Confused by drivetrain compatability...which derailleur do I want?!

[L8 APEKS]

Ok, here's what I am running...

CRANKS: Shimano Hollowtech XT w/ Octalink BB (rings stamped "Mega 9")
REAR DER: M950 XTR
REAR COG: 8-speed

So...I need a front derailleur. I know I need 1 1/4" and top-pull. Aside from that, I am confused by (1) the model numbers, such as M750, M760, etc, and (2) not sure if it matters if I get an 8-spd or 9-spd unit.

I was looking for an XT, unless I can find XTR really cheap. Can anyone help me out? Thanks in advance!

[Schecky]

Originally Posted by L8 APEKS

Ok, here's what I am running...

CRANKS: Shimano Hollowtech XT w/ Octalink BB (rings stamped "Mega 9")
REAR DER: M950 XTR
REAR COG: 8-speed

So...I need a front derailleur. I know I need 1 1/4" and top-pull. Aside from that, I am confused by (1) the model numbers, such as M750, M760, etc, and (2) not sure if it matters if I get an 8-spd or 9-spd unit.

I was looking for an XT, unless I can find XTR really cheap. Can anyone help me out? Thanks in advance!

What bike are you building and what is the seat tube diameter?

[L8 APEKS]

The bike in my sig ('05 KHS).

I know the sizes are correct, it's more the options of models I am concerned about because I don't know how having a mixed drivetrain will affect shifting performance, or if certain parts will work together or not. Post size is 27.2mm.

[Schecky]

Originally Posted by L8 APEKS

The bike in my sig ('05 KHS).

I know the sizes are correct, it's more the options of models I am concerned about because I don't know how having a mixed drivetrain will affect shifting performance, or if certain parts will work together or not. Post size is 27.2mm.

Whoops, didn't see that you had listed the diameter.
The 8 vs 9 shouldn't matter much for the front.
I may have something. I have a 2001 all-steel ST frame hanging in the garage. 9 speed.
I'll have to check tomorrow night after work.

[L8 APEKS]

Cool, let me know Shecky! Thx!

[Schecky]

I have both LX and XT-750 top pull derailleurs, but they are 1 1/8".
Skinny steel-tubed softail. Sorry to get your hopes up.

I loved riding it. I'm sure you will too.

[L8 APEKS]

Yeah...I actually still look for old steel bikes for fun. I would love to find a Bontrager Race Lite or a Ritchey P-21. Those were hot bikes back when I was racing.

Anyway, thanks for checking, I appreciate it! I'll call the Path today and see if they have something lying around.

[Shannon]

Hey Sean. Did you get that bike built yet? You invited me on this hellish ride, so you better be there!

[pshloss]

I am running an 8-speed setup like yours with a 9-speed front deraileur. It works fine, but it was a total BITCH to get it positioned right. It had to be absolutely perfect and the 9-speed setup directions aren't optimized for the 8-speed spacing and such. If you can find an old 8-speed grab it. Otherwise, I think the 9-speed would work. I had to pay a mechanic $10 to dial it in. It was some young kid at Jax, too, which really pissed me off...