8 speed to 9 speed

[Sebastian]

Kind of a bonehead ?:

I just got a 9 speed cassette. Thought I had a 9 but I have an 8. I have a Shimano Deore rear d. I think it can do both 8 & 9. My shifter I am not sure about. They are Shimano EF-35 triggers. There are on my 8 speed now. Is it normal for them to go either 8 or 9 speed? Or will they not work with a 9 speed cassette?

2004 Giant Yukon

Thanks.

[tkblazer]

bunch of 8 spd cassettes are available.. i would think you will need new shifters and chain to convert to 9 spd. according to the shimano site, deore rear derailluers are 9 spd.

http://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycl...=1215558490625

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...hp?category=42

[Pho'dUp]

If your shifters are still working good. I don't see any reason to upgrade to 9speed unless you're dying to have a 11-34T spread on your cassette gearing and more finicky shifting. 8's work great.

[BoingBoing]

tkblazer is correct, you'll need a new chain to make the switch. I'm less than thrilled with the fact that you need to replace chain pins each time you take apart a 9 speed chain. Products like Missing Link help. If you're replacing the cassette for wear, you need to replace the chain too, anyway... But you'll need 9 speed shifters or an 8 speed cassette.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

If your shifters are still working good. I don't see any reason to upgrade to 9speed unless you're dying to have a 11-34T spread on your cassette gearing and more finicky shifting. 8's work great.

What he said!

[Sebastian]

If I am replacing the chain and front chain rings already, should I replace my cassette? I have the old 8 speed that I have been using but its old. No major signs of wear though.

[BoingBoing]

Measure 12 full links on the old chain. 12-1/8" or less and you can keep the old casette (unless you have issues with it besides wear).

The God of Bike Maintenance speaks through this link.

[Sebastian]

Originally Posted by BoingBoing

tkblazer is correct, you'll need a new chain to make the switch. I'm less than thrilled with the fact that you need to replace chain pins each time you take apart a 9 speed chain. Products like Missing Link help. If you're replacing the cassette for wear, you need to replace the chain too, anyway... But you'll need 9 speed shifters or an 8 speed cassette.

So, whats up with 9 speed chains vs. 8 speed? 8 Speeds do not have a pin you have to deal with?

[BoingBoing]

Originally Posted by Sebastian

So, whats up with 9 speed chains vs. 8 speed? 8 Speeds do not have a pin you have to deal with?

You can push the pin out to take a 8sp chain apart, and then just push it back in (reuse). 9sp chains require that you replace. But it sounds like you aren't taking chains apart yet.

Make your decision based on things like cost, how well your old shifters are working for you, what gears you want to have, etc. Either chain will work for you, they are just a wee bit different.

[CeeDubb]

9 speed chains will generally work fine on an 8 speed cassette. Upgrading to a 9 speed setup from an 8 speed one will require you to go with a 9 speed chain. The 9 speed chains are narrower.

[rydn-hye]

I just went from an 8sp to a 9sp drive train..its working out great so far and you get that extra granny gear.

[Winger]

The benefits of the extra 2 teeth seems negligible when going from an 8 speed 11-32 to a 9 speed 11-34.

If I had my choice, I'd stick with the 8 speed. In my experience, the 8 speed chains are stronger and remain dialed-in longer. 9 speeds seem to need a lot more attention.

[Sebastian]

So I ended up picking up a new 8 speed rear cassette. Thanks for all your tips.

Now my problem is my front d. The height is preset by anchoring into the BB. Not sure what thats called. On to a new thread!