9 speed w/ 8 speed crank?

[sunkman]

http://home.att.net/~sylvainl/homepage


I am dusting off the old 756 frame and rebuilding it.  I have an old 8 speed XT crank with chain rings on there.  All my other drivetrian parts are nine speed SRAM 9.0.  Will a nine speed chain work with this cross over??  

PS:  Love the look of the new forum

[Matno]

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: there is no difference in spacing between the rings of 8 speed and 9 speed cranks. The only possible difference on some brands of cranks is that the 9 speed cranks have thinner rings/teeth. From what I understand, this is purely a weight issue, and the 8 speed rings are actually slightly more durable. The 9 speed chain is a hair narrower, but assuming you have a 9 speed front derailleur too, you'll be totally fine. Mostly, the biggest problem would come from a 9 speed cassette with an 8 speed chain. Also, an 8 speed chain with a 9 speed front derailleur can be a bit of a pain (I have a bike setup like that, and it's finicky). Ride away!

[numbnuts]

I agree, i am using 8spd cranks/chainrings and 9spd otherwise, works fine.

[Old Proflexer]

9 speed chain
8 speed rings

no problems on my setup

OP