>>936258894Well you should be able to buy a new rear wheel.
What’s important is the indexing on the rear cogs in combination with the number of speeds on the shifter.
Again, go to your local shop, they’ll help you figure out all the intricate details.
The Altus derailleur will accommodate probably an 8spd but the shifters has to be replaced.
Thats the thing with lower end stuff, do you pay to upgrade or just get a new bike.
A decent new wheel and cassette are gonna be close to $100 plus some labor because dialing in a derailleur is a skill and an art. So many variables.
Bike size is a huge reason people quit riding too…you find a great bike at a good price but it’s the wrong size. Sucks.