/8" head tube?No
- Will a straight-steerer fork fit a tapered head tube?Yes
- Can I put a longer-travel fork on my hardtail?It depends
- Will a Boost fork fit my non-Boost front wheel?No
- Can I use a thru-axle fork with my quick-release front wheel?It depends
Wheels, axles & tires
Brakes
- Can I convert my rim-brake bike to hydraulic disc brakes?It depends
- Do I need an adapter for a post-mount caliper on an IS-mount frame?Yes
- Can I fit a bigger brake rotor, like 160mm to 180mm?Yes
- Can I use hydraulic brake levers with mechanical calipers?No
- Can I use a Shimano brake lever with a SRAM caliper?No